what kinds of social evils were present in the indian society during the nineteenth century
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Answer:
Following are the three main social evils against which the various reform movements were directed in the 19th century.
(A) Deplorable Condition of Women- The condition of women was very deplorable due to the social, religious and economic conditions prevailing in the traditional society. They were given a very low status in society as compared to men. So much so that they had to be completely dependent upon men for their social and economic needs. This condition of women was due to many social evils which were present in Indian society. These evils can be stated as under-
Sati System- Under this custom, a Hindu woman had to burn herself to death with her dead husband. In the majority of cases they were forced to do so or even thrown into the burning pyres.
Low Status of Women- Women in those days were denied the right of equality. They were considered as inferior to men. Many restrictions were imposed on them. They were first dominated by father and then by husband and then by sons and in-laws.
Female Infanticide- The birth of a daughter was considered a great burden on the family. So, in many cases, they were put to death just after their birth. The newly born daughters were strangled (to death) since she had no right to live.
Denial of Education- They had no right to seek employment. So, there were no arrangement for the education of women. As such, they had to suffer from the curse of illiteracy all through their lives.
Dowry System- The dowry system has taken a heavy toll of life. Many a poor girl commits suicide to relieve her parent’s agony.
Patriarchal Families- There were male predominated families. Hence womenfolk were never consulted in serious concerns and matters.
The Child Marriage- Children in laps got married. The unfortunate child widows suffered life long agony.
Widow Remarriage not Permitted- A widow was a social burden. She was not granted the right to re-marry. Her very sight was despised. The widow either led a miserbale life or brought an end to her doomed life by committing suicide.
Deprived of Right to Property- The Hindu woman enjoyed no right to inherit the property of her husband.
Dread of Divorce among Muslim Women- The Muslim women ever dreaded the divorce. Her life was miserbale since her husband could have many wives. It was an uphill task for her to pull on amidst co-wives.