CBSE · Class 10 · Hindi · Kshitij Prose: Balgobin BhagatWhat revolutionary steps did Balgobin Bhagat take regarding his daughter-in-law, and why?

Balgobin Bhagat took highly progressive and revolutionary steps regarding his daughter-in-law, challenging the deeply rooted orthodox traditions of Indian society. First, when his son died, he broke the patriarchal norm by making his daughter-in-law perform the last rites and light the funeral pyre, a duty traditionally reserved only for men. Second, after the mourning period ended, he called her brother and ordered him to take her away and get her remarried. When she refused to leave, arguing that she wanted to stay and serve him in his old age, Bhagat remained firm. He gave her an ultimatum that if she did not leave, he would leave the house forever. By advocating for widow remarriage and gender equality in performing rituals, Bhagat proved himself to be a true social reformer.