Social Reforms in Rajasthan Before Independence

Chapter Summary

In the 19th century, the wave of renaissance reached Rajasthan. The ancient Varna system, originally based on labor and duty, had degenerated into a rigid caste hierarchy. Several social evils like Sati, Female Infanticide, Slavery, and Witch-hunting became prevalent due to superstitions and outdated traditions. British intervention and social reformers played a key role in curbing these practices.

Major Social Evils and Reforms

1. Sati Pratha (Sati System)

• Prevalence: Common in Rajputana. Early attempts to stop it were made by Muhammad bin Tughlaq and Akbar.
• Legislative History:
  • 1829: Lord William Bentinck enacted the Sati Prohibition Act (efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy).
  • 1844: The Jaipur Guardian Committee passed a bill to abolish Sati, marking the first legal effort in the region.
  • Adoption by States: Bans were enacted in Dungarpur, Banswara, and Pratapgarh (1846), Kota and Jodhpur (1848), and Mewar (1860).
  • 1861: The British government introduced stricter penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and reduction of gun salutes for rulers who failed to prevent Sati.

2. Kanya Vadh (Female Infanticide)

• Context: Col. Tod linked this practice to the burden of the Dowry system.
• Reforms:
  • Mewar: The first state to ban it under pressure from the British Political Agent.
  • Kota: Also prohibited the practice.
  • 1839: Jodhpur Maharaja enacted a 'Code of Rules' to curb it.
  • 1844: Jaipur Maharaja declared it improper.
  • 1888: The practice largely declined after this period.

3. Marriage Reforms (Tyag Pratha, Child Marriage)

• Tyag Pratha (Tika/Reet): Refers to the excessive gifts and dowry demanded during marriages.
• Walterkrit Rajput Hitkarini Sabha (1889):
  • Formed by AGG Colonel Walter in Ajmer.
  • Aims: To control marriage expenses (Tika/Reet) and abolish polygamy.
  • Rules: Fixed minimum marriage age at 18 for boys and 14 for girls.
• Desh Hiteshini Sabha (1877): Established in Udaipur to regulate marriage expenses.
• Child Marriage: Alwar was the first state to enact the Child and Mismatched Marriage Prohibition Act on 10 December 1903.

4. Other Social Evils

• Dakkan Pratha (Witch Hunting): Declared illegal in 1853 in Mewar (under Maharana Swaroop Singh/Jawan Singh as per text) on the advice of Colonel Eden.
• Das Pratha (Slavery): Slaves were known as Gola, Daroga, or Chakar. Their status was hereditary and dependent on the ruler.