Test: Women and Reform - Class 8 MCQ

During this period, a common belief was that women's primary role was confined to household duties. This limited view of women's capabilities contributed to their lack of access to education and professional opportunities, reinforcing traditional gender roles.

The Begums of Bhopal were instrumental in promoting women's education and started a primary school for girls in Aligarh. Their contributions were vital in challenging educational inequalities and empowering women in their region.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a key reformer who campaigned vigorously against sati, arguing that it lacked support in ancient texts. His efforts were instrumental in raising awareness about the injustices faced by women and ultimately led to the banning of sati in 1829.

In the 19th century, women in Indian society were often viewed as inferior and subordinate to men. This societal perception affected various aspects of their lives, including education, marriage, and social status, leading to widespread practices such as child marriage and restrictions on women's rights.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance, known for his campaign against sati and advocacy for women's education. His reformist ideas significantly influenced social change and paved the way for later movements advocating for women's rights.

Kandukuri Veeresalingam founded the Rajahmundry Social Reform Association to promote widow remarriage and address social issues affecting women. His efforts contributed to the broader reform movements that sought to improve the status of women in society.

The Child Marriage Restraint Act, also known as the Sarda Act, raised the legal marriage age for girls to 14 and for boys to 18. This act aimed to protect children from early marriage and its associated health risks, highlighting the need for legislative intervention in social issues.

A prevalent superstition was that educating a girl would lead to her becoming a widow. This belief reflected deep-seated cultural fears and misconceptions about women's roles and was a significant barrier to women's education during this period.

Sati was the practice of burning widows on their husbands' funeral pyres, believed to elevate the widow to divine status. Although it was often described as voluntary, many women faced immense pressure to conform to this practice, highlighting the extreme societal expectations placed on women during this period.

Pandita Ramabai wrote "High Caste Hindu Woman," in which she discussed the oppression faced by Hindu women. Her writings raised awareness of gender inequalities and called for social reforms to improve the status and rights of women in society.

Savitribai Phule, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, founded the first girls' school in Pune in 1848. This initiative was a landmark achievement in promoting women's education and challenging traditional norms regarding women's roles in society.

The Widow Remarriage Act of 1856 was enacted to allow widows to remarry, challenging the prevailing stigma against widowhood. Despite the law, societal attitudes remained resistant, and many widows faced social rejection when they attempted to remarry.

The Arya Samaj, founded by Dayanand Saraswati, focused on supporting women's education and widow remarriage. It aimed to reform societal norms and promote equality, reflecting a progressive approach to women's rights within the context of Hindu society.

The Mukti Mission, founded by Pandita Ramabai, aimed to support widows and provide them with resources, education, and a platform for social change. Ramabai's work was crucial in challenging the oppressive norms faced by women, particularly widows.

Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain founded the Sakhawat Memorial School for Muslim girls in Calcutta. She was a pioneering figure advocating for women's education and rights, and her efforts contributed significantly to the empowerment of women in her community.

Prarthana Samaj was founded by M.G. Ranade and R.G. Bhandarkar to promote social and religious reforms in society, addressing issues such as child marriage and the status of women. This organization played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights and education.

Child marriage led to many young girls becoming widows at an early age, significantly contributing to high maternal mortality rates due to early pregnancies. This practice not only affected the health of young girls but also perpetuated cycles of poverty and inequality.

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar used ancient texts to argue that there was no scriptural basis for preventing widows from remarrying. His scholarly approach helped to gain support for widow remarriage and challenged entrenched cultural norms.

The Age of Consent Bill of 1891 raised the legal marriage age for girls from 10 to 12 years, addressing the issue of child marriage. This legislative change was a step towards improving the legal rights and health of young girls in society.

British critics like James Mill argued that the poor condition of women in India reflected a less civilized society. This perspective was often used to justify colonial rule and interventions, framing social issues as evidence of the need for reform and modernization within Indian society.