The Widow Remarriage Act was passed during the Governor-Generalship of
Last updated May 15, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option B —
Lord Canning
The Hindu Widow Remarriage Act (Act XV of 1856) was passed on July 26, 1856. While the groundwork and the draft of the bill were prepared by Lord Dalhousie, it was formally enacted during the tenure of his successor, Lord Canning.
Historical Significance
This act was a landmark in the socio-religious reform movement in India. For the UPSC Civil Services Examination, it is crucial to understand the "Who, Why, and What" behind this legislation.
The Key Protagonist: The act was mainly the result of the relentless efforts of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. He cited ancient Hindu texts to prove that widow remarriage was sanctioned by the Shastras.
Objectives: It sought to promote women's welfare by legalizing the remarriage of Hindu widows and ensuring that the children born of such marriages were considered legitimate.
Consequences: While a progressive step, the act (along with the Abolition of Sati in 1829) was perceived by orthodox sections of Indian society as an interference in their religious customs. This resentment was one of the underlying social causes of the Revolt of 1857.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
