Chapter 7: Women, Caste, and Reform
Introduction
Around 200 years ago, social customs restricted the rights and freedoms of women and lower castes.
Practices like child marriage, sati, and denial of education for women were prevalent.
Many people believed that educating women would lead to widowhood, and rigid caste norms restricted social mobility.
The Condition of Women in the 19th Century
Marriage and Widowhood: Women were often married off at a young age and had limited rights. Child marriage was common, and widows faced severe restrictions, including the practice of sati.
Property Rights: Women had restricted access to property and were largely confined to domestic roles.
Education: Women rarely had access to formal education, with society largely opposed to educating girls.
Reform Movements and Key Reformers
3.1 Raja Rammohun Roy and the Abolition of Sati
Rammohun Roy was an early reformer who founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828.
He campaigned against the practice of sati, arguing that it had no basis in ancient religious texts.
In 1829, with his influence and support from British officials, sati was officially banned.
3.2 Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar and Widow Remarriage
Vidyasagar argued for widow remarriage, using ancient texts to support his stance.
His efforts led to the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act of 1856.
Other reformers, such as Veerasalingam Pantulu in south India and Swami Dayanand Saraswati in the north, also supported widow remarriage.
3.3 Female Education Initiatives
Reformers like Vidyasagar in Calcutta and Jyotirao Phule in Maharashtra set up schools for girls.
In Muslim households, some women were educated in religious texts, and Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain started schools for Muslim girls in Patna and Calcutta.
As the century progressed, women began entering universities and pursuing professions like medicine and teaching.
Women Advocating for Change
4.1 Tarabai Shinde and Gender Equality
Shinde, a writer from Poona, authored Stripurushtulna (A Comparison between Men and Women), critiquing social discrimination against women.
4.2 Pandita Ramabai and Support for Widows
Ramabai, a Sanskrit scholar, criticized the oppression of upper-caste Hindu women.
She founded a home in Poona for widows, offering them shelter and vocational training.
4.3 Role of Muslim Women
The Begums of Bhopal and other notable Muslim women promoted education for Muslim girls, challenging conservative norms.
The Fight Against Caste Inequality
5.1 Early Criticism of Caste by Reformers
Reformers like Rammohun Roy and the Prarthana Samaj opposed caste discrimination.
The Paramhans Mandali in Bombay, formed in 1840, worked for caste abolition.
5.2 Jyotirao Phule and the Satyashodhak Samaj
Phule, a leader from Maharashtra, argued that Brahmins were descendants of Aryans who subjugated the indigenous population.
He established the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873 to fight for the rights of lower castes.
Phule’s work emphasized equality and social justice for oppressed castes.
5.3 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Temple Entry Movement
Born into a low-caste Mahar family, Ambedkar experienced caste discrimination throughout his life.
He led the temple entry movement in 1927 to challenge caste-based restrictions on entering temples.
Ambedkar’s efforts highlighted the oppressive nature of the caste system and emphasized equality.
5.4 E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar) and the Self-Respect Movement
Periyar, a Tamil reformer, criticized caste-based discrimination and argued that lower castes upheld the original Dravidian culture.
He founded the Self-Respect Movement, promoting social equality and rejecting religious practices that upheld caste divisions.
Religious Reform Movements
6.1 Brahmo Samaj
Founded by Rammohun Roy, the Brahmo Samaj opposed idol worship and emphasized monotheism, drawing inspiration from the Upanishads.
6.2 Prarthana Samaj
Established in Bombay in 1867, the Prarthana Samaj aimed to end caste restrictions, promote widow remarriage, and support female education.
6.3 Aligarh Movement
Led by Sayyid Ahmed Khan, the Aligarh Movement emphasized modern education, especially Western sciences, for Muslims.
He founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College (later Aligarh Muslim University).
6.4 Singh Sabha Movement
Formed in Amritsar in 1873, the Singh Sabha Movement sought to reform Sikhism by eliminating caste distinctions and promoting education.
Legacy and Conclusion
The reform movements of the 19th and early 20th centuries laid the foundation for social equality and justice.
Through education, legislative changes, and relentless advocacy, reformers transformed societal norms.
These efforts paved the way for ongoing struggles for gender equality and social justice in India.
