Answer: 

Introduction:

The 19th-century social reform movement in India marked a critical period of awakening and transformation, during which various issues faced by women were brought to the forefront. This movement aimed to address and rectify the social customs and practices that adversely affected women’s lives and status in society.

Body:

The major issues and debates concerning women during the 19th century were as follows:

• Sati: Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and others vehemently opposed this practice, leading to the enactment of the Bengal Sati Regulation in 1829, which made sati illegal.
• Female Infanticide: Female infanticide was another critical issue during the 19th century, where girl infants were killed shortly after birth, owing to a preference for male children. Social reformers raised awareness about the value of female lives and campaigned against this inhuman practice.
• Child Marriage: The prevalence of child marriages during the 19th century was a significant concern. Reformers sought to increase the minimum age of marriage for girls, emphasizing the importance of their education and well-being. The Age of Consent Act of 1891 and the subsequent efforts by reformers like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar played a vital role in raising the minimum age of marriage for girls.
• Widow Remarriage: Reformers advocated for the rights of widows to remarry and lead fulfilling lives. The Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act of 1856, championed by reformers like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, was a significant step in this direction.
• Women’s Education: Reformers like Savitribai Phule, Jyotirao Phule, and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan emphasized the importance of educating women, arguing that it would empower them and contribute to the overall development of society.
• Purdah System: The purdah system, which required women to cover their faces and remain confined within the household, was another issue of concern during the 19th century. Social reformers argued that the purdah system stifled women’s freedom and development, advocating for its abolition.
• Women’s Legal Rights: The lack of legal rights for women in matters of inheritance, property, and marriage was another significant issue during this period. Reformers sought to challenge traditional laws and customs, pushing for legal reforms that would grant women equal rights and status in society.

Conclusion:

This social reform movement in India played a significant role in addressing women’s issues and laying the foundation for further progress in women’s rights and gender equality. The debates and reforms initiated during this period continue to influence and shape the ongoing efforts towards gender equality in modern India.

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