Great Reformers and Reform Movements

“Great Reformers and Reform Movements,” delves into India’s 19th and early 20th-century socio-religious awakening. Driven by Western education and new ideas, reformers critically examined prevalent social ills and religious practices.

Key figures include Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who championed monotheism, opposed Sati, child marriage, and polygamy, and advocated for women’s inheritance and Western education (e.g., Brahmo Samaj). Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar tirelessly promoted widow remarriage (proving its scriptural validity) and girls’ education, notably establishing Bethune School. Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded Arya Samaj, urging a return to Vedic principles, promoting monotheism, and social equality. Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda emphasized religious unity, selfless service, and national self-reliance. Jyotiba Phule fought fiercely against caste discrimination and pioneered girls’ education in Maharashtra. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan focused on modernizing Muslim society through Western education (founding Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College). The chapter also briefly mentions Annie Besant, Veeresalingam Kandukuri (for widow remarriage in South India), Sree Narayana Guru (against caste in South India), and reform movements among the Parsees and Sikhs (Singh Sabha and Akali Movement).

The reforms primarily targeted social evils like Sati (abolished in 1829), child marriage, polygamy, the caste system, untouchability, and the pardah system. A central theme is women’s upliftment through education (leading to the establishment of girls’ schools), widow remarriage (legalized by the 1856 Act), and advocacy for property rights. In essence, the chapter illustrates how diverse Indian reformers, blending traditional values with modern thought, spearheaded movements to eradicate social injustices, purify religious customs, and forge a more equitable and enlightened society, with a strong focus on empowering women and dismantling caste discrimination.

I. Fill in the blanks:

1. The impact of western education led to___________ in India.

Answer: a great awakening

2. It was due to Raja Rammohan Roy’s efforts that ___________, the Governor General of India, banned _________.

Answer:Lord William Bentinck,Sati in 1829

3. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar made a remarkable contribution to the __________.

Answer:education of girls and uplift of women

4. Ramakrishna Paramhansa believed that all religions were just ______ to reach one goal ____________.

Answer:different paths,salvation or realisation of God.

5. Swami Vivekananda wanted people of India to be _____________and self-reliant.

Answer:fearless, self confident 

6. Swami Dayanand’s slogan was ___________.

Answer:back to the Vedas

7. ___________ founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh in 1875.

Answer:Sir syed Ahmad Khan

8. _________was given the title of Mahatma for his work for uplift of the oppressed classes.

Answer:Jyotiba Phule 

II. Match the contents of Column A and Column B:

Answer:

III. State whether the following statements are True or False:

1. The reform movements took place in Bengal only.
   Answer: False.
2. Raja Rammohan Roy’s religious beliefs were based on the Bible.
   Answer: False.
3. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, as Principal of the Sanskrit College, allowed lower castes to join his college.
   Answer: True.
4. Mahadev Govind Ranade advocated worship of Supreme God and condemned the rigidity of the caste system.
   Answer: True.
5. Swami Vivekananda attended the Parliament of Religions held at New York in 1980.
   Answer: False.
6. The Singh Sabhas founded at Lahore and Amritsar were the first to start a reform movement among the Sikhs.
   Answer: True.

IV. Answer the following questions:

1)What were the main aims of the reformers of the nineteenth century in India? Describe the reforms initiated by Raja Rammohan Roy.
Answer:The reformers of 19th-century India primarily aimed to address the various social and religious ills that had become deeply entrenched in society. Their main objectives included:

• Eradication of Social Evils: This was a central focus, targeting practices like Sati (widow immolation), child marriage, female infanticide, and the Purdah system.
• Challenging the Caste System and Untouchability: Reformers sought to dismantle the rigid caste hierarchy and the discrimination faced by lower castes and untouchables, advocating for social equality.
• Upliftment of Women: A significant goal was to improve the status of women, advocating for their education, property rights, and the right to widow remarriage.
• Promoting Rationalism and Opposing Superstition: Many reformers encouraged a more rational approach to religion, challenging blind faith, idolatry, polytheism, and meaningless rituals. They sought to purify religious practices.
• Spread of Education: They believed education, especially Western education, was crucial for societal progress and enlightenment, advocating for its accessibility to all, including women and marginalized communities.
• Fostering National Consciousness: By addressing social inequalities and challenging regressive customs, they indirectly contributed to a sense of national unity and a critical awareness of colonial rule.

Reforms initiated by Raja Rammohan Roy:

Raja Rammohan Roy (1772-1833), often called the “Father of Modern India’s Renaissance,” was a pioneering figure in these reform movements. His key contributions include:

• Abolition of Sati: His most significant achievement was his relentless campaign against the barbaric practice of Sati, which ultimately led to its legal prohibition by Lord William Bentinck in 1829. He used his newspaper “Sambad Kaumudi” to denounce this practice.
• Religious Reforms: He founded the Brahmo Sabha in 1828 (later renamed Brahmo Samaj), which advocated for monotheism, the worship of one formless God, based on the Upanishads. He opposed idolatry, rituals, and the excessive power of the priestly class. He aimed to purify Hinduism and reconcile it with modern rational thought.
• Women’s Rights: Beyond Sati, he strongly championed women’s rights, advocating for widow remarriage, opposing child marriage and polygamy, and demanding property inheritance rights for women. He believed that the progress of Hindu society was linked to the emancipation of women.
• Educational Reforms: He was a strong proponent of Western education and modern learning. He supported David Hare in establishing the Hindu College in 1817 and founded the Anglo-Vedic School (1822) and the Vedanta College (1825), which offered a blend of Indian and Western subjects.
• Freedom of Press: He was a vocal advocate for press freedom, establishing journals like “Mirat-ul-Akhbar” (Persian weekly) and “Sambad Kaumudi” (Bengali weekly) to spread his reformist ideas and foster public opinion.
• Administrative and Economic Reforms: He demanded Indianization of superior administrative services, separation of the executive from the judiciary, and reforms in the taxation system, including the reduction of export duties on Indian goods

Additional Questions

EXERCISES
A. Fill in the blanks:

1. Sati was banned by Lord William Bentinck with the support of progressive Indians like _________.

Answer:Brahmo Samaj

2. The first Indian school for girl was established in _________in 1849 by __________with the support of __________.

Answer:Calcutta ,Drinkwater Bethune ,Vidyasagar

3. Vidyasagar was a great champion of widow remarriage, which was legalized by Lord ___________.

Answer:Dalhousie

4. The most ardent follower of Ramakrishna Paramahansa was ____________, later known as ________.

Answer:Narendranath Datta,Swami Vivekananda

5. ___________ started the Home Rule Movement in India.

Answer:Annie Besant

6. The Prarthana Samaj was founded by____________.

Answer: R. G Bhandarkar and Mahadev Govind Ranade

B. Match the following:

Answer:

C. Choose the correct answer:

1. Swami Dayanand/Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar/Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Arya Samaj in 1875.
   Ans. Swami Dayanand founded the Arya Samaj in 1875.
2. Veeresalingam /Sri Narayan Guru/R. G Bhandarkar was referred to as the ‘Vidyasagar of South India’
   Ans. Veeresalingam was referred to as the ‘Vidyasagar of South India’.
3. Dadabhai Naoroji/Mahadev Govind Ranade/Syed Ahmed Khan was an outstanding social reformer in Parsee society.
   Ans. Dadabhai Naoroji was an outstanding social reformer in Parsee society.
4. Swami Dayanand/Syed Ahmed Khan/Dadabhai Naoroji founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh in 1875.
   Ans. Syed Ahmed Khan founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh in 1875.
5. The Sikh reformers launched the A kali Movement/Aligarh Movement/Arya Samaj against the corrupt management of the gurudwaras.
   Ans. The Sikh reformers launched the Akali Movement against the corrupt management of the gurudwaras.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

1. Raja Ram Mohan Roy propagated widow remarriage.
   Answer: True.
2. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar supported Lord William Bentinck to banning sati.
   Answer: False
   Correct : Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar supported Lord William Bentinck on Hindu widow Remarriage Act.
3. Dayanand Saraswati believed that the Vedas were the fountainhead of all knowledge and truth.
   Answer: True.
4. Ramakrishna Paramahansa was a priest in the temple of Goddess Lakshmi at Calcutta.
   Answer: True.
5. Swami Vivekananda believed that the regeneration of the society is the responsibility of every Indian.
   Answer: True.
6. Jyotiba Phule was a social reformer in Maharashtra.
   Answer: True.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

1)Mention any two evil social practices against which the Brahmo Samaj launched a relentless struggle.
Answer:The Brahmo Samaj, a pivotal socio-religious reform movement in 19th-century India, vehemently campaigned against several entrenched evil social practices. Two of the most significant were:

1. Sati: This horrifying practice involved the self-immolation of a widow on her husband’s funeral pyre. Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the founder of the Brahmo Samaj, was particularly moved by this barbaric custom and launched a relentless struggle against it, which ultimately led to its legal abolition by the British government in 1829.
2. Child Marriage: The Brahmo Samaj actively worked to eradicate the widespread practice of marrying off young children, often even before puberty. They advocated for the importance of education and empowerment for young girls and pushed for legislation to set a minimum age for marriage, contributing significantly to social awareness and reform in this area.

2)What effect would the social regeneration that took place in the 19th century have on India’s future?

Answer:The social regeneration of 19th-century India laid fundamental groundwork for the nation’s future. It fostered a sense of national identity, challenged deeply entrenched social evils like Sati, child marriage, and caste discrimination, and propelled the modernization of Indian society. By promoting education, particularly for women, and advocating for human rights and equality, these movements helped create a more equitable and enlightened populace. This intellectual and social awakening directly contributed to the rise of nationalism and prepared the ground for the independence movement, as a more aware and unified populace began to demand self-rule and a modern, just society. The reforms also instilled a critical approach to tradition, paving the way for future progressive changes.

3)Who established the Ramakrishna Mission and why?
Answer:In 1897, Swami Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Mission to disseminate his guru’s message of religious harmony and universal divinity. The Mission’s core aim was spiritual growth via selfless service (Karma Yoga), focusing on social welfare, education, healthcare, and spiritual dissemination.

4)Mention any two social reforms advocated by Syed Ahmed Khan.
Answer:Syed Ahmed Khan spearheaded significant social reforms, primarily focusing on:

• Championing Modern Education: He passionately promoted Western scientific education for Muslims, viewing it as essential for their progress. His most notable contribution was founding Aligarh Muslim University (then Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College) to achieve this.
• Combating Harmful Customs: He actively opposed detrimental social practices such as purdah and the piri-muridi system, believing they impeded societal advancement.

5)Why was the Singh Sabha set up in Punjab ?
Answer:The Singh Sabha was established in Punjab in the 1870s primarily to revive and defend Sikhism against growing threats. After the British annexed the Sikh Empire, there was a decline in Sikh identity and a rise in conversions to other religions, driven by active proselytizing by Christian missionaries and Hindu reform movements like the Arya Samaj.

The Singh Sabha aimed to:

• Restore Sikhism to its original purity: By removing Hindu influences and practices that had crept into Sikh traditions.
• Promote Sikh education and literature: To spread knowledge of Sikh history and religious texts, often in Gurmukhi Punjabi.
• Counter conversions: To bring back those who had converted to other faiths and prevent further conversions.
• Define a distinct Sikh identity: Emphasizing Sikhism as a separate religion, not a branch of Hinduism.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

1)The central figure in the Indian Renaissance was Raja Ram Mohan Roy-the pioneer of the Modern Age in India. In this context answer the following questions:

1. Discuss briefly Raja Ram Mohan’s views and ideas on religious reform within Hindu society.
2. What was the programme of the Brahmo Samaj?
3. Explain Raja Ram Mohan’s views on education.

Answer:(a)Raja Ram Mohan Roy championed a revamped Hinduism, advocating for monotheism and rejecting idol worship, polytheism, the caste system, ritualism, and superstition. He believed these elements hindered societal progress. His aim was to purify Hinduism by reverting to what he saw as its original, rational, and monotheistic roots in the Vedas and Upanishads, thereby transforming religion into a force for social and intellectual betterment.

(b)The Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, aimed to reform Hinduism by promoting monotheism and denouncing idol worship, polytheism, and the caste system. Its program emphasized rationalism, social reform, and the upliftment of women, advocating for education and the abolition of practices like Sati.

(c)Raja Ram Mohan Roy strongly advocated for modern Western education, believing it vital for India’s advancement. He promoted English, science, mathematics, and Western philosophy to foster rational thinking and critical inquiry, aiming to propel India into the modern age.

2)With reference to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, an outstanding social and religious reformer, discuss his contribution in the following fields:

1. Education in Sanskrit College
2. Women’s education
3. Widow remarriage

Answer:Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a towering figure in 19th-century Bengal, whose reformist zeal profoundly impacted education and social customs.

a)Education in Sanskrit College: As principal of the Sanskrit College, Vidyasagar ushered in radical changes. He broke from tradition by introducing Western thought, English, and scientific subjects into the curriculum, previously dominated by ancient Sanskrit texts. He also opened the college to non-Brahmin students, a revolutionary step that democratized access to higher learning and challenged the caste-based educational system.

b)Women’s Education: Vidyasagar was a staunch advocate for female education, recognizing its crucial role in societal progress. He tirelessly championed the establishment of girls’ schools, both in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and in rural areas, often funding them personally. His efforts were instrumental in popularizing the concept of educating girls, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive educational landscape.

c)Widow Remarriage: Perhaps his most significant and courageous reform was his relentless campaign for widow remarriage. In an era where Hindu widows were condemned to a life of asceticism and often ostracized, Vidyasagar, citing ancient scriptures, argued for their right to remarry. He faced immense opposition but persevered, ultimately playing a pivotal role in the enactment of the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act of 1856. He even arranged marriages for widows and set personal examples, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to this humanitarian cause

3)Many great humanists and social reformers propagated their ideas in an effort to arrest the stagnation of Indian society. In this context, discuss:
(a) The Arya Samaj
(b) Vivekananda’s belief and achievements
(C) The Prarthana Samaj
Answer:(a)The Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875, was a significant socio-religious reform movement that aimed to revitalize Indian society by advocating a return to the “pure” principles of the Vedas. It promoted monotheism, rejecting idol worship, polytheism, and elaborate rituals. Socially, the Arya Samaj championed the abolition of the caste system and untouchability, vehemently supported women’s education and widow remarriage, and condemned child marriage. Through its emphasis on education and social service, it sought to foster a more equitable and enlightened society, contributing significantly to the national awakening.

(b)Vivekananda advocated for the universal truth of all religions, stressing selfless service (Karma Yoga) and the inherent divinity in everyone. He urged Indians to embrace strength and self-reliance, working for the upliftment of the underprivileged. His key achievements include introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the West at the 1893 Parliament of Religions and founding the Ramakrishna Mission to promote spiritual and humanitarian work.

(c)The Prarthana Samaj, founded in Bombay in 1867 by Atmaram Pandurang with Keshub Chandra Sen’s influence, was a reformist movement in Western India. It advocated for the worship of one God (monotheism) and rejected idol worship and elaborate rituals, emphasizing prayer and devotion.

The Samaj actively championed social reforms, including the abolition of caste distinctions, promotion of women’s education, advocacy for widow remarriage, and opposition to child marriage. Led by figures like M.G. Ranade, it played a crucial role in fostering rational thought and social equality.

4)Write short notes on the following:
(a) Ram Mohan Roy’s achievements in the field of education
(b) Jyotiba Phule
(c) Reforms among Parsees
Answer:(a)Ram Mohan Roy, a key figure in Indian reform, strongly championed modern education. He saw the shortcomings of traditional Indian education, which centered on Sanskrit and religious studies, believing it failed to prepare individuals for a changing world.His major educational contribution was his forceful advocacy for Western scientific education in India. He famously argued for an English-medium college in Calcutta, teaching subjects like mathematics, science, chemistry, and anatomy, over a Sanskrit college. Roy believed this approach would cultivate rational thought, critical inquiry, and a scientific outlook among Indians, enabling them to participate in global progress. Though he didn’t establish many schools himself, Roy’s powerful arguments significantly influenced educational policies, paving the way for a more modern and scientifically-focused learning environment in India.

(b) Jyotiba Phule was a pioneering social reformer, thinker, and anti-caste activist from Maharashtra, India, in the 19th century. He dedicated his life to challenging the rigid caste system, advocating for the education of women and lower castes, and promoting social equality. Phule, along with his wife Savitribai Phule, established one of India’s first schools for girls in 1848 and championed widow remarriage. He founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seekers’ Society) in 1873, an organization that aimed to empower the depressed classes and make them aware of their rights, challenging Brahminical dominance and advocating for a society based on principles of equality and justice. His work laid a significant foundation for the Dalit rights movement and remains highly influential in discussions on social justice in India

(c)Reform movements significantly impacted the Parsee community, primarily during the 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by a desire to modernize practices and address social issues while retaining core cultural identity.

One major area of reform focused on education, particularly for women. Prior to these movements, female education was not widespread. Reformers championed the establishment of schools for girls, believing that educated women were crucial for the progress of the community. This led to increased literacy and greater participation of Parsee women in public life.

Another key aspect was social customs. Reforms targeted practices like child marriage, which was prevalent at the time. Advocacy for later marriages and greater autonomy for individuals in choosing their spouses gained traction. There was also a push to simplify elaborate and often expensive ceremonies, such as weddings and funerals, promoting a more understated approach.

The reassessment of religious practices also played a role. While not aiming for a complete overhaul of Zoroastrianism, reformers sought to interpret scriptures in a more progressive light, emphasizing ethical conduct and universal values. They also worked towards standardizing rituals and discouraging superstitious beliefs that had crept into practice over time.

These reforms were largely spearheaded by prominent Parsee intellectuals, philanthropists, and community leaders who engaged in public discourse, established reform societies, and utilized community newspapers to spread their message. Their efforts led to a more adaptable, educated, and socially conscious Parsee community, well-positioned to thrive in a changing world while preserving their unique heritage.

5)With reference to the reform movements in various parts of India, discuss:

1. Reform movement in South India
2. The Aligarh Movement
3. Reforms among the Sikhs

Answer:(a)The reform movement in South India, while sharing some commonalities with its northern counterparts, developed distinct characteristics due to the region’s unique social and cultural landscape. A primary focus was the eradication of the pervasive caste system and the upliftment of lower castes, particularly the Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

Key figures like Periyar E.V. Ramasamy championed the Self-Respect Movement, which fiercely advocated for the dignity and rights of non-Brahmins. This movement challenged Brahminical dominance, temple entry restrictions, and superstitions, promoting rationalism and atheism. It encouraged inter-caste marriages and self-respect marriages (marriages without Brahmin priests).

Another significant aspect was the Dravidian Movement, which sought to assert a distinct Dravidian identity, often in opposition to perceived Aryan or North Indian cultural imposition. This movement played a crucial role in political mobilization and cultural revival.

While some reform efforts in South India also addressed issues like women’s education and widow remarriage, the central thrust remained the fight against caste oppression and the promotion of social equality and self-respect for all. This strong emphasis on anti-casteism and Dravidian identity set the South Indian reform movements apart.

(b)The Aligarh Movement was a significant socio-religious reform movement in 19th-century British India, primarily led by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Its core objective was to empower the Muslim community, which was lagging behind in education and socio-economic development, particularly after the 1857 Revolt.

Here’s a brief overview:

• Founder and Aim: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan founded the movement, realizing that Muslims needed to embrace Western-style scientific education and modern thought to regenerate their society. He believed that the prevailing traditional education system was holding them back.
• Key Initiatives: The most notable achievement was the establishment of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (MAO College) in Aligarh in 1875, which later evolved into Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). This institution became the epicenter for promoting modern education alongside Islamic values. Sir Syed also formed the Scientific Society to translate Western scientific works into Urdu and published journals like Tehzeeb-ul-Akhlaq to spread progressive ideas.
• Objectives: The movement aimed to:
  • Promote modern, Western scientific education among Muslims.
  • Encourage social reforms within the Muslim community, addressing issues like polygamy and purdah (veil), and advocating for women’s education.
  • Foster a distinct Muslim socio-cultural identity aligned with modern principles.
  • Build trust and cooperation between the Muslim community and the British government, advising Muslims to focus on education and employment rather than immediate political involvement.
• Impact: The Aligarh Movement had a profound and lasting impact. It created a new generation of educated and politically aware Muslims, contributing significantly to the community’s intellectual, educational, and social regeneration. While it initially aimed for Hindu-Muslim unity, its focus on distinct Muslim interests and cooperation with the British, over time, also contributed to the idea of separate Muslim political identity, which eventually influenced the formation of the Muslim League

(c)Sikh reform movements, notably the Singh Sabha (1873) and later the Akali Movement (early 20th century), sought to revitalize the faith and address perceived deviations from its core tenets. The Singh Sabha aimed to restore Sikhism’s original purity by promoting education, purifying religious practices (like countering idol worship and caste), advocating for social upliftment (including women’s rights), and disseminating Sikh literature. The Akali Movement, a more militant offshoot, focused on reclaiming control of gurdwaras from corrupt priests. This culminated in the Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1925, which transferred control to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), an elected Sikh body. Ultimately, these reforms strengthened Sikh identity, purified religious practices, and empowered the community through institutional control.

G Picture Study

This is the painting of the Indian social reformer considered to be the ‘Father of Indian Renaissance.’

1)Name the person.
Answer: Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a pivotal 19th-century Indian reformer, earned the title ‘Father of Indian Renaissance’. A polyglot, he led crucial social changes, notably the 1829 ban on Sati and advocating for women’s rights like education and remarriage. He established the Brahmo Samaj to promote monotheism and rational faith over idol worship. Roy also championed Western education and used journalism to foster public discourse, profoundly shaping modern India.

2)What were his views on religion?
Answer:Raja Ram Mohan Roy championed a universal, monotheistic faith, advocating for the worship of one God and human brotherhood. He rejected idol worship and elaborate rituals in favor of simple, direct prayer.

3)Name the society established by him in 1828.
Answer:The individual referred to as the ‘Father of Indian Renaissance’ who established a society in 1828 is Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

In 1828, Raja Ram Mohan Roy established the Brahmo Sabha, which was later renamed the Brahmo Samaj. This society was founded with the aim of promoting his ideas of a universal, monotheistic religion, free from idol worship and elaborate rituals. It sought to purify Hinduism of what he considered to be its corrupt practices and superstitions, advocating for a rational and ethical approach to spirituality based on the Upanishads. The Brahmo Samaj became a significant platform for social and religious reform, serving as a powerful force against prevailing social evils like Sati, child marriage, and caste discrimination, while simultaneously promoting education and women’s rights. It played a crucial role in the intellectual awakening of India, fostering a spirit of inquiry and reform that resonated throughout the 19th century.

4)Mention the social practices against which this society- launched a relentless struggle.
Answer:The Brahmo Samaj actively combated key social evils in India. They spearheaded the abolition of Sati, fiercely opposed caste discrimination and untouchability, condemned child marriage, and campaigned against polygamy. Their efforts aimed to foster a more equitable and humane society.

5)Mention two important social reforms supported by this society.
Answer:19th-century Indian social reformers prioritized improving women’s status, focusing on education and widow remarriage. They saw denying women education as a barrier to progress, establishing girls’ schools (like Bethune School and Phule’s Pune school) to empower them. Simultaneously, reformers like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar tirelessly campaigned against the plight of widows, proving that scriptural prohibitions against remarriage were unfounded. Their efforts led to the landmark Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act of 1856, legalizing widow remarriage and marking a crucial step towards women’s rights, despite continued social resistance.