Who among the following formed the association for widow remarriage in Telugu-speaking areas of Madras Presidency?

The correct answer is Veeresalingam Pantulu.

Key Points

• Veeresalingam Pantulu, also known as Rao Bahadur Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu, was a prominent social reformer from Andhra Pradesh.
• He established the Widow Remarriage Association in Telugu-speaking areas of the Madras Presidency during the late 19th century.
• Veeresalingam Pantulu strongly advocated for widow remarriage, women's education, and the abolition of child marriages.
• He is hailed as the ‘Father of the Renaissance Movement in Andhra Pradesh’ for his efforts in promoting progressive ideas and combating societal orthodoxies.
• His literary contributions included “Rajasekhara Charitra”, the first Telugu novel, which addressed social reform issues.

Additional Information

• Widow Remarriage Movement:
  • This movement aimed to challenge societal norms that forbade widows from remarrying and imposed harsh restrictions on them.
  • Leaders like Veeresalingam Pantulu in Andhra Pradesh and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in Bengal were pioneers in this social reform effort.
  • The Hindu Widow Remarriage Act of 1856 was a landmark legislation that legalized widow remarriage in India.
• Social Reforms in Andhra Pradesh:
  • Veeresalingam Pantulu established schools and published writings advocating women’s education and gender equality.
  • His reforms were instrumental in eradicating orthodox practices like child marriages and elevating the status of women in society.
• Madras Presidency:
  • The Madras Presidency was a major administrative region during British rule, encompassing modern-day Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
  • It became a hub for social reform movements during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Other Reformers in India:
  • Prominent social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Jyotirao Phule, and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar worked toward similar goals across India.
  • These leaders focused on issues such as caste discrimination, women’s rights, and education to eradicate oppressive societal practices.