Q : The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century  social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning  women in that period? 2017 | 15

Introduction:

The 19th century witnessed major social reforms in India under British rule, with reformers challenging discriminatory practices against women. Practices like sati, child marriage, prohibition of widow remarriage, lack of women’s education, and denial of property rights were critically examined. 

Body:

ISSUES AND DEBATES CONCERNING WOMEN : 

1. Education of Women: Reformers advocated for women’s education to promote literacy and empowerment. 
• Schools like Bethune School (1849), sciences, philosophy, and language medium.
2. Child Marriage: Reformers sought to curb child marriage and raise the marriageable age of girls.
•  Raja Ram Mohan Roy emphasized health and well-being over traditions sanctioned by scriptures like Manusmriti.
3. Widow Remarriage: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar campaigned for widow remarriage, leading to the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act, 1856. It marked a step toward women’s social empowerment.
4. Abolition of Sati: Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s sustained efforts led to the abolition of sati in 1829. He argued against the practice on moral, religious, and humanitarian grounds, facing opposition from orthodox sections and even initial resistance from the East India Company.
• SHARDA ACT OF 1829
5. Women’s Property Rights: Reformers demanded inheritance rights for women. Laws like the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act, 1856, granted widows rights over ancestral property, challenging traditional patriarchal norms.
6. Overall Status of Women: Broader reforms emphasized women’s human rights and dignity. The Age of Consent Act, 1891, which raised the age of consent for sexual intercourse for girls, reflected societal acknowledgment of women’s vulnerability and the need for protection.

Other way to write is - you can also add points on Organizations which worked for the women cause. 

Conclusion:

The 19th century social reform movement critically challenged oppressive customs against women and laid the foundation for modern women’s rights movements in India.