Answer to Question #252034 in History for akansha

Question

Why do you think the question of Age of consent became so critical in late 19th century in India ?

Answer 1

The question of Age of consent became so critical in late 19th century in India because there was a legislation enacted in British India on 19^th march 1891 which rose the age of consent for sexual intercourse for all girls, married or unmarried from ten to twelve in all jurisdictions and its violation subject to criminal prosecution as rape. Age consent also become so critical in the 19^th century because it protected adolescents from sexual abuse and from the consequences of early sexual activity on their rights and development. Lastly, the age consent was critical during the 19^th century because it provided a law in India which also sheds light on how the society and families traditionally viewed matters of consent for sexual activity, marriage and sexuality.