Age of Consent Act of 1891

The Age of Consent Act of 1891 was a piece of British-Indian legislation that addressed the age of statutory rape for Indian brides. It was considered a timid reform by some, as it only raised the age from 10 to 12 years old. This act was part of a broader social policy during the British raj, which saw a halt in liberal socio-religious reforms for over three decades, largely due to fears of further mutiny and a reluctance to interfere with religious beliefs. The British administration's approach to social policy during this era was characterized by a desire to maintain control and avoid alienating the Indian population, leading to incremental changes rather than sweeping reforms.12