UPSC Prelims 2021 Q46: Modern History – Social & Religious Reform Movements
- (a) Annie Besant
- (b) Debendranath Tagore
- (c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
- (d) Sarojini Naidu
Answer: (c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Explanation
Bethune Female School: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's Role
| Personality | Association | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Annie Besant | Theosophist, Home Rule Movement | NOT this school |
| Debendranath Tagore | Brahmo Samaj leader, Tagore family | NOT this school |
| Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar | Bengali social reformer, education pioneer | Secretary of Hindu Female School (est. 1849), which became Bethune Female School in 1850. |
| Sarojini Naidu | Freedom fighter, poet | NOT this school |
Hindu Female School was founded on 7 May 1849 by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune (Law Member of GoI Council). Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar served as its Secretary. Renamed Bethune School after Bethune's death (1851). Became Bethune College (1879) - first women's college in Asia.
Answer: (c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Annie Besant founded Central Hindu College (1898) and worked on Home Rule; not associated with Bethune School.
- (b) Incorrect. Debendranath Tagore led the Brahmo Samaj (from 1843); not directly linked to Bethune School.
- (c) CORRECT. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was Secretary of the Hindu Female School (founded 7 May 1849 by J.E.D. Bethune), which later became Bethune School and eventually Bethune College (1879) - the first women's college in Asia.
- (d) Incorrect. Sarojini Naidu was a 20th c. freedom fighter, not associated with 1849 Bengal education.
Key point
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar = Secretary of Hindu Female School (1849, Calcutta), later Bethune Female School. Founded by J.E.D. Bethune. Became Bethune College (1879) - first women's college in Asia. Vidyasagar's other work: Widow Remarriage Act (1856), Bengali primer, girls' schools.
Remember
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was associated as Secretary with the Hindu Female School (founded 7 May 1849 by J.E.D. Bethune), which later came to be known as Bethune Female School and eventually Bethune College (1879, first women's college in Asia). Correct answer: (c).
Common mistakes
- Confusing Vidyasagar's role (Secretary, i.e. administrator) with founder (Bethune himself).
- Not knowing Bethune College (Calcutta) is Asia's first women's college (1879).
- Missing Vidyasagar's broader legacy: Widow Remarriage Act (1856), simplification of Bengali alphabet, girls' education network.
Exam tip
Vidyasagar's contributions: (i) Secretary of Hindu Female School (Bethune, 1849); (ii) Widow Remarriage Act (1856); (iii) Barnaparichay (Bengali primer); (iv) Sanskrit College Principal; (v) founded 35+ girls' schools. Iconic 19th c. Bengal social reformer.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra - India's Struggle for Independence
- R.C. Majumdar - History of Modern Bengal