vidyasagar a pioneer of gender justice and women s empowerment - IIPSeries

Publication Type: Edited Book

VIDYASAGAR: A PIONEER OF GENDER JUSTICE AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

Book Name: দ্বি-শতবর্ষের আলোকে ঈশ্বরচন্দ্র বিদ্যাসাগর (Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in the Light of Two Hundred Years)|
Authors: Dr. Dilip Sarkar
Keywords: Justice, empowerment, widow remarriage, women's education, child marriage, polygamy
Area/Stream: Language, literature and linguistics / Language / Others
Published in: IIP Series
Volume: 4, Month:July ,Year:2025
Page No.: 127-136
e-ISBN: 978-93-7020-770-7
DOI/Link: https://www.doi.org/10.58532/nbennurICVLSW18

Abstract:

In India, women are believed to have enjoyed equal status with men during the Vedic period. The writings of Katyayana and Patanjali reflect the high value of education for women. The Upanishads and Vedas also mention women as sages and seers. However, their status declined significantly in later periods. The status of women gradually deteriorated and underwent significant changes during the Dharmashastra and Purana periods. Girls were denied the opportunity for formal education and were often seen as burdens. Women's freedom was severely restricted, and more importance was given to sons than daughters. Customs such as Sati, Jauhar, Purdah, Devadasi, child marriage and restrictions on widow remarriage emerged as a sharp reflection of the gender imbalance prevalent in ancient and medieval Indian society. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820–1891) was a prominent figure of India's 19th-century Renaissance, dedicated to the empowerment of women and the advancement of gender equality. He challenged Hindu bigotry and played a key role in the passage of the Widow Remarriage Act. Vidyasagar advocated for female education and relentlessly opposed the cruel practice of child marriage. In the present paper, I have discussed how Vidyasagar worked tirelessly for gender justice and women's empowerment. I have also underscored his challenges and the ingenious methods he uses to overcome those challenges.

Cite this: Dr. Dilip Sarkar,"VIDYASAGAR: A PIONEER OF GENDER JUSTICE AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT ", দ্বি-শতবর্ষের আলোকে ঈশ্বরচন্দ্র বিদ্যাসাগর (Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in the Light of Two Hundred Years)|,IIP Series, Volume 4, July , 2025, Page no.127-136, e-ISBN: 978-93-7020-770-7, DOI/Link: https://www.doi.org/10.58532/nbennurICVLSW18

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VIDYASAGAR: A PIONEER OF GENDER JUSTICE AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

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