Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act 1856

Background. Hindu society historically disallowed widow remarriage to protect family honor and property, expecting widows to live austere lives. The 1856 Act provided legal safeguards against inheritance loss for remarrying widows, though they forfeited inheritance from deceased husbands. It was the first major social reform legislation after the 1829 abolition of sati.

Advocacy and Opposition. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was the most prominent campaigner for Hindu widow remarriage. He petitioned the Legislative Council despite severe opposition, including a counter-petition by Radhakanta Deb and the Dharma Sabha that had nearly four times as many signatures. Lord Dalhousie personally finalized the bill despite the custom being considered a flagrant breach.

Legislative Process. The Act was drafted by Lord Dalhousie and passed by Lord Canning before the Indian Rebellion of 1857. It was passed on 16 July 1856, legalizing the remarriage of widows in all jurisdictions of India under East India Company rule. The legacy date of 26 July is not supported by the retrieved passages.