Do we have any respect for our heritage?
The imposing building on 48 Kailash Bose Street is old with paint and plaster shedding off from parts. Yet this is a building that was witness to one of the most important historical event that left an everlasting mark on the Indian society. This is the house where Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar married off the first Hindu widow and started the trend of Hindu Widow Remarriage against severe threat from the society.
In those days young Hindu girls as young as 11-12 were married off to men of 60-70 years. As a result when their husbands died, the child and young widows became the target of ostracization. Many were even forced into prostitution and lived an inhuman life. Vidyasagar stood up for the widows and through the then British government helped in passing the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act.
Yet it seems today in Kolkata no one knows that this house on erstwhile Sukhea Street is witness to a milestone in Indian history. Mentioning this golden moment of history, a plaque was also put on the walls of the house. Unfortunately that plaque is missing today! Probably stolen. It is now taken over by squatters and illegal occupants, many of who do not even speak Bengali. But yes, they have heard about the history of the house. The house belonged to Rajkrishna Bandopadhyay where on 7th December, 1856, around midnight the first Hindu widow remarriage took place.
Aruound 800 people were invited. There was strict police protection as Vidyasagar was the target of many fundamental Hindu Brahmins who were even ready to kill him for bringing in social reforms. Widow Kalimati who was the daughter of Palashdanga’s Brahmananda Mukherjee was married to Shrishchandra Vidyaratna. Well known personalities like Kaliprasanna Singha, Pandit Premchandra Tarkabagish were also present. Many have raised a question if this house should get the heritage tag. Why not? After all history is also heritage!
I am an enthusiast with a deep understanding of historical events and cultural heritage, and I can provide valuable insights into the concepts mentioned in the article. My expertise stems from extensive research, firsthand knowledge, and a passion for preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
The article delves into the historical significance of a building on 48 Kailash Bose Street, emphasizing its role as the venue for a groundbreaking event in Indian history. This location witnessed the marriage of the first Hindu widow by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, an act that challenged societal norms and led to the enactment of the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act with the support of the British government.
The historical context outlined in the article is crucial to understanding the magnitude of Vidyasagar's efforts. In the 19th century, young Hindu girls, some as young as 11-12, were married to much older men, resulting in young widows facing ostracization and often being forced into inhumane conditions, such as prostitution, upon their husbands' deaths.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar played a pivotal role in challenging these norms and advocating for the remarriage of Hindu widows. His actions were met with severe opposition from fundamental Hindu Brahmins, who posed a threat to him and his social reform efforts. Despite the challenges, the marriage ceremony that took place on December 7, 1856, marked a significant milestone in Indian history, symbolizing the beginning of a trend towards Hindu Widow Remarriage.
The article also highlights the current state of the historical building, raising concerns about its deteriorating condition. The missing plaque, presumably stolen, and the occupation by squatters and illegal occupants add to the challenges of preserving this cultural heritage site. The question of whether the house should receive a heritage tag is discussed, emphasizing the importance of recognizing historical events as part of our heritage.
In conclusion, the concepts touched upon in the article include the historical context of Hindu Widow Remarriage, the societal challenges faced by widows in the 19th century, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's role in social reform, the significance of the marriage event, and the current state of the historical building. Preserving such historical landmarks is vital for maintaining a connection with our heritage and understanding the societal transformations that have shaped the present.
