D.K. Karve: Promoted Widow Remarriage, Founded SNDT Women’s University for Women’s Education

 

D.K. Karve: Promoted Widow Remarriage, Founded SNDT Women’s University for Women’s Education

Introduction
Dhondo Keshav Karve (1858–1962), fondly known as Maharshi Karve, was a beacon of hope for women in pre-independence India. A social reformer and educator from Maharashtra, he dedicated his life to uplifting widows and promoting women’s education. His bold decision to marry a widow and his establishment of the SNDT Women’s University, India’s first university for women, marked him as a pioneer of women’s empowerment. This note delves into the reasons behind his mission, the course of his remarkable work, and the transformative results it achieved.

Reasons for Inception
In the late 19th century, Indian society was shackled by customs that marginalized women, particularly widows. Widows, especially in upper-caste Hindu communities, were subjected to harsh treatment—forced to live in isolation, stripped of adornments, and denied basic rights. Remarriage was taboo, and education for women was rare. D.K. Karve, born in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, witnessed these injustices firsthand. His exposure to reformist ideas through figures like Pandita Ramabai, Vishnu Shastri Pandit, and Jyotirao Phule ignited his passion for change.

Karve’s personal life also shaped his mission. After losing his first wife, Radhabai, in childbirth in 1891, he was left to raise his son alone. This tragedy deepened his empathy for widows, who faced not only grief but also social exclusion. The intellectual climate of Pune, a hub of social reform, further inspired him. The Prarthana Samaj, with its focus on women’s rights and social equality, provided a platform for his ideas. Karve believed that education and remarriage could empower widows to lead dignified, self-reliant lives, prompting him to act.

Course of His Work
D.K. Karve’s journey as a reformer began with a bold personal decision. In 1893, he married Godubai Joshi, a widow and the sister of his friend, defying orthodox norms. This act sparked controversy, leading to his excommunication from his community and criticism in newspapers. Undeterred, Karve used this as a catalyst to advocate for widow remarriage. In 1893, he founded the Widhawa-Wiwahottejak Mandali (Society to Encourage Widow Remarriage), which later became the Widhawa-Wiwaha-Pratibandh-Niwarak Mandali in 1895. This organization promoted remarriage and supported widows and their children.

Recognizing that education was key to empowerment, Karve established the Hindu Widows’ Home in 1896 in Hingne, near Pune. The institution provided shelter, education, and vocational training to widows, enabling them to become self-sufficient as teachers, nurses, or midwives. Despite challenges like the plague of 1899 and financial constraints, Karve’s dedication kept the institution alive. He taught at Fergusson College by day and worked at the Widows’ Home in the evenings, often walking miles through rain and mud to teach his students.

Karve’s most monumental contribution was the founding of the Indian Women’s University in 1916, later renamed Shrimati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women’s University. This was India’s first university exclusively for women, offering courses in arts, sciences, and vocational skills. Karve envisioned it as a space where women, including widows, could gain knowledge and independence. He faced immense challenges, including funding shortages and societal resistance, but his perseverance and support from philanthropists like Sir Vithaldas Thackersey helped the university grow.

Karve also collaborated with the Prarthana Samaj and other reformers, amplifying his impact. He wrote articles, delivered lectures, and engaged with policymakers to advocate for women’s rights. His work extended to establishing girls’ schools in Maharashtra and Gujarat, further broadening educational access.

Results and Impact
D.K. Karve’s efforts transformed countless lives and reshaped societal attitudes. The Hindu Widows’ Home empowered hundreds of widows, giving them skills and confidence to live independently. By 1900, the institution had grown significantly, serving as a model for similar initiatives. The Widhawa-Wiwahottejak Mandali facilitated numerous remarriages, challenging the stigma around widows. Karve’s own marriage to a widow inspired others, including reformers like M.G. Ranade, to support the cause.

The establishment of SNDT Women’s University was a landmark achievement. It provided higher education to women from diverse backgrounds, producing graduates who became teachers, doctors, and leaders. Today, SNDT remains a prestigious institution, with campuses in Mumbai, Pune, and beyond, continuing Karve’s legacy of women’s empowerment. His work also contributed to legislative changes, such as the Age of Consent Act of 1891, by creating public awareness about women’s issues.

Despite these successes, Karve faced resistance from orthodox communities, and widow remarriage remained uncommon during his lifetime. Funding shortages and societal prejudice posed constant challenges. However, his perseverance earned him the Bharat Ratna in 1958, India’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his contributions to society. His work laid the foundation for future women’s movements and inspired organizations like the Arya Mahila Samaj.

Conclusion
Maharshi D.K. Karve was a trailblazer who transformed the lives of widows and women through education and advocacy. His mission, born from empathy and a vision for equality, overcame immense obstacles to create lasting change. The Hindu Widows’ Home and SNDT Women’s University stand as testaments to his legacy, empowering generations of women. Karve’s life teaches us that compassion, courage, and commitment can break even the strongest barriers, paving the way for a brighter future.