Impact of Socio-Religious Movements on British Legislation in India



Published on 06 Nov 2025


Legislation

Contribution

Impact

Abolition of Sati (1829)

Regulation XVII of 1829

The British government, influenced by reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, banned the practice of Sati, where widows were compelled to self-immolate on their husbands' funeral pyres.

Marked a significant step towards improving women's rights and safety, setting a precedent for further social reforms.

Widow Remarriage Act (1856)

Act XV of 1856

Championed by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, this act legalized the remarriage of Hindu widows, challenging the prevailing social norms that condemned widow remarriage.

Improved the social status of widows, providing them with more personal freedom and opportunities for a second chance at life.

Female Infanticide Prevention Act (1870)

Act VIII of 1870

This act aimed to prevent the practice of female infanticide, which was prevalent in certain parts of India due to societal preference for male children.

Helped curb the practice of killing female infants, promoting the value and protection of female children.

Age of Consent Act (1891)

Act X of 1891

Raised the age of consent for sexual intercourse for girls from 10 to 12 years.

Aimed at protecting young girls from early sexual exploitation, although it faced significant opposition from orthodox sections of society

Child Marriage Restraint Act (1929)

Also known as the Sarda Act

Prohibited the marriage of boys below 18 years and girls below 14 years, later amended to 18 for girls and 21 for boys.

Addressed the issue of child marriage, promoting the well-being and development of children.

Caste Disabilities Removal Act (1850)

Act XXI of 1850

Allowed people to convert from one religion to another without losing their inherited property rights.

Facilitated religious conversions without the fear of losing property, indirectly promoting religious freedom and individual rights.

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Impact of Socio Religious Movements on British Legislation in India reformist movement reform movement Abolition of Sati 1829 Widow Remarriage Act 1856 Female Infanticide Prevention Act 1870 Age of Consent Act 1891 Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929 Caste Disabilities Removal Act 1850 Regulation XVII of 1829 Act XV of 1856 Act VIII of 1870 Act X of 1891 Sarda Act Raja Ram Mohan Roy shwar Chandra Vidyasagar

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Freedom Struggle

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