Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar used a reference from which Vedic source to justify his widow remarriage movement?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary Exam 2019 Official Paper (Held On: 08 Mar, 2020)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Parasar Samhita.

Key Points

Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar was a prominent social reformer in 19th-century India.
He used the Parasar Samhita to justify and advocate for widow remarriage.
The Parasar Samhita provided scriptural support, helping to gain acceptance for the widow remarriage movement.
Vidyasagar’s advocacy led to the passage of the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act of 1856.
He was instrumental in challenging the orthodox societal norms of his time.

Additional Information

The Parasar Samhita is an ancient Hindu text that provided a basis for progressive reforms in society.
Vidyasagar’s efforts in widow remarriage were part of a broader movement of social reform during the Bengal Renaissance.
The widow remarriage movement was met with significant resistance from orthodox sections of society but eventually gained legal and social recognition.