Social and Religious Reform Movement [19th Century] | Modern Indian History Notes for UPSC WBCS BPSC UPPSC

Introduction: Social and Religious Reform Movement

In the 19th century in India, various social and religious reform movements emerged that challenged traditional norms and practices. These movements were responses to the socio-economic, cultural, and religious conditions prevailing under British colonial rule and the rigid structures of traditional Indian society. This period witnessed the rise of influential leaders who spearheaded movements that left a lasting impact on Indian society.

Characteristics: Social and Religious Reform Movement

• A challenge to Orthodoxy: rejection of orthodox practices and beliefs
• Advocacy for Social Equality: Reformers advocated for the upliftment of marginalized sections of society, including lower castes, women, and widows. They campaigned for equal rights, access to education, and the abolition of discriminatory practices.
• Religious Rationalism: Many reform movements promoted rationalism and a rejection of superstition.
• Emphasis on Women’s Rights: Reformers sought to improve the status of women in society by advocating for their education, widow remarriage, and the abolition of purdah (seclusion).

Hindu Reform Movement

Brahmo Samaj

• Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Dwarkanath Tagore on 20 August 1828 at Calcutta (It was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828 under the name of Brahmo Sabha).
• It began as a monotheistic reformist movement during the Bengal Renaissance ( a social movement that took place in Bengal from the late 18th century to the early 20th century).
• Brahmo Samaj does not discriminate between caste, creed, or religion.
• Brahmo Samajists have no faith in Avatars.
• Brahmo Samajists did not consider any scripture as an authority.
• They denounce polytheism and idol worship.
• Brahmo Samajists have faith in the doctrines of Karma and Rebirth.

Arya Samaj

• Arya Samaj was founded by Dayanand Saraswati on 7 April 1875.
• Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati was born on February 12, 1824 in Tankara, Gujarat.
• He received education from Guru Virjanand Dandi Ji at Mathura.
• Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Ji understood the root cause of contemporary problems in India was the prevalence of superstition, social evils, illiteracy, untouchability, castism by birth, and gender discrimination and he started working on it one by one.
• He founded Arya Samaj in 1875 in Bombay for expansion of his work.
• DAV College Lahore was established in 1883 after the demise of Dayanand Saraswati to commemorate his memories forever.

Ramakrishna Mission

Young Bengal Movement

• Origin: Emerged in early 19th century Bengal, primarily centered around the Hindu College in Calcutta.
• Key Figures: Prominent leaders included Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, David Hare, and Radhanath Sikdar.
• Intellectual Radicalism: Emphasized intellectual freedom, rationalism, and critical thinking, challenging orthodox Hindu beliefs and British colonialism.

Prarthana Samaj

• Foundation: Established in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1867 by Dr. Atmaram Pandurang, Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, and others.
• Philosophy: Rooted in the principles of monotheism, rationalism, and social reform, drawing inspiration from both Hindu and Christian scriptures.
• Social Reform: Advocated for various social reforms such as the abolition of caste distinctions, promotion of education for all, upliftment of women, and eradication of social evils like child marriage and untouchability.
• Religious Syncretism: Emphasized the universal elements of truth in different religions and encouraged interfaith dialogue and harmony.
• Activities: Conducted prayer meetings, educational programs, and social service initiatives. Established schools, orphanages, and widow remarriage associations.
• Key Figures: Besides the founders, prominent members included Keshav Chandra Sen and R.G. Bhandarkar, who played significant roles in advancing the movement’s goals.
• Impact: Prarthana Samaj played a crucial role in shaping the socio-religious landscape of the Bombay Presidency and beyond. It inspired similar reform movements in other parts of India and contributed to the broader Indian social reform movement of the 19th century.

Theosophical Movement

• Foundation: The Theosophical Society was founded in New York in 1875 by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and William Quan Judge. It later shifted its headquarters to Adyar, Chennai, India, in 1882.
• Philosophy: Theosophy aims to explore universal truths and the underlying unity of all religions, philosophies, and sciences.
• Key Beliefs:
  • Reincarnation and karma.
  • Existence of hidden knowledge accessible through spiritual practices and the study of ancient texts.
• Leadership: Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott were instrumental in popularizing Theosophy globally. Annie Besant, an influential leader, succeeded Olcott as president and expanded the movement in India.
• Activities: The Theosophical Society conducted lectures, study groups, and publications to disseminate its teachings. It also established schools, libraries, and centers for spiritual study and practice.

SNDP Movement

The SNDP (Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana) Movement is a significant social reform movement that originated in Kerala, India, in the early 20th century. Here are the key aspects of the SNDP Movement:

• Founder: The SNDP Movement was founded by Sri Narayana Guru, a social reformer, philosopher, and spiritual leader of Kerala, in 1903.
• Objectives: The primary objective of the SNDP Movement was the upliftment of the Ezhava community, which was considered socially and economically marginalized at that time.
• Social Reforms: The SNDP Movement focused on various social reforms, including the eradication of caste discrimination, the promotion of education among the lower castes, and empowerment of women.
• Organizational Structure: The SNDP Movement developed a robust organizational structure with local units known as ‘Samajams‘ established across Kerala. These Samajams served as platforms for social, educational, and cultural activities, fostering community cohesion and solidarity.

Muslim Reform Movements

Wahabi Movement

• Originating in the Arabian Peninsula, the Wahhabi movement propagated a puritanical interpretation of Islam that aimed to return to what its adherents perceived as the pristine practices of early Islam.
• In India, particularly during the colonial period, Wahhabi ideas influenced certain segments of the Muslim population, mainly in regions such as the northwest frontier areas and parts of present-day Kerala.
• The movement in India was characterized by resistance to British colonial rule and a focus on religious and social reform.

Titu Mir’s Movement

• Titu Mir was a Muslim leader in Bengal during the early 19th century.
• He led a movement against the oppressive policies of the British East India Company and the Hindu landlords.
• Titu Mir’s movement sought to assert the rights of Muslim peasants and challenge the economic and social injustices faced by Muslims in Bengal.

Faraizi Movement

• Led by Haji Shariatullah in Bengal during the early 19th century, the Faraizi Movement was a socio-religious movement that aimed to improve the condition of Muslims, particularly peasants.
• The movement emphasized the importance of following the Fara’id (religious duties) and sought to reform social practices and eliminate un-Islamic customs among Muslims.
• It also sought to promote education and economic empowerment among the Muslim population.

Aligarh Movement

• Founded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in the 19th century, the Aligarh Movement aimed to modernize and reform Muslim society in India.
• It emphasized the importance of education, particularly Western education, as a means of social and economic advancement for Muslims.
• The movement led to the establishment of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (later Aligarh Muslim University) in Aligarh, which became a significant center of Muslim education in India.

Ahmadiyya Movement

• Founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in the late 19th century, the Ahmadiyya Movement emerged as a reformist movement within Islam.
• It emphasized the peaceful propagation of Islam, spiritual revival, and the unity of humanity under the banner of Islam.
• The movement faced controversy and opposition from some orthodox Muslim groups due to its theological beliefs, particularly its view of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as a messianic figure.

Deoband Movement

• The Deoband Movement originated with the founding of Darul Uloom Deoband, a prominent Islamic seminary, in 1866.
• It aimed to preserve and propagate orthodox Sunni Islam, particularly the Hanafi school of jurisprudence.
• The Deobandis emphasized Islamic education and moral reform and played a significant role in the Indian independence movement, advocating for the rights and interests of Muslims in India.

Sikh Reform Movements

Nirankari Movement

• The Nirankari Movement was founded by Baba Dayal Das in the mid-19th century in Punjab.
• It emphasized devotion to a formless (nirankar) God and rejected the worship of idols and religious rituals.
• The movement faced opposition from orthodox Sikhs and other religious groups, leading to conflicts and violence, including the assassination of Baba Dayal Das in 1872.

Namdhari Movement

• he Namdhari Movement, also known as the Kuka Movement, emerged in Punjab in the mid-19th century under the leadership of Baba Balak Singh and later Guru Ram Singh.
• The movement emphasized devotion to God, meditation, and social reform, advocating for equality and justice.
• Namdharis rejected British authority and advocated for political independence for India. They also faced persecution from British authorities.

Singh Sabha

• The Singh Sabha Movement was a reformist movement within Sikhism that emerged in the late 19th century in response to perceived threats to Sikh identity and traditions.
• It aimed to promote Sikh religious and cultural practices, including the use of Punjabi language, Gurudwara reform, and the dissemination of Sikh literature.
• The movement sought to counteract the influence of Christian missionaries and Hindu revivalist movements, which were seen as eroding Sikh identity.

Akali Movement

• The Akali Movement, also known as the Shiromani Akali Dal, was a political and religious movement that emerged in the early 20th century among Sikhs in Punjab.
• It aimed to address issues such as control over Sikh Gurudwaras, religious and political rights, and the protection of Sikh interests.
• The Akali Movement played a significant role in the Gurdwara Reform Movement, which sought to wrest control of Sikh shrines from hereditary custodians (mahants) and place them under the management of elected representatives.

Other Reform Movements

Dharma Sabha

• The Dharma Sabha associated with Radhakanta Deb was a significant movement in colonial Bengal during the 19th century. Radhakanta Deb, a prominent zamindar (landlord) and social reformer from Bengal played a leading role in this movement.
• Radhakanta Deb:
  • Radhakanta Deb (1783–1867) was a notable figure in Bengal during the 19th century, known for his contributions to social and religious reform.
  • He was a zamindar of Bhagalpur estate in present-day Bangladesh and a member of the elite Bengali gentry.
  • Radhakanta Deb was influenced by the ideas of Raja Ram Mohan Roy and became actively involved in various social reform movements of his time.
• Dharma Sabha:
  • The Dharma Sabha associated with Radhakanta Deb was a religious reform movement aimed at addressing social and religious issues prevalent in Bengal during the 19th century.
  • The Dharma Sabha organized meetings, discussions, and campaigns to address various social issues and promote religious reform.
• Objectives:
  • The Dharma Sabha led by Radhakanta Deb aimed to challenge prevalent orthodoxies and promote rationalism, social reform, and religious tolerance.
  • It advocated for the abolition of practices such as sati (widow burning), child marriage, and caste discrimination.
  • The Sabha also aimed to counter superstitions and promote modern education among the masses.

Deccan Education Society

• The Deccan Education Society (DES) was founded in the late 19th century by notable figures such as Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, Mahadev Ballal Namjoshi, and others in Pune, Maharashtra.
• The society aimed to promote modern education among the masses, particularly in Maharashtra.
• The DES played a crucial role in the establishment of educational institutions such as the New English School, Fergusson College, and the Wadia College, which contributed significantly to the spread of Western education in Maharashtra.

Self Respect Movement

• The Self-Respect Movement was founded by E. V. Ramasamy (popularly known as Periyar) in the early 20th century in Tamil Nadu.
• It aimed to promote social reform, particularly among non-Brahmin communities, and combat social injustices such as caste discrimination and the dominance of Brahmins in religious and social spheres.
• The movement advocated for principles such as rationalism, self-respect, and social equality. It also challenged traditional Hindu practices and beliefs, advocating for social and religious reforms.

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