Question

Among women authors writing about women in the 19th Century, C.E., .................... was the foremost one.

• A. Tarabai Shinde
• B. Pandita Ramabai
• C. Meera Kosambi
• D. Sharmila Rege

Hint:

Tarabai Shinde’s “Stri Purush Tulana” (1882) is often regarded as the first feminist text in India, highlighting the early voice of women’s resistance against patriarchy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the question.
The question asks about the foremost woman author of the 19th century who wrote about women’s issues and gender equality. During this period, women’s rights and social reform became important topics in India.
Step 2: Explanation.
Tarabai Shinde was one of the earliest Indian feminists and social reformers. Her most famous work, "Stri Purush Tulana" (A Comparison Between Women and Men), written in 1882, is considered the first modern feminist text in India. In it, she criticized gender inequality and the double standards of society.
Step 3: Analyzing the options.
(A) Tarabai Shinde: Correct — She was a pioneer feminist writer of the 19th century and wrote extensively on women’s issues.
(B) Pandita Ramabai: Although she was also a prominent social reformer and advocate for women’s education, she came slightly later and focused more on social and religious reform.
(C) Meera Kosambi: Incorrect — She was a modern scholar and sociologist, not from the 19th century.
(D) Sharmila Rege: Incorrect — She was a late 20th-century feminist scholar, not belonging to the 19th century.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) Tarabai Shinde, who was the foremost woman author in the 19th century writing about women and their social position.