Question

Discuss the role of raja rammohun roy and ishwar chandra vidyasagar in improving the condition of women

Answer 1

Raja Ram Mohan Roy took the lead in raising a voice against social evils. He led a campaign against Sati through his journal Sambada Kaumudi. He proved that the practice of Sati was neither humane not sactioned by the ancient texts. Sati was a social practice in which women had to jump into the fire along with their husbands( after his death ). The ideas of Raja Ram Mohan Roy inspired many people to start similar movements in other parts of india. it seems correct when Rabindranath Tagore calls him ' Father of the Indian Renaissance' and 'Prophet of Indian Nationalism.
Ishwar Chandra Vijayasagar worked for the better condition of widows. Their condition was extremely pathetic. They had to shave their heads and wear white clothes. They had to eat a specific kind of food and couldn't attend religious and social ceremonies. Ishwar Chandra Vijayasagar took the lead in Widow remarriage movement. He openly supported the cause of widow remarriage in Bengal. He proved that widow remarriage was not prohibited by the Shastras, The sacred scriptures of Hindus. Orthodox Hindus Criticised Vijayasagar. However his efforts ultimately led to the passing of the Hindu Widows Remarriage act in 1856.
These are the roles of Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vijayasagar in improving the pitiful condition of women