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The condition of women before the Widow Remarriage Act was awful and they felt unheard. However, things changed gradually for them.
The widow remarriage act was passed in the year 1856 and legalized the remarriage of Hindu widows on 16th July 1856. Earlier, the life of Hindi widows, especially women, wasn’t fascinating.
Women were always considered submissive gender and below men. Its introduction became a significant change, and it became a centre of attention, the most talked-about show that prevailed during that period.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was the face that led to this significant change in the role of women in the establishment of the act. Before this act, the Sati custom, one of the cruellest customs, was also abolished by Lord William Bentick.
This act came as a ray of hope, a second chance for women to live a life without having to feel a burden. With that, the action protected the condition of men who married widows.
Unfortunately, the Hindu widow remarriage act was never a thing. The condition of women before the act was incredibly heartbreaking.
Sacrifices, punishment, a life too dull, and no social connection were the final resort. Now, when one looks back at how women were treated, it is no less than a feeling of hatred towards the traditions and society.
Ishwar Chandra focused on bringing to light the Hindu scriptures that emphasized widow remarriage within the folds of Hinduism. With the connection of Hindu culture to tradition, Lord Canning enacted the Act throughout British India.
After the act came into the picture, many changes and benefits came along. The action protected women and men who were marrying widowed women.
Let us learn the significant changes brought to light with the help of the act.
Women now have received the recognition, respect, and equality that was missing for so long. The widow remarriage act brought several good things to light, especially the chance for women to start their lives yet again.
It is no less than a ray of hope that women can have a life to live without feeling like a burden to society.
This article was published here first.
Image credits: Stills from the movie, The Last Colour via YouTube
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