To build modern India, Rammohan had acquired the knowledge of English language. He wrote many books in English language. Those who read his books, appreciated his writing skills. After reading his books, Benthem wrote—
‘‘If your book would not have a Hindu name of the author, I would certainly have thought of it being written by a prominent English writer because your writing skills are highly impressive.’’
Benthem urged Rammohan to read books written by James Mill to enhance his knowledge of English language. He didn’t find any difference in James Mill’s writing style as well as in Rammohan’s style.
Now Rammohan had acquired much knowledge. He was considering those points by which he could transform India into a more self dependent and a strong nation. This was his maiden effective step which could make India modern. He had developed magnanimity for politics. He had become a rational person towards religion. He had a deep knowledge of Hindu, Persian and Vendata cultures. He also acquired the knowledge of the Upanishads and the Arabian cultures. The knowledge of those cultures had no boundaries.
Now Rammohan had the solution for every problem, be it economic, political or social. He was now capable of transforming the economic instability of India. India was facing the problem of religious traditions. There was no change coming in the thoughts of people. Rammohan was now proficient in eliminating these problems. Whatever mission he planned, he accomplished it. He brought forward all social evils in the eyes of the people. He was firm in his objective. The problems which were proving to be a hindrance in the social development, Rammohan fought in his own way to bring these problems to an end and thus helped in the progress of the society.
Today, the social changes which have come as a law in the eyes of the people, are the result of the efforts made by Rammohan.
The rules and regulations and acts by the Indian government before and after independence to get rid of social evils are as follows—
1. Sati Prohibition Act, 1829.
2. Child Marriage Prohibition Act 1929.
3. Hindu Women Property Rights Act 1937.
4. Rights of Women regarding Separation and Livelihood Act, 1946.
5. Special Marriage Act 1954.
6. Untouchability Crime Act, 1955.
7. Hindu Widow Remarriage Act, 1956.
8. Hindu Minority and Creation Act 1956.
9. Hindu Inheritance Act 1956.
10. Hindu Adoption and Livelihood Act 1956.
11. Illegal Trafficking of Girls and Women Act 1956.
12. Dowry Prohibition Act 1961.
13. Citizen Rights Safety Act 1976.
14. Child Marriage Prohibition Act (Revised) 1978.
15. Muslim Women Act 1986.
16. Sati Prohibition Act 1987.
For a long time, women had no rights of attaining education. Education was considered as a means of profession or service, but women were having no rights of doing service. That was why they were not provided education. Purdah system and child marriage were proving to be a hindrance in their education. Women were not allowed to move out of their houses because people considered this against their honour and respect.
Before independence, girls were not found doing service. People dreamt of making groups of girls but it was not possible due to Purdah system and lack of education. Before 1937 women had no rights relating to property. They even did not have any status in the joint families. Unmarried girls also did not have any rights related to property.
The condition of woman was not proper in the family life. They were the slaves of their husbands. Their husbands used to beat them. Their parents used to consider them as burdens. So they were married in very young age. They did not feel the necessity of knowing about their likes and dislikes for marriage. The condition of widows was much miserable, be it mother, sister, daughter, or daughter-in-law. If at the time of travelling any widow came in someone’s way it was considered as a bad Women. Nobody like to see a widow’s face. She was forced to live the life of a slave.
Till 1919 no woman was having the right to vote. After that the British parliament left the decision of giving the voting rights to women in the hands of the provincial council. According to the legislation Act, 1935, women were given voting rights according to their education, condition of their husband and property.
During the British rule Rammohan initiated steps to educate women. This strengthened the social upliftment. After the Bhakti movement, the Christian Missionaries also showed interest in educating women. In 1824 the first ever school for girls was opened in Mumbai. In the leadership of Rammohan, Lord Dulhousie announced that no other change would develop people’s lives except providing education to children.
Till 1875 girls were not allowed admission in Indian universities. They were allowed to have higher education in 1887. Form that day girls are touching higher skies every now and then.
Women’s organizations in India
The organisations working for women’s development are as follows—
Indian Women’s Organisation (established in 1904)
India Women’s Board (established in 1910).
Indian Women’s League (established in 1917).
Indian Women’s National Council (established in 1925 and started there upon).
All these organisations made great efforts to educate women. They decided to eliminate the social evils like the Purdah system and child marriage. They raised voices for the moral and material development of women. Apart from this, all the organisations put their question of giving equal rights to women as men before the government.
All of Rammohan’s friends were social reformers like him. They joined hands together in support of widow marriage. All the organisations engaged in social reform activities gave the right of widow marriage the primary position.
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