Question

UPSC Prelims 2020 Question:

In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around

  1. women's right to gain education
  2. age of consent
  3. restitution of conjugal rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2: 2 and 3 only

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

  • Rakhmabai was born in 1864 in Bombay. She lost her father when she was 8 years old and was married off at the age of 11 to Dadaji Bhikaji. She continued to stay with her mother after marriage. Seven years later, Dadaji moved court seeking it to order his wife to live with him. Rakhmabai refused to move in with her husband stating that a woman cannot be compelled to stay in a wedlock when she is not interested. The Dadaji vs. Rakhmabai case verdict went in favour of Dadaji. The verdict was subsequently overruled by Queen Victoria. This prompted the government to bring the Age of Consent Act, 1891. This case was thus not related to women's right to gain education but it was related to restitution of conjugal rights and age of consent. So, point 1 is not correct and points 2 and 3 are correct.

  • She was a pioneer in the field of medicine and women’s rights in the 19th century. She became India’s first practising lady doctor. She completed her course in the London School of Medicine for Women. 

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer

Subject: History | Important Personalities

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