Who among the following formed an organisation to support widow remarriage in Madras Presidency?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The Correct Answer is option 4 i.e. Veereshlingam Pantulu.
Kandukuri Veereshlingam Pantulu was a pioneering social reformer from the Madras Presidency (modern-day Andhra Pradesh) who actively worked to promote widow remarriage, women’s education, and social upliftment in the 19th century. Deeply influenced by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, he founded the Widow Remarriage Association in 1878 and arranged one of the first widow remarriages in South India. He also started journals and schools to educate women and challenge orthodox practices. His efforts played a significant role in initiating social reform movements in the Telugu-speaking regions during British rule.
Other options :
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V Chidambaram Pillai: Known for Swadeshi movement and launching India’s first indigenous shipping company.
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Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: Promoted widow remarriage, but in Bengal, not Madras Presidency.
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C Rajagopalachari: Prominent freedom fighter and political leader, but not known for starting a widow remarriage organisation.