In the 19th century, a complex interplay of reformist and colonial influences emerged, particularly concerning the status of women

In the 19th century, as British colonialism reshaped the Indian socio-cultural landscape, intellectuals like Captain N. Augustus Willard and Indian reformers grappled with the status of women in India. Willard, like many British officials, viewed Indian women with a mixture of pity and a sense of moral duty, perceiving them as victims of ignorance, reflected in their preference for songs that were considered passionate and sensual. At the same time, English-educated Bengali elites, inspired by both Western ideas and traditional Hindu values, sought to reform women’s education while retaining patriarchal norms. It is pertinent to mention the role played by the renowned social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a key figure among the Bengali bhadralok, who championed the cause of widow remarriage and women’s education.

Influenced by Western education, yet deeply rooted in his cultural heritage, Vidyasagar sought to balance these dual influences. He established numerous schools for girls, believing that education was essential for their empowerment and societal upliftment.

Another key figure in India’s renaissance movement, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (Chattopadhyay),  a luminary in Indian literature, is celebrated for his seminal contributions to both educational reforms and the Indian freedom struggle.

His multifaceted legacy extends beyond his literary genius, encapsulating his role as an intellectual force in the socio-political landscape of 19th-century India. Bankim Chandra was a pioneering figure in the sphere of educational reforms in India. His vision for education was grounded in the belief that a modern, enlightened society could only emerge through an educated populace. Chatterjee advocated for the modernization of the education system, emphasizing the need to integrate Western scientific knowledge with traditional Indian learning.

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s engagement with educational reforms is evident in his writings and his role as a Deputy Magistrate – the first in-charge (Sub-divisional magistrate) of the Arambag subdivision in West Bengal. He used his position to influence educational policies and advocate for the establishment of institutions that could impart contemporary education. Author of India’s National Song Vande Mataram became a clarion call during India’s Independence movement, Bankim Chandra’s novels, often interwoven with themes of social and educational upliftment, served as a medium to propagate his ideas to a broader audience.

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novels often depicted strong, complex female characters, who played crucial roles in the narrative, challenging the traditional views of women in society. “Vande Mataram,” depicted in Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s novel “Anandamath,” serves as the manifesto of the Sanyasi group, celebrating a land abundant with rice, lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and sparkling rivers.

The song idolizes the country as a goddess incarnate. While historically and politically significant, “Anandamath” unfolds through semiotic, discursive, and aesthetic dimensions. The narrative, through characters like Mohendra, Kalyani, and Sukumari, intertwines with India’s traditional and cultural contexts. The Santan of the Math, led by guru Satyananda and his disciples, embody qualities of truth, knowledge, emotion, patience, and being. “Vande Mataram” transcends patriotism, embodying philosophical renderings of existential and metaphysical human attributes, with women depicted as equals, exemplified by Shanti’s bravery and sacrifice.Bankim Chandra’s portrayal of women was significant as it challenged the prevailing societal norms and provided a progressive vision of women’s roles in society. In “Devi Chaudhurani,” (1884) the protagonist Prafulla transforms from a submissive girl into the powerful Devi Chaudhurani, a leader of a band of rebels. Her character embodies the potential for women’s empowerment and the possibility of their active participation in societal change.

By depicting women as strong, capable, and essential to the nation’s progress, his novels contributed to the broader discourse on women’s rights and empowerment in pre-independent India, which, however, is debatable.

Novels like “Kapalkundala,” “Debi Chaudhurani,” and “Durgeshnandini” feature characters such as Kapalkundala, Prafulla, and Ayesha, who exhibit depth and complexity. “Brishabriksha” (The Poison Tree) and “Krishnakanter Uil” addresses social issues like widow remarriage and polygamy through the stories of Suryamukhi, Kundanandini, and Rohini.

In “Sitaram,” the tragic effects of polygamy are highlighted, while “Anandmath” contrasts the nation’s depiction as Mother, while the exclusion of women from the fight for its cause is also depicted. It can be said that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s depiction of strong, independent female characters – despite their complexities – challenged existing gender norms and inspired a rethinking of women’s potential and place in society. By showcasing women as central figures in the fight against oppression and as leaders in their own right, Bankim Chandra’s works resonated with the growing movements for social and political reform. 

(The writer is Programme Executive, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti; views are personal)