One important outcome of British social reforms was ______.

Correct option is D

The correct answer is: (D) emergence of women in public life

Explanation:

• One of the important outcomes of British social reforms in India was the emergence of women in public life.

• British colonial rule introduced various social legislations and reforms, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, that addressed the plight of Indian women.

• Reforms such as the abolition of Sati (1829), legalization of widow remarriage (1856), and promotion of female education paved the way for greater participation of women in education, politics, and social work.

• These changes, though gradual, allowed women like Savitribai Phule, Sarojini Naidu, and Annie Besant to emerge as prominent public figures.

Information Booster:

• Sati was banned in 1829 by Lord William Bentinck in Bengal Presidency.

• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar advocated for widow remarriage, leading to the Widow Remarriage Act, 1856.

• Bethune School (1849) in Calcutta was one of the first institutions for female education.

• The Indian National Movement saw active participation of women leaders.

• The 1917 Women's Deputation demanded female suffrage from the British government.

• The Government of India Act, 1935 gave voting rights to limited categories of women.