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Socio Religious Reform Movements in India UPSC CSE

Socio Religious Reform Movements

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Summary Of Socio Religious Reform Movements

Socio-religious reform movements were the byproduct of existing evils present in 19th century in Indian society like Sati, child marriage, infanticide etc. These reform movements played an important role in the emergence of liberal and progressive new India. The reform movements fall into two categories. One, reformist movements like Brahmo Samaj, Prathna Samaj and the Aligarh movement. Second, revivalist movements like the Arya Samaj, the Ramakrishna mission and the Deoband movement.

The socio religious movements emerged as a powerful tool for change during the 19th and early 20th century. The movement aimed not only at reshaping religious ideologies but also eradicating social evils such as caste discrimination, sati and the deteriorating condition of women.

The reform movements fall into two categories. One, reformist movements like Brahmo Samaj, Prathna Samaj and the Aligarh movement. Second, revivalist movements like the Arya Samaj, the Ramakrishna mission and the Deoband movement.

  • Abolition of sati: In 1829, the practice of sati was officially abolished largely due to the efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
  • Increased literacy and education: The movements led to the establishment of educational institutions and increased access to education for women and lower castes.
  • Social legislations : The movements paved the way for various social reforms and legislation, such as the Widow Remarriage Act (1856) and the abolition of untouchability.
  • Rationaliation of religious practices: The movements encouraged a rational approach to religion and reduced the influence of superstitious practices.

Background Of Socio Religious Reform Movements

There were many factors which together propelled the Indian Renissance of 19th Century marked by the Social Reform Movements:-

  • Religious & Social Ills in the Society: Hindu religious practices overshadowed by superstitutous beliefs and rituals fostering control by priests. Women had a poor status with Female infanticide, child marriage, polygamy, and sati being prevalent. Rigid caste hierarchy which marginalized "untouchables," impeding social mobility and unity.
  • Impact of British Rule: India which had stagnated became exposed to advanced British ideologies and this sparked calls for change. Attempts by Christian Missionaries to convert people and propagation of Western culture triggered a defensive reassertion of traditional values.
  • New Awareness among Indians: Both politically and geographically with the spread of telegram, press, railways, English education etc India was becoming unified and there was greater dissemination of ideas. A Middle-Class Intelligentsia emerged.
  • Rise of Nationalism: Economic challenges, educational growth, global awareness, and nationalistic sentiments fueled the need for reform.

Introduction Of Socio Religious Reform Movements

The socio religious movements emerged as a powerful tool for change during the 19th and early 20th century. The movement aimed not only at reshaping religious ideologies but also eradicating social evils such as caste discrimination, sati and the deteriorating condition of women. The reform movements could broadly be classified into two categories—the reformist movements like the Brahmo Samaj, the Prarthana Samaj, the Aligarh Movement, and the revivalist movements like Arya Samaj and the Deoband movement. The reformist as well as the revivalist movement depended, to varying degrees, on an appeal to the lost purity of the religion they sought to reform.

SOME IMPORTANT SOCIO RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS

SOME IMPORTANT SOCIO RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS: While there were many social reform movements part of the Indian Renaissance, these are some of the major ones:

  • BRAHMO SAMAJ: Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in August 1828 to purify Hinduism based on a rational study of Vedas and Upanishads. Advocated Monotheism i.e. belief in one supreme God, rejecting idol worship and polytheism. Worked for social reforms like prohibition of child marriage, championed women's education, widow remarriage, and abolition of discriminatory practices like Sati. After the death of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the bastion of leadership of Brahmo Samaj was carried by Debendranath Tagore and Keshab Chandra Sen.
  • ARYA SAMAJ: Founded by by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875. Considered Vedas to be the ultimate source of truth. Opposed to dowry, caste system, idol worship, child marriage, polygamy and supported education for girl child.
  • PRATHNA SAMAJ: Established by Kesab Chandra Sen and Aatmaram Panduranga. MG Ranade joined it later in 1870. It echoed Brahmo Samaj's call for monotheistic worship and social reform. They championed the abolition of caste, child marriage, and widow seclusion, pushing for female education and the upliftment of the downtrodden. Unlike Brahmo Samaj, they embraced Hindu ceremonies in their own way, advocating for personal interpretation over strict orthodoxy
  • YOUNG BENGAL MOVEMENT: Led by Henry Vivian Derozio at Hindu College. They challenged traditional beliefs and embraced rational thought. Inspired by French Revolution’s ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity. The movement could not achieve desired success because the radical ideas propagated by this movement were not easily understandable by people of the time and lacked real link with the masses.
  • SATYASODHAK SAMAJ: Jyotiba Phule in 1873 for social service, spreading education and inclusive development for women and lower caste people Dalits and Shudras.
  • RAMAKRISHNA MISSION: Founded by Swami Vivekanand who advocated the doctrine of service of all beings. Rooted in the ancient Hindu philosophy of Vedanta, emphasizing self-realization and unity with Brahman, the ultimate reality. Promotes karmayoga i.e. selfless service to God and humanity as a path to spiritual liberation.
  • Shree Narayan Guru Dharma Paripala (SNDP): Led by Shree Narayan Guru Swamy was a regional movement born out of conflict between the Depressed classes (Ezhavas) and upper castes. Promoted the motto "Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam" (One Caste, One Religion, One God) to combat caste discrimination and advocate for social equality.
  • National Social Conference: Founded by M.G. Ranade and Raghunath Rao in 1887 became the social reform cell of Indian Naitonal Congress which advocated for inter-caste marriages and opposed polygamy. It launched the ‘Pledge Movement’ to inspire people to take a pledge against child marriage.

Significance of the Movements

Significance of the Movements: These movements laid the groundwork for modern India by questioning outdated practices and promoting social progress. Paved the way for a more equitable and inclusive society, challenging traditional hierarchies. Promoted critical thinking, scientific temper, and dispelled superstitious practices. Provided a sense of cultural rootedness and pride, especially for the rising middle class.

Nature of Reform Movements:

  • Rationalism: Emphasized reason, scientific thought, and critical thinking. Believed in equal treatment and reducing inequality.
  • Social activism: Campaigns, protests, and publications to raise awareness and pressure for change.
  • Cultural revival: Reclaiming India's heritage, promoting indigenous languages, arts, and traditions.
  • Universalism: a belief in the unity of god and an emphasis on religions being essentially the same.

Conclusion For Socio Religious Reform Movements

Socio-religious reform movements in the 18th century had a huge impact on society. Major movements, such as Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Prathna Samaj, Young Bengal Movement, Satyasodhak Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission, SNDP, and the National Social Conference, played a crucial role in challenging traditional practices and advocating for social progress. They left an indelible mark on Indian society, fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment.It not only aimed to improve the socio religious issues prevailing in the society but also led to rise of national identity. A wave of nationalism was borne out of reform and its impact was seen in the revolt of 1857 and further in the foundation of Indian National Congress in 1885.

Prelims PYQS Of Socio Religious Reform Movements

Satya Shodhak Samaj organised: (2016)
(a) a movement for upliftment of tribals Bihar
(b) a temple-entry movement in Gujarat
(c) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra
(d) a peasant movement in Punjab

Correct Answer :(C) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Brahmo Samaj? (2012)

1.It opposed idolatry.
2. It denied the need for a priestly class for interpreting the religious texts.
3. It popularised the doctrine that the Vedas are infallible

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3 only

Correct Answer :(B) 1 and 2 only
During the Indian freedom struggle, the National Social Conference was formed. What was the reason for its formation? (2012)
(a) Different social reform groups or organisations of the Bengal region united to form a single body to discuss the issues of larger interest and to prepare appropriate petitions/ representations to the government.
(b) Indian National Congress did not want to include social reforms in its deliberations and decided to form a separate body for such a purpose.
(c) Behramji Malabari and M. G. Ranade decided to bring together all the social reform groups of the country under one organisation.
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) a n d (c) given above is correct in this context

Correct Answer : (B) Indian National Congress did not want to include social reforms in its deliberations and decided to form a separate body for such a purpose.

Mains PYQS Of Socio Religious Reform Movements

Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (10 Marks, 150 Words) (2021)
Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century's 'Indian Renaissance' and the emergence of national identity (10 Marks, 150 Words) (2019)
The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period? (15 Marks, 250 Words) (2017)

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