During the 19th century social reform movement in India, there were several major issues and debates concerning women. Here are some of the key topics:

1. Women's Education: A crucial aspect of the women's question was the push for female education. Reformers like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Ram Mohan Roy advocated for women's right to education, arguing that it would empower and uplift them from societal constraints.

2. Widow Remarriage: Another important issue was widow remarriage. Widows were traditionally expected to live a life of austerity and seclusion after their husband's death. Reformers such as Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar played a significant role in pressing for legal reforms that would allow widows to remarry, challenging social norms and giving them a chance at a new life.

3. Women's Property Rights: The lack of property rights for women was a significant concern during this period. Women had limited or no rights over inheritance, making them economically dependent on male family members. Reformers fought for legal reforms to grant women property rights and the ability to independently own and inherit property.

4. Social Custom and Tradition: Social customs and traditions created numerous challenges for women. The practice of purdah (seclusion of women), child marriage, and female infanticide were key issues faced by women in Indian society. Reformers sought to challenge and change these customs, advocating for women's rights and equality.

5. Women's Representation and Suffrage: The question of women's representation in societal matters and their exclusion from political participation was also raised during this period. Some reformers argued for women's suffrage and their inclusion in decision-making processes.

6. Social Activism and Advocacy: Women themselves played an active role in the social reform movement. Raja Ram Mohan Roy's Brahmo Samaj and later organizations like the Arya Samaj and the Theosophical Society provided platforms for women to participate in social issues and advocate for their rights.

These issues and debates surrounding women in 19th century India laid the foundation for future feminist movements and contributed to significant legal and social reforms in the following decades.

The 19th century in India saw a burgeoning social reform movement, driven by a confluence of factors like British colonialism, exposure to Western ideas, and a growing awareness of social inequalities. This period saw the emergence of women's questions as a significant part of the reform agenda. Here are some major issues and debates concerning women:

1. Education:

• Access to Education: The most prominent issue was the denial of education to girls. Conservative societal norms and religious interpretations were used to justify this exclusion, arguing that education was unnecessary or even detrimental to women's traditional roles.
• Debate on Curriculum and Purpose: Even when schools were established for girls, there was debate on what curriculum they should receive. Some advocated for a focus on domestic skills and traditional values, while others pushed for a more rounded education that would equip women with knowledge and skills to participate in society more actively.

2. Widowhood and Remarriage:

• Sati and its Abolishment: Sati, the practice of a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre, was a major concern. While outlawed by the British in 1829, the practice continued in some areas, and the debate around its abolition was intense.
• Widow Remarriage: The social stigma attached to widow remarriage and the legal restrictions on it were strongly criticized by reformers. They argued for widow remarriage as a matter of basic human rights and a way to improve the lives of widowed women.

3. Polygamy and Child Marriage:

• Polygamy: The practice of polygamy, especially amongst the upper classes, was seen as harmful to women. Reformers argued for its abolition, advocating for monogamous relationships as a fairer and more equitable system.
• Child Marriage: Child marriage was rampant, leading to the exploitation and suffering of young girls. Reformers campaigned against it, advocating for the legal age of marriage to be raised and for laws to be enacted against child brides.

4. Women's Rights and Property:

• Inheritance Rights: Women were often denied their inheritance rights, leading to economic dependence on men. Reformers argued for equal inheritance rights for women, empowering them financially.
• Divorce and Property Rights: The limited legal rights of women in divorce cases and their inability to control their own property were widely criticized. Reformers sought changes in the legal system to ensure fair treatment for women in these situations.

5. Female Agency and Social Participation:

• The Purdah System: The purdah system, which confined women to the home and restricted their movement, was seen as a form of social control. Reformers advocated for the abolition of this practice, arguing that it limited women's opportunities and hindered their social participation.
• Women in Public Life: There were debates about the role of women in public life. Some reformers argued for women's involvement in social and political activities, while others believed that their focus should be on domestic duties.

6. The Role of Religion:

• Religious Interpretation and Women's Role: The interpretation of religious texts and their impact on women's lives was a key issue. Reformers challenged the traditional interpretations that they felt were discriminatory against women and advocated for reinterpretations that recognized women's agency and rights.
• Feminist Perspectives: While not explicitly termed "feminist," many reformers articulated ideas that foreshadowed later feminist movements. They spoke of the need for equality, the importance of women's education, and the right to control their own bodies and destinies.

Key Figures:

• Raja Rammohan Roy: A pioneer of social reform, he championed widow remarriage and challenged traditional interpretations of Hindu scriptures.
• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: A prominent advocate for education for girls and widow remarriage, he played a significant role in reforming Hindu society.
• Pandita Ramabai: A scholar and social reformer, she focused on empowering women through education and challenged social injustices against widows.
• Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain: A Bengali writer and social reformer, she advocated for women's education and social justice.

These debates and issues laid the foundation for women's rights movements in India. While progress was made in certain areas, the struggle for equality for women continued throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century.

The women's question in modern India emerged as a significant aspect of the 19th century social reform movement, which aimed to challenge traditional patriarchal norms and promote social change. The major issues and debates concerning women during this period were:

1. Widow Remarriage: The practice of sati (self-immolation of a widow on her husband's funeral pyre) was prevalent in many parts of India. Social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar campaigned against sati and advocated for widow remarriage, which was eventually legalized in 1856.
2. Female Education: Education was seen as a key factor in women's emancipation. Reformers like Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule established schools for girls, challenging the traditional notion that women didn't need education.
3. Child Marriage: The practice of child marriage was widespread, with girls as young as 5 or 6 being married off to men much older than them. Social reformers campaigned against this practice, and the Indian government eventually raised the minimum age of marriage for girls to 12 in 1891.
4. Purdah System: The purdah system, which required women to cover their faces and bodies in public, was seen as a symbol of female oppression. Reformers argued that it restricted women's freedom and mobility.
5. Property Rights: Women had limited or no rights over property, which made them vulnerable to exploitation. Reformers demanded changes to the law to give women equal rights over property.
6. Gender Roles and Stereotypes: The notion that women were inferior to men and were only suited for domestic work was challenged by reformers, who argued that women should have equal opportunities in education, employment, and public life.
7. Veil and Seclusion: The veil was seen as a symbol of female modesty, but reformers argued that it restricted women's access to education, employment, and public spaces.
8. Women's Employment: Women's participation in the workforce was limited, and they were largely confined to domestic work. Reformers advocated for women's employment in various fields, including education, healthcare, and social service.
9. Female Infanticide: The practice of female infanticide, where newborn girls were killed or abandoned, was prevalent in some parts of India. Reformers campaigned against this practice, highlighting the importance of girl child survival and education.
10. Reform of Hindu Law: The Hindu Law was seen as discriminatory towards women, particularly in matters of marriage, inheritance, and property rights. Reformers demanded changes to the law to give women equal rights and protection.

These debates and issues were hotly contested, with some arguing that social reform would lead to the breakdown of traditional Indian society, while others saw it as essential for modernization and women's empowerment. The women's question in 19th century India laid the foundation for the country's feminist movement in the 20th century.