Women’s position during the British period:

Women’s position during the British period:

Notably, in the British period the position of women had undergone drastic changes mainly due to westerns impact on Indian sub-culture pattern. The concept of equality, liberty, individual secularism, although, arose but limited to ruling classes.-

Two major reforms took place during the British regime. These are:-

(1) Social reform movement

(2) Nationalists movement

(1) Social reform movement: this movement emerged during 19^th century and raised the question of equality and equal status of women. Social reformers showed the concern regarding problem of sati, prohibition on re-marriage denial of right to property, child marriage and education to women. The reformer was of the view that giving women access to education and by introducing effective legislation social reform in respect of women can be achieved. Swami Vivekananda, Dayananada Saraswati and Annie Besant were of the opinion the old Vedic period should be revived which was ideal for women’s status., the father of the nation M.K. Gandhi strongly cruised the system of child marriage, sati, prohibition of widows remarriage and Devdasi system.

(2) Nationalists movement:  the nationalist movement drew the attention of a large number of people and generated confidence among women to raise there voice against oppressive system. In 1927, all India women’s conference was held and it proved to be crucial movement onward the right of equality.

Consequently a number of legislation were enacted like widows remarriage act, child marriage act and Hindu women’s right to property act which intended to eradicate social evils, even provisions of industrial laws were appropriately amended  to restore the position of women which prevailed during the Vedic period. The establishment of crèches, reduction of work hours, prohibition on night working hours and restriction to work in mines were introduced in the banner of nationalist movement

It is submitted that during the British period public awareness was created while women’s political and social participation attained momentum.