Understanding the Association with Bethune Female School

The question asks about the individual who served as Secretary for the Hindu Female School, which was later renamed Bethune Female School. This institution played a significant role in promoting women's education in 19th-century India.

Identifying the Key Figure: Secretary of Hindu Female School

The Hindu Female School was founded in 1849 by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune in Calcutta. While Bethune was the founder, several prominent Indian social reformers were associated with its establishment and functioning. The role of Secretary was crucial for the school's administration and development, especially after Bethune's death.

Among the options provided, we need to identify the person who held the position of Secretary and was instrumental in ensuring the school's survival and growth, particularly after Bethune's passing. This individual took charge and managed the affairs of the school, advocating for female education tirelessly.

Analysing the Options

Let's look at the individuals mentioned in the options and their association with social reform and education in India:

• Annie Besant: A prominent figure, but primarily associated with the Theosophical Society and later with the Indian independence movement and educational institutions like the Central Hindu College (which later became part of Banaras Hindu University). Her work in India came much later than the founding of the Hindu Female School.
• Debendranath Tagore: A leading figure of the Brahmo Samaj and father of Rabindranath Tagore. He was involved in social and religious reform, but his primary association was not as the Secretary of the Hindu Female School.
• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: A towering figure of the Bengal Renaissance, a polymath, and a key social reformer. He was deeply committed to women's education and played a pivotal role in getting girls admitted to the Hindu Female School. After Bethune's death, he took charge of the school as its Secretary and managed it with his own funds for a significant period, facing considerable social opposition. His dedication was instrumental in keeping the school operational and expanding its reach.
• Sarojini Naidu: A famous poet and freedom fighter, known as 'The Nightingale of India'. Her work is associated with the 20th-century independence movement. She was not associated with the founding or early administration of the Hindu Female School in the mid-19th century.

Based on historical records, it is clear that Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was appointed as the Secretary of the Hindu Female School and played a crucial role in its administration and sustenance, especially after the founder's demise. His efforts were vital for the school's continuation and its eventual recognition as Bethune Female School.

Therefore, the person associated as Secretary with the Hindu Female School, later known as Bethune Female School, was Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

Revision Table: Key Facts about Bethune School and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

Additional Information: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's Contributions

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was much more than just the Secretary of the Bethune School. His contributions to Indian society and education were immense:

• Promoting Women's Education: Apart from Bethune School, he helped establish numerous other girls' schools throughout Bengal.
• Widow Remarriage: He was a fierce advocate for the remarriage of Hindu widows and played a crucial role in the enactment of the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856.
• Script Reform: He simplified the Bengali alphabet and reformed Bengali prose, making it more accessible.
• Social Reform: He worked against polygamy and other social evils.
• Philanthropy: He was known for his charitable nature and often helped the poor and needy.

His association with the Bethune School highlights his deep commitment to the cause of educating women, which he saw as essential for social progress.