HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 20: Model Answer

Question: Discuss the social implications of ‘Karewa’ for women in Himachal Pradesh. (4 Marks, 60 Words)

Answer: 

• In our society women has been given a special place since ages. In the present day women are progressing more and proving their mettle in every arena whether it be education, politics, health, govt. jobs corporate world, and agriculture or household jobs.
• The custom of Karewa’  a cruel symbol of male domination, where young widow pressurized by panchayat to enter into an alliance with the elder brother of her deceased husband. Historically, was for the purpose of providing protection and security to the woman and her children who otherwise would have become orphans. But the custom degenerated into compulsive requirement even against the wishes of the woman in a male-dominated society. This custom has long out-live its usefulness which it had in the past when there were no social welfare services and support systems outside of the family.
• Women empowerment is the prerequisite of any progressive society and no nation can claim development by denying the basic rights and opportunities to their majority population.