In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around 1. women's right to gain education 2. age of consent 3. restitution of conjugal rights Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Why the answer is (b)

• Rakhmabai, married as a child in Bombay, refused in adulthood to live with her husband Dadaji Bhikaji, who sued in 1884 for restitution of conjugal rights (item 3).

• The case ignited public debate on child marriage and a woman's consent, feeding directly into the Age of Consent Act, 1891 (item 2).

• Item 1 is wrong: the case was not about women's right to education, though Rakhmabai later qualified as a doctor in London.

• The court initially ruled for her but the appeal went against her; Queen Victoria's intervention dissolved the marriage.

• Hence 2 and 3 only, option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2 only: Item 1 is wrong: education was not the issue in the case.
(c) 1 and 3 only: Item 1 is wrong; item 2 (age of consent) is correct.
(d) 1, 2 and 3: Item 1 is wrong.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.