1856
Explanation
The Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act, 1856 (Act XV of 1856) was a landmark social reform legislation enacted on July 16, 1856. It legalized the remarriage of Hindu widows in all jurisdictions of India under the East India Company rule. The act was drafted during the tenure of Lord Dalhousie and passed by Lord Canning.
Option Analysis
- 1829 1829: This year is associated with the Abolition of Sati (Regulation XVII), enacted by Governor-General Lord William Bentinck, largely due to the efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
- 1856 1856: This is the correct year for the passing of the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act. The legislation was the result of a sustained campaign by the social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who cited Hindu scriptures to prove that widow remarriage was sanctioned by religion.
- 1875 1875: This year marks the foundation of the Arya Samaj in Bombay by Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
- 1891 1891: This year is associated with the passing of the Age of Consent Act, which raised the age of consent for sexual intercourse for girls from 10 to 12 years, following the efforts of B.M. Malabari.
Key Takeaway: The Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act was passed in 1856 during the Governor-Generalship of Lord Canning, primarily driven by the efforts of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.