Widowhood in Nineteenth Century Bengal: A Review of its Agony and Redressal

Abstract

The widows were harshly dealt with in pre-Plassey Bengali society. Their rights and opportunities were severely restricted. Caste Hindu women could not remarry, and their presence in auspicious ceremonies was considered undesirable. The orthodox Hindus burned the widows with their dead husbands. On account of irrational and strict marriage rules, society was overcrowded with mature widows, unmarried women, and confirmed bachelors. Adultery, unwanted pregnancy, and covert abortion were rampant. In the nineteenth century, social reform efforts aimed at widows were insufficient. Severe hardships in society led the widows to seek refuge in Vaishnavite akhras, Muhammadanism, or brothels.