In which among the following years was Hindu widow remarriage declared legal in India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. 1856.
The Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act was passed in 1856, making the remarriage of Hindu widows legal in India. This reform was championed by social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who worked tirelessly to challenge prevailing orthodox customs that restricted widows’ rights. The Act gave legal recognition to such marriages and aimed to improve the social status of widows, who often faced severe discrimination and hardship. Although it faced opposition from conservative sections of society, it marked a significant step toward women’s rights and social reform in colonial India.