Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

A Bengali social reformer who revolutionized education and challenged caste norms in 19th century India.

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820-1891) was a Bengali polymath whose educational reforms and social activism transformed 19th century India. As a scholar at Fort William College in Calcutta, he simplified the Bengali alphabet, creating the modern Vidyasagari script still used today. His textbook Barnaparichay (1855) became the foundation of Bengali literacy programs.

Most radical were his efforts to reform Hindu marriage laws through the 1856 Widow Remarriage Act. Though opposed by orthodox groups, he campaigned to end child marriage and widow immolation (sati), establishing schools for girls in Calcutta. His 1879 book Satyadharma argued for women's rights using Hindu scriptures, challenging Brahminical interpretations.

Vidyasagar's legacy includes 36 girls' schools and the Vidyasagar Setu bridge in Kolkata. Modern debates focus on his approach to caste - while opposing untouchability, he worked within the caste system. His life is chronicled in Wikipedia and biographies like "Vidyasagar: His Life and Work". Kolkata's annual Vidyasagar Udyan park honors his contributions to education and social justice.