With reference to the spread of education among women in the nineteenth century, consider the following statements: 1. The Arya Samaj established schools for girls in Maharashtra, while Jyotirao Phule established them in Punjab. 2. In aristocratic Muslim households in North India, women were taught the Koran in Arabic by women who came home to teach. 3. The first Urdu novels were written to encourage women to read about religion and domestic management. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (b). Explanation The 19th century witnessed a wave of social reform movements across India aimed at improving the status of women, particularly through education. These efforts were driven by various socio-religious organizations and literary figures across different regions and communities. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The statement swaps the regions of operation for the two reform movements. Jyotirao Phule opened the first school for girls in Pune, Maharashtra, in 1848. Conversely, the Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, was highly active in Punjab and North India, where it established numerous educational institutions for girls (e.g., Kanya Mahavidyalaya). - Statement 2 is Correct. In aristocratic Muslim households in North India, strict observance of purdah often prevented women from attending public schools. Consequently, they were taught the Quran in Arabic by female teachers who visited their homes to provide religious instruction. - Statement 3 is Correct. The emergence of the Urdu novel in the late 19th century was closely linked to social reform. The first Urdu novel, Mirat-ul-Urus (The Bride's Mirror) written by Nazir Ahmad in 1869, was specifically designed to encourage women to read and to instruct them in religion and domestic management. Key Takeaway: Jyotirao Phule pioneered women's education in Maharashtra, while the Arya Samaj focused on Punjab. Early Urdu literature, such as the works of Nazir Ahmad, served as a medium for domestic and religious education for women in Muslim society.

NCERT Class 8 History — Chapter 6: Women, Caste and Reform

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With reference to the spread of education among women in the nineteenth century, consider the following statements:

The Arya Samaj established schools for girls in Maharashtra, while Jyotirao Phule established them in Punjab.
In aristocratic Muslim households in North India, women were taught the Koran in Arabic by women who came home to teach.
The first Urdu novels were written to encourage women to read about religion and domestic management.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The 19th century witnessed a wave of social reform movements across India aimed at improving the status of women, particularly through education. These efforts were driven by various socio-religious organizations and literary figures across different regions and communities.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The statement swaps the regions of operation for the two reform movements. Jyotirao Phule opened the first school for girls in Pune, Maharashtra, in 1848. Conversely, the Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, was highly active in Punjab and North India, where it established numerous educational institutions for girls (e.g., Kanya Mahavidyalaya).
Statement 2 is Correct. In aristocratic Muslim households in North India, strict observance of purdah often prevented women from attending public schools. Consequently, they were taught the Quran in Arabic by female teachers who visited their homes to provide religious instruction.
Statement 3 is Correct. The emergence of the Urdu novel in the late 19th century was closely linked to social reform. The first Urdu novel, Mirat-ul-Urus (The Bride's Mirror) written by Nazir Ahmad in 1869, was specifically designed to encourage women to read and to instruct them in religion and domestic management.

Key Takeaway:
Jyotirao Phule pioneered women's education in Maharashtra, while the Arya Samaj focused on Punjab. Early Urdu literature, such as the works of Nazir Ahmad, served as a medium for domestic and religious education for women in Muslim society.

Your note

More from Chapter 6: Women, Caste and Reform

With reference to the social reforms initiated by Raja Rammohun Roy, consider the following statements: 1. He founded the Brahmo Sabha in Calcutta, which was later known as the Brahmo Samaj. 2. He relied exclusively on Western rationalist thought and rejected all ancient Indian texts to prove his arguments. 3. He led a campaign against the practice of Sati, which was banned in 1829. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the movement for widow remarriage in the nineteenth century: 1. Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar used ancient texts to suggest that widows could remarry. 2. The British officials opposed Vidyasagar’s suggestion and refused to pass any law permitting widow remarriage. 3. Veerasalingam Pantulu formed an association for widow remarriage in the Telugu-speaking areas of the Madras Presidency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding women’s writings and organizations in the early twentieth century: 1. The Begums of Bhopal founded a primary school for girls at Aligarh. 2. Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain started schools for Muslim girls in Patna and Calcutta. 3. Pandita Ramabai wrote the book Stripurushtulna to criticize the social differences between men and women. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, consider the following statements: 1. It was passed after bitter debates and struggles similar to earlier social reform laws. 2. According to the Act, no man below the age of 18 and woman below the age of 16 could marry. 3. The age limits were subsequently raised to 21 for men and 18 for women. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Prarthana Samaj: 1. It was established in Bombay in 1867. 2. It sought to remove caste restrictions and abolish child marriage. 3. It adhered to the tradition of Bhakti that believed in the spiritual equality of all castes. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The statement swaps the regions of operation for the two reform movements. Jyotirao Phule opened the first school for girls in Pune, Maharashtra, in 1848. Conversely, the Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, was highly active in Punjab and North India, where it established numerous educational institutions for girls (e.g., Kanya Mahavidyalaya).
Statement 2 is Correct. In aristocratic Muslim households in North India, strict observance of purdah often prevented women from attending public schools. Consequently, they were taught the Quran in Arabic by female teachers who visited their homes to provide religious instruction.
Statement 3 is Correct. The emergence of the Urdu novel in the late 19th century was closely linked to social reform. The first Urdu novel, Mirat-ul-Urus (The Bride's Mirror) written by Nazir Ahmad in 1869, was specifically designed to encourage women to read and to instruct them in religion and domestic management.