UPSC CSE Prelims
Social Reformers and Women's Issues Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Social Reformers and Women's Issues with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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Who among the following was the founder of the 'Self-Respect Movement'?
Detailed Explanation:
The Self-Respect Movement was founded by 'Periyar' E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker in 1925 in Tamil Nadu.
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Periyar launched the movement to fight caste discrimination, social inequality, and Brahminical dominance.
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The movement promoted self-respect, rationalism, women's rights, and equality.
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Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
| Option | Why Incorrect |
|---|---|
| Dr. B. R. Ambedkar | Led movements against untouchability and for Dalit rights, but did not found the Self-Respect Movement. |
| Bhaskarrao Jadhav | Associated with the Non-Brahmin Movement in Maharashtra, not the Self-Respect Movement. |
| Dinkarrao Javalkar | A social reformer from Maharashtra, but not the founder of the movement. |
📝 Short Notes: Self-Respect Movement
What was the Self-Respect Movement?
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Started in 1925 by E. V. Ramasamy.
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Sought to create a society based on equality, rationalism, and social justice.
Major Objectives
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End caste-based discrimination.
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Oppose untouchability and social hierarchy.
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Promote women's rights and self-respect marriages.
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Encourage scientific thinking and rationalism.
Important Fact
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The movement became the ideological foundation of the Dravidian Movement in South India and influenced later political parties in Tamil Nadu.
Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar served as Secretary of the Hindu Female School (established in 1849), which was later renamed Bethune Female School in honor of its founder J.E.D. Bethune. Vidyasagar played a crucial role in promoting women's education in Bengal and was instrumental in the administration and development of this pioneering institution for female higher education in India.
📝 Short Notes: Social Reformers and Women's Education
| Reformer | Key Contributions to Women's Education & Social Reform |
|---|---|
| Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar | • Secretary of Hindu Female School (later Bethune Female School, 1849) • Advocated widow remarriage leading to Hindu Widow Remarriage Act, 1856 • Promoted girls' education and opened schools for women • Opposed Kulin polygamy and child marriage |
| Annie Besant | • Founded Central Hindu College, Benares (1898), foundation for BHU • Established Central Hindu School for Girls, Varanasi • First woman President of INC (1917, Calcutta session) • Founded All-India Home Rule League with Tilak (1916) |
| Debendranath Tagore | • Founded Tattvabodhini Sabha (1839) • Led Adi Brahmo Samaj • Promoted rationalism and social reform through Brahmo movement |
| Sarojini Naidu | • First Indian woman President of INC (1925, Kanpur session) • Led Salt Satyagraha (1930) chosen by Gandhi • Accompanied Gandhi to Second Round Table Conference (1931) • Awarded Kaisar-i-Hind Medal for plague epidemic service |
In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of (1884) revolved around?
- women’s right to gain education
- age of consent
- restitution of conjugal rights
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only
The Rakhmabai case (1884) was a landmark litigation concerning a child marriage where Rakhmabai refused to live with her husband Dadaji Bhikaji, who then filed a suit for restitution of conjugal rights. The case sparked nationwide debate on child marriage and age of consent, ultimately contributing to the Age of Consent Act, 1891.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The case did not revolve around women's right to education; though Rakhmabai was educated and later became a doctor, the legal dispute concerned her marital obligations.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The case generated significant public discourse on child marriage and directly influenced the passage of the Age of Consent Act, 1891, which raised the age of consent from 10 to 12 years.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The litigation was initiated by her husband seeking restitution of conjugal rights after Rakhmabai refused to cohabit with him following their child marriage when she was 11 years old.
📝 Short Notes: Rakhmabai Case and Social Reforms
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1884-1888 |
| Parties | Dadaji Bhikaji (husband) vs Rakhmabai (wife) |
| Core Issue | Restitution of conjugal rights in a child marriage |
| Marriage Age | Rakhmabai was married at age 11; refused to cohabit as an adult |
| Court Decision | Initially ruled in favor of husband; later Rakhmabai was allowed to avoid cohabitation by paying compensation |
| Social Impact | Sparked national debate on child marriage, women's rights, and consent |
| Legislative Outcome | Age of Consent Act, 1891 - raised age of consent from 10 to 12 years |
| Rakhmabai's Later Life | Became one of India's first practicing female doctors; studied medicine in London |
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