Q. Who pioneered the movement leading to the Widow Remarriage Act?
(a) Swami Vivekananda
(b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(c) Keshab Chandra Sen
(d) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Ans: (d) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Explanation: The correct answer is (d) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a prominent social reformer and scholar, pioneered the movement leading to the Widow Remarriage Act.
During the 19th century, the practice of prohibiting widow remarriage was prevalent in Indian society, particularly among the upper castes. Widows were often subjected to social stigma, isolation, and deprivation of basic rights. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar strongly advocated for the rights and welfare of widows and worked towards bringing about a change in this regressive social custom.
Vidyasagar played a pivotal role in the passage of the Widow Remarriage Act in 1856. This act, officially known as the Hindu Widow’s Remarriage Act, allowed Hindu widows to remarry, thereby challenging the prevailing social norms and providing widows with the opportunity for a new life.
His efforts in advocating for widow remarriage and his contributions to education, women’s rights, and social reforms made Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance and the broader movement for social change in India.
Therefore, option (d) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is the correct answer.
