Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Writers

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Net Worth

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a 19th century Bengali polymath who was an educator, social reformer, writer, philosopher, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He was a key figure of the Bengal Renaissance and was deeply pained by the injustices faced by several sections of the Indian society, particularly the plight of child widows. He played a key role in convincing the British government to pass the Widow Remarriage Act, allowing these innocent young girls to have a second chance at life. Vidyasagar was a kind hearted man who strived to make life better for the women of India and to reform the society so that the downtrodden could also live a dignified life.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is a member of Writers

Age, Biography and Wiki

Who is it? Social Reformer, Philosopher
Birth Day September 26, 1820
Birth Place Paschim Midnapore District, West Bengal, India, Indian
Age 199 YEARS OLD
Died On 29 July 1891(1891-07-29) (aged 70)\nCalcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India\n(now Kolkata, West Bengal, India)
Birth Sign Libra
Occupation Writer, philosopher, scholar, educator, translator, publisher, reformer, philanthropist
Language Bengali
Alma mater Sanskrit College (1829–1839)
Literary movement Bengal Renaissance
Spouse Dinamani Devi
Children Narayan Chandra Bandyopadhyaya

💰 Net worth

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, the renowned Indian social reformer and philosopher, is estimated to have a net worth ranging from $100,000 to $1 million in the year 2024. His contributions to Indian society are immeasurable, as he dedicated his life to the upliftment of women's education, widow remarriage, and abolition of child marriage. Vidyasagar's invaluable work has left an indelible mark on Indian history and his philanthropic efforts have significantly transformed society for the better. As a highly revered figure, his net worth reflects not only his material wealth, but also the profound impact he has had on the nation.

Biography/Timeline

1820

Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay was born in a Hindu Brahmin family to Thakurdas Bandyopadhyay and Bhagavati Devi at Birsingha village in the Ghatal subdivision of Paschim Midnapore District in current day West Bengal on 26 September 1820. At the age of 6, he went to Calcutta and started living in Bhagabat Charan's house in Burrabazar, where Thakurdas had already been staying for some years. Ishwar felt at ease amidst Bhagabat's large family and settled down comfortably in no time. Bhagabat's youngest daughter Raimoni's motherly and affectionate feelings towards Ishwar touched him deeply and had a strong influence on his later revolutionary work towards the upliftment of women's status in India.

1839

In the year 1839, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar successfully cleared his law examination. In 1841, at the age of twenty one years, Ishwar Chandra joined Fort william College as head of the Sanskrit department.

1841

His quest for knowledge was so intense that he used to study under a street light as it was not possible for him to afford a gas lamp at home. He cleared all the examinations with excellence and in quick succession. He was rewarded with a number of scholarships for his academic performance. To support himself and the family, Ishwar Chandra also took a part-time job of teaching at Jorashanko. Ishwar Chandra joined the Sanskrit College, Calcutta and studied there for twelve long years and passed out of the college in 1841 qualifying in Sanskrit Grammar, Literature, Dialectics [Alankara Shastra], Vedanta, Smruti and Astronomy. As per the customs then Ishwar Chandra married at the age of fourteen. His wife was Dinamani Devi. Narayan Chandra Bandyopadhyaya was their only son.

1846

After five years, in 1846, Vidyasagar left Fort william College and joined the Sanskrit College as 'Assistant Secretary'. In the first year of Service, Ishwar Chandra recommended a number of changes to the existing education system. This report resulted in a serious altercation between Ishwar Chandra and College Secretary Rasomoy Dutta. In 1849, he against

1853

Unable to tolerate the ill treatment, many of these girls would run away and turn to prostitution to support themselves. Ironically, the economic prosperity and lavish lifestyles of the city made it possible for many of them to have successful careers once they stepped out of the sanction of society and into the demi-monde. In 1853 it was estimated that Calcutta had a population of 12,718 prostitutes and public women. Many widows had to shave their heads and don white saris, supposedly to discourage attention from men. They led a deplorable life, something Vidyasagar thought was unfair and sought to change.5

1856

Vidyasagar has established School in Kolkata at 1856 as Named of Barisha High School.

2004

In 2004, Vidyasagar was ranked number 9 in BBC's poll of the Greatest Bengali of all time.

2014

With support from people like Akshay Kumar Dutta, Vidyasagar introduced the practice of widow remarriages to mainstream Hindu society. The prevailing custom of Kulin Brahmin polygamy allowed elderly men — sometimes on their deathbeds — to marry teenage or prepubescent girls, supposedly to spare their parents the shame of having an unmarried girl attain puberty in their house. After such marriages, these girls would usually be left behind in their parental homes, where they might be subjected to orthodox rituals, especially if they were subsequently widowed. These included a semi-starvation, hard domestic labour, and close restriction on their freedom to leave the house or be seen by strangers.

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About the author

Lisa Scholfield

As a Senior Writer at Famous Net Worth, I spearhead an exceptional team dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories of pioneering individuals. My passion for unearthing untold narratives drives me to delve deep into the essence of each subject, bringing forth a unique blend of factual accuracy and narrative allure. In orchestrating the editorial workflow, I am deeply involved in every step—from initial research to the final touches of publishing, ensuring each biography not only informs but also engages and inspires our readership.