Which of the following statements about Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar is/are NOT correct ?
- 1. Vidyasagar’s writings significantly helped to develop the Bengali language
- 2. He received the title ‘Vidyasagar’ from Presidency College, Kolkata
- 3. He was enthusiastic about the spread of women’s education
- 4. Vidyasagar defended widow marriage without being convinced about scriptural support
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
2 and 4
1 and 2
4 only
3
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2019
1. Vidyasagar’s writings significantly helped to develop the Bengali language: This is CORRECT. Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar is considered one of the most important figures in the development of modern Bengali prose. He reformed the Bengali alphabet and contributed greatly to Bengali literature through his writings and translations.
2. He received the title ‘Vidyasagar’ from Presidency College, Kolkata: This is NOT CORRECT. Ishwarchandra Bandyopadhyay earned the title ‘Vidyasagar’ (Ocean of Knowledge) from the Sanskrit College in Kolkata, where he studied and later served as its principal. He received the title for his exceptional scholarship in Sanskrit studies.
3. He was enthusiastic about the spread of women’s education: This is CORRECT. Vidyasagar was a fervent advocate for women’s education and played a crucial role in establishing numerous schools for girls in Bengal, often collaborating with figures like John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune.
4. Vidyasagar defended widow marriage without being convinced about scriptural support: This is NOT CORRECT. Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was a strong proponent of widow remarriage and provided detailed scriptural arguments, drawing primarily from the Parashar Samhita, to prove that the practice was sanctioned by Hindu scriptures, challenging the prevailing orthodox interpretations. His efforts were instrumental in the passing of the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act of 1856.
The question asks for statements that are NOT correct. Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect.