Table of Contents

Introduction

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a social reformer, educationist, and advocate for women’s rights during the 19th century. He played a crucial role in modernizing Bengali education, promoting widow remarriage, and fighting against child marriage. His immense knowledge of Sanskrit and literature earned him the title “Vidyasagar” (Ocean of Knowledge).

Early Life and Education

Born: 26 September 1820, in Birsingha, Midnapore, Bengal Presidency (British India).
Family: Came from a poor Brahmin family.
Education:
- Studied Sanskrit at Sanskrit College, Calcutta (now Kolkata).
- Excelled in Sanskrit grammar, literature, and logic.
- Earned the title “Vidyasagar” (Ocean of Knowledge) at the age of 21.

Influences

Inspired by Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s efforts to reform Hindu society.
Deeply influenced by Western education and rationalist ideas.
Worked towards women’s education, widow remarriage, and child welfare.

1. Advocate for Widow Remarriage

Opposed social evils like child marriage and widow oppression.
Drafted and campaigned for the Widow Remarriage Act (1856), which legalized widow remarriage in India.
Personally arranged many widow remarriages despite opposition.

2. Women’s Education Pioneer

Established the first women’s schools in Calcutta.
Encouraged girls to get an education, despite resistance from conservative society.
Supported Bethune School, the first school for girls in India.

3. Reforms in Bengali and Sanskrit Education

Modernized the education system by introducing Western teaching methods.
Simplified Bengali alphabet and grammar, making it easier to learn.
Wrote books for primary education, which are still used today.

4. Promotion of Bengali Literature

Translated several Sanskrit books into Bengali to make knowledge accessible to the common people.
Authored “Barnaparichay” (Introduction to Letters), a famous Bengali textbook for children.

Criticized caste discrimination and Brahminical dominance.
Opposed polygamy and child marriage, calling them inhumane practices.
Promoted scientific thinking and rationalism in Hindu society.

Major Achievements

Widow Remarriage Act of 1856, legalizing widow remarriage.
Revolutionized education by simplifying Bengali and making it accessible.
Established several schools, including institutions for girls.
Fought for social equality and rejected caste-based discrimination.
Wrote educational books still used in Bengal’s schools.

Death and Legacy

Died: 29 July 1891, Kolkata, Bengal Presidency.
Legacy:
- Remembered as one of India’s greatest social reformers.
- Schools and universities across India named after him.
- His efforts paved the way for women’s rights movements in India.
- Inspired later reformers like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

MCQs on Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

1. When was Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar born?
a) 1801
b) 1820
c) 1845
d) 1860
→ Answer: b) 1820

2. Why was Ishwar Chandra given the title “Vidyasagar”?
a) He was a king
b) He was a great Sanskrit scholar
c) He was a religious leader
d) He was a freedom fighter
→ Answer: b) He was a great Sanskrit scholar

3. Which law was passed due to Vidyasagar’s efforts?
a) Sati Prohibition Act
b) Widow Remarriage Act
c) Abolition of Zamindari Act
d) Indian Penal Code
→ Answer: b) Widow Remarriage Act

4. Which subject was Vidyasagar an expert in?
a) Mathematics
b) Science
c) Sanskrit
d) Politics
→ Answer: c) Sanskrit

5. What was the name of the famous book written by Vidyasagar for children?
a) Anandmath
b) Barnaparichay
c) Hind Swaraj
d) Gitanjali
→ Answer: b) Barnaparichay

6. What major step did Vidyasagar take to promote women’s education?
a) Established girls’ schools
b) Wrote books on women’s rights
c) Started newspapers
d) Fought in the independence movement
→ Answer: a) Established girls’ schools

7. Which city is closely associated with Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar’s work?
a) Mumbai
b) Kolkata
c) Delhi
d) Chennai
→ Answer: b) Kolkata

8. When did Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar pass away?
a) 1875
b) 1882
c) 1891
d) 1900
→ Answer: c) 1891

Short Answer Questions on Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

Q1: When and where was Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar born?
A: 26 September 1820, in Birsingha, Midnapore, Bengal Presidency.

Q2: Why was he given the title “Vidyasagar”?
A: Due to his immense knowledge of Sanskrit and literature, meaning “Ocean of Knowledge”.

Q3: What was the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856?
A: A law legalizing widow remarriage, passed due to Vidyasagar’s efforts.

Q4: What was the name of Vidyasagar’s famous book for children?
A: Barnaparichay (Introduction to Letters).

Q5: Name two major social issues that Vidyasagar fought against.
A: Child marriage and caste discrimination.

Q6: How did Vidyasagar contribute to Bengali literature?
A: He simplified the Bengali alphabet and grammar and translated Sanskrit texts into Bengali.

Q7: How did Vidyasagar promote women’s education?
A: He established schools for girls and supported Bethune School in Kolkata.

Q8: When did Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar pass away?
A: 29 July 1891, in Kolkata.

Conclusion

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a visionary reformer who transformed Indian society through education, women’s rights, and social justice. His contribution to widow remarriage, Bengali literature, and education remains an inspiration for future generations. His reforms laid the foundation for modern education and social equality in India.

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