Question

What was the contribution of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar to the social reforms in India?
A. He ensured the window’s marriage and girl’s education
B. Help in the abolition of Sati Pratha
C. Established the Brahmo Samaj
D. He adopted 100 villages to relocate them from Andhra Pradesh to Bengal for a better life.

Answer 1

Hint: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is regarded as a social reformer. He challenged the orthodox Hindu traditions. He was an educationist, philanthropist, social reformer, and regarded as a leading figure in the Bengal Renaissance.

Complete answer:
The two contributions of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar are in the women’s marriage and education of girls. He was in support of John Elliot Bethune's idea to establish the first permanent school in India. In the year 1854, he started a campaign for the remarriage of widows. He is known for his articles in Tattvabodhini Patrika against the ascetic practice of widowhood. Due to his arguments Hindu Widow Remarriage was enacted in the year 1856.
The contribution to widow remarriage: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar challenges the orthodox Brahmanical authorities to treat widows as marginalized in the society and deny them of their basic rights. He believed that the remarriage of widows is sanctioned by Vedic scriptures. These arguments led to the implementation of the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act of 1856.
Contribution to women's education: According to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, in order for women to be free from societal oppression they have to educate themselves. All over Bengal is open 35 women’s schools. In order to support education, he started a fund called Nari Siksha Bhandar. He was also in support of Bethune's idea to establish the first permanent girl’s school in India. Views of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar were expressed by journals like Tattvabondhini Patrika, Somprakash, Sarbashubhankari Patrika, and Hindu Patriot.
So, the correct answer is Option B.

Note: The greatest contribution of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in the social reforms in India is by widow remarriage and girls education. It is due to his arguments Hindu Widow Remarriage Act of 1856 was enacted.