Question
Give an account of the women’s movement during Anti-Partition of Bengal.
Answer
During the Anti-Partition of Bengal Movement, the women who participated in the movement were mainly from higher castes and well-educated or Western-educated backgrounds. The women developed a strong sense of revolutionary ideals against the social torment and deprivation of women. Sarala Devi formed the ‘Bharat-Stri Mahamandal’ in 1911 for the unity and self-development of women. Many women from the Tagore family of Jorasanko were involved in the movement, and Swarna Kumari Debi formed the ‘Sakhi Samity’ (friends’ circle). Nanibala Devi provided secret shelters for revolutionaries, and Madam Vikaji Cama hosted the tri-coloured Indian flag in Stutgarte City, Germany during the movement. Sarojini Naidu, the first woman president of Indian National Congress, wrote books such as ‘The Golden Threshold’ and ‘The Broken Wing’ during this period.
