The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only.
Explanation
Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was a central figure in the 19th-century social reform movement in Bengal. His extensive research into ancient texts and persistent campaigning were instrumental in the enactment of the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act, 1856.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Vidyasagar used ancient scriptures to argue that widow remarriage was permissible. This stance challenged the established orthodox customs, leading to severe opposition. Conservative sections of society not only criticized his suggestions but also socially boycotted him.
- Statement 2 is Correct: By the second half of the nineteenth century, the movement for widow remarriage expanded beyond Bengal. In the Telugu-speaking areas of the Madras Presidency, Veerasalingam Pantulu formed an association for widow remarriage. In the north, Swami Dayanand Saraswati supported the cause, and similar efforts were seen in western India.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Although the law was passed in 1856, it did not lead to an immediate high number of remarriages. Social stigma remained powerful, and widows who remarried were often not accepted by society. Consequently, the actual number of remarriages remained low for a significant period after the legislation.
Key Takeaway: The Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act, 1856 was a legislative landmark, but social acceptance lagged behind the law, resulting in continued opposition and a low rate of actual remarriages initially.