Consider the following statements regarding debates within communities during the period of social reform:
Statement 1: Jahanara Shah Nawas argued that the form of polygamy practised by certain sections of Muslims was contrary to the true spirit of the Quran.
Statement 2: Jahanara Shah Nawas proposed a resolution against polygamy at the All India Muslim Ladies Conference, and the resolution received support from every section of the Muslim press.
Statement 3: Orthodox members of the Hindu community in Bengal supported the reformers' authority to interpret sacred texts and therefore opposed the formation of Dharma Sabha.
Which of the following is correct?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option 1: Only Statement 1 is correct.
Statement 1: “Jahanara Shah Nawas argued that the form of polygamy practised by certain sections of Muslims was contrary to the true spirit of the Quran.” — Correct. Jahanara Shah Nawas opposed the practice of polygamy followed by certain sections of Muslims and argued that it was against the true spirit of the Quran.
Statement 2: “Jahanara Shah Nawas proposed a resolution against polygamy at the All India Muslim Ladies Conference, and the resolution received support from every section of the Muslim press.” — Incorrect. Jahanara Shah Nawas did propose the resolution, but the response was divided. Tahsib-e-Niswan supported the resolution, while other sections of the Muslim press disapproved. The word “every” makes the statement incorrect.
Statement 3: “Orthodox members of the Hindu community in Bengal supported the reformers' authority to interpret sacred texts and therefore opposed the formation of Dharma Sabha.” — Incorrect. Orthodox members opposed the reformers' authority to interpret sacred texts. They formed the Dharma Sabha and petitioned the British against the reformers' interpretation of sacred texts.