Sample Answer:
Introduction
The beginning of the 19th century witnessed the birth of a modern vision among some enlightened personalities of the Indian society including Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Henry Derozio who initiated new era of social reforms.
Body
Rise and Growth of socio-religious reforms:
- Indian society was crippled with orthodox practices like sati system, no widow remarriage, infanticides, caste hierarchy etc.
- Emerging middle class and Western-educated intellectuals raise voices against backward practices.
- Reforms started in Bengal and Bombay presidency and gradually moved towards other parts of the empire.
- Reforms started with the women orientation but soon covered issues of girl child, inheritances, caste and religion. Prominent contributors were Iswar Chand Vidhyasagar, Dayanand Saraswati, Debendranath Tagore, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.
Role played by Young Bengal Movement and Brahmo Samaj
- Young Bengal Movement focused on thinking freely and rationally, question all authority, love liberty, equality and freedom, and oppose decadent customs and traditions while support women’s rights and education.
- Brahmo Samaj was committed to Prayers, meditation and readings of the Upanishads were to be the forms of worship and no graven image, statue or sculpture as it was against idolatry. Samaj gave importance to women equality, girl child education, monotheism and purification of Hinduism.
Conclusion
Social reforms in 19th century helped in evolution of Indian society that shaped the foundation of Indian national movement in 20th century and beyond.
