BREAKING BARRIERS: BRAHMO SAMAJ’S VISIONARY ROLE IN NINETEENTH CENTURY WOMEN’S EDUCATION

Abstract

Following the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the establishment of British rule in India led to profound changes in Bengal's social structure. As the 18th century progressed Calcutta emerged as a hub for the elite. By the early 19th century this elite class had consolidated its dominance across various sectors of society. The social standing of women in pre-British India was vastly different. The British were convinced that the expansion of Western education would usher in societal transformations that would also foster women's development. The 19th century witnessed a significant push for women's education, driven largely by social reformers educated in Western ideals. Among these reformers, the Brahmo Samaj played a vital role in championing women's education and empowerment. This chapter explores the Brahmo Samaj's influential contributions to the advancement of women's education and the women's liberation movement during this period.