Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar

A visionary social reformer who revolutionized education and women's rights in 19th century India.

Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820–1891) was an Indian scholar, educator, and social reformer who championed women's rights and modern education. He simplified the Bengali alphabet, making literacy accessible to the masses, and authored textbooks that became foundational in Indian education systems.

His most notable contribution was opposing the practice of sati (widow immolation) through legal advocacy. He persuaded the British government to pass the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856, which legalized widow remarriage and granted inheritance rights to widows. He also established schools for girls in Calcutta, challenging patriarchal norms.

Vidyasagar's work laid the groundwork for India's social reform movements. His legacy is preserved in institutions like the Vidyasagar University. For deeper insights, read biographies or explore Indianetzone.