Detailed Summary
The lives of widows in India have historically been marginalized due to social customs, particularly the practice of sati, which was still prevalent two centuries ago. Social reformers, notably Raja Rammohun Roy, emerged in the early nineteenth century with a mission to alter these prevailing norms. Roy campaigned vehemently against the practice of sati, which involved the burning of widows on their husbands' funeral pyres. He argued that such practices had no support in ancient scriptures, advocating for respect and rights for women.
By 1829, his efforts culminated in the British government's ban on sati, signifying a pivotal change in societal attitudes towards widows. Following Roy, reformers like Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar championed the cause of widow remarriage, leading to the legal sanctioning of such unions in 1856.
Despite these reforms, however, social acceptance of remarried widows remained low, with many faced by resistance from conservative elements in society. This section illustrates how educational initiatives for women, pushed by various reformers, were integral to uplifting their status in society. The struggle against deep-rooted social customs was propelled by the advocacy for women's rights, highlighting both successes and ongoing challenges in seeking equality for widows.