Topic : Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
2. Discuss the various aspects of social legislation introduced by the Britishers in the first half of the nineteenth century in India. (250 words)
Reference: India Before Independence By Bipin Chandra
Why the question:
From a precautionary and indifferent attitude towards social issues in India, the British in the 19th century due to the efforts of Indian intelligentsia made serious efforts to bring about a change in the society of the country. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
One must discuss the various social legislations enacted in India in 19th century for improving the conditions of the Indian society.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining what the pressing reasons were that led to such social legislations to come in place.
Body:
The question is direct, thus start discussing the various aspects of social legislation introduced by the Britishers –
- William Bentinck enacted the Bengal Sati Regulation in 1829 to curb the inhuman practice of sati.
- Female infanticide was rampant in the 19th century India. With respect to it, regulations prohibiting infanticide had been passed in 1895 and 1802. However, the efforts were seriously enforced by Bentinck and Hardings.
- The Hindu Widows Remarriage Act was passed in 1856. It gave equality to women on the same footing as men to remarry on being widowed.
- The Age of Consent Act was passed in 1891 which rose the marriageable age for women to 12.
- A law passed in 1872 sanctioned inter-caste and inter-communal marriages etc.
Discuss such social legislations and explain their significance.
Conclusion:
Conclude with their importance.
