Children’s Lives

Now: Today, most middle-class girls receive an education and often study alongside boys. Many proceed to tertiary education and eventually participate in the workforce. Legal regulations stipulate that they have to attain adulthood before getting married. They possess the legal freedom to marry anyone they wish, irrespective of caste or community. Furthermore, the law permits widows to remarry.

200 Years Ago: Contrastingly, two centuries prior, child marriages were commonplace.

Marriage And Rights Of Women

Now: Women, like men, have the right to vote and contest in elections. However, there are disparities. The impoverished often lack educational access, and some women still don’t have the liberty to choose their life partners.

200 Years Ago: The scenario was starkly different. Men, both Hindus and Muslims, could have multiple wives. The practice of sati was prevalent, where widows were often forced or persuaded to self-immolate on their husband’s funeral pyre. Such women were deemed virtuous. Additionally, women had limited property rights and were largely deprived of education due to superstitions linking female education to widowhood.

Caste Hierarchies And Discrimination

Caste Distinctions: The caste hierarchy in India has historically been stringent. Brahmins and Kshatriyas were viewed as the upper castes. Following them were the Vaishyas (traders and moneylenders). Peasants and artisans, like weavers and potters, were labelled as Shudras.