Women, Caste And Reform, History, Class 8 -Test - Class 8 MCQ

The Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Rammohun Roy.

Here is a detailed explanation:

1. Raja Rammohun Roy:

- Raja Rammohun Roy was a social reformer and intellectual from Bengal, India.
- He is known as the father of modern India.
- Raja Rammohun Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828 in Kolkata, with the aim of reforming Hindu society and promoting monotheism.
- The Brahmo Samaj was a socio-religious movement that advocated for the worship of one God and the rejection of idol worship and other superstitions.
- It sought to modernize and rationalize Hinduism by promoting liberal interpretations of scriptures and encouraging education for both men and women.
- Raja Rammohun Roy's efforts and the establishment of the Brahmo Samaj laid the foundation for the Indian Renaissance and the reform movements that followed.

2. Other Options:

- Dayanand Saraswati was the founder of the Arya Samaj, another important socio-religious movement in India.
- Swami Vivekananda was a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and played a significant role in the introduction of Hindu philosophies to the Western world.
- Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was a social reformer and educator who championed women's rights and promoted widow remarriage in India.

In conclusion:

- The Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Rammohun Roy, who was a prominent figure in the Indian reform movement during the 19th century.
- His contributions to social and religious reform continue to inspire generations and shape the modern Indian society we see today.

Sati practice and its ban in India
The practice of sati, also known as suttee, refers to the act of a widow self-immolating on her husband's funeral pyre. This practice was prevalent in ancient India and was considered a cultural norm in some communities. However, it was eventually deemed as a social evil and was banned by the British authorities. The ban on sati was a significant step towards women's rights and the abolition of inhumane practices.
The ban on sati:
The practice of sati was officially banned in the year 1829.
Reasons for the ban:
The ban on sati was primarily implemented due to the following reasons:
1. Humanitarian concerns: The act of self-immolation was seen as a violation of human rights and a form of violence against women. The British authorities felt the need to intervene and protect vulnerable individuals from such practices.
2. Christian missionary influence: Christian missionaries actively campaigned against sati, considering it as a barbaric and heathen practice. Their efforts played a significant role in raising awareness and garnering support for the ban.
3. Enlightenment ideas: The influence of Enlightenment ideas, which emphasized reason, individual rights, and equality, also contributed to the condemnation of sati. The British authorities sought to promote progressive values and eradicate regressive practices.
4. Legal reforms: The British government enacted several laws and regulations to abolish sati. These included the Bengal Sati Regulation Act of 1829, which made the act of sati illegal and punishable by law.
Impact of the ban:
The ban on sati had both positive and negative consequences:
1. Women's rights: The ban marked a significant milestone in the fight for women's rights in India. It highlighted the need to protect widows from societal pressures and provided a legal framework for their welfare.
2. Social change: The ban challenged traditional norms and customs, leading to a gradual shift in societal attitudes towards women. It paved the way for further reforms and discussions on gender equality.
3. Resistance and criticisms: The ban faced resistance from some sections of society who viewed it as an infringement on their religious and cultural practices. However, the ban was ultimately upheld, and sati is now universally condemned.
In conclusion, the practice of sati was officially banned in India in the year 1829. This ban played a crucial role in promoting women's rights and eradicating a harmful practice that had persisted for centuries.

Widow Home established at Poona:
The widow home that was established at Poona was by Pandita Ramabai.
Explanation:
Pandita Ramabai, an Indian social reformer and women's rights activist, established a widow home at Poona. Here are some key points about Pandita Ramabai and her work:
- Pandita Ramabai was born in 1858 in Maharashtra, India. She was a scholar and a champion for women's education and empowerment.
- She founded the Arya Mahila Samaj in 1882, an organization that worked towards the welfare of women, especially widows.
- In 1889, Pandita Ramabai established the Sharada Sadan, a home for widows in Poona (now Pune). This home provided shelter and support to widows, who were often marginalized and faced social stigma in Indian society.
- The Sharada Sadan aimed to provide education and vocational training to empower widows and help them become self-sufficient. It also focused on addressing the social and economic challenges faced by widows.
- Pandita Ramabai's efforts in establishing the widow home at Poona played a significant role in bringing attention to the plight of widows and advocating for their rights and well-being.
In conclusion, Pandita Ramabai established the widow home at Poona, providing a safe haven and support to widows and working towards their empowerment and social upliftment.

Answer:
The correct answer is B: Shudras.
Explanation:
Peasants and artisans were referred to as Shudras in the Hindu varna system. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Varna System: The varna system is a social hierarchy that developed in ancient India. It divided society into four main varnas or social classes based on occupation and birth.
2. Shudras: The Shudras were the lowest varna in the social hierarchy. They were primarily engaged in manual labor, including agricultural work, and were considered the servants and laborers of the upper varnas.
3. Peasants: Peasants were individuals who worked in agriculture and were responsible for cultivating the land and producing food.
4. Artisans: Artisans were skilled craftsmen who worked in various trades and produced goods such as pottery, textiles, metalwork, etc.
5. Role and Status: Both peasants and artisans held a lower social status compared to the higher varnas such as the Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), and Vaishyas (merchants and farmers).
6. Discrimination: The Shudras and other lower varnas faced discrimination and social restrictions, including limited access to education, religious rituals, and political power.
In conclusion, peasants and artisans were referred to as Shudras in the Hindu varna system, which placed them in the lowest social class.

Periyar founded:
- Self Respect Movement: Periyar E.V. Ramasamy founded the Self Respect Movement in 1925.
- Temple Entry Movement: Periyar also played a significant role in the Temple Entry Movement, which aimed to abolish caste-based restrictions on entry into Hindu temples.
- Paramhans Mandali: The Paramhans Mandali was a religious organization founded by Paramhansa Yogananda, not Periyar.
- Dalit Movement: While Periyar fought for the rights of marginalized communities, including Dalits, he did not specifically found the Dalit Movement. However, his work and ideology greatly influenced the Dalit movement in Tamil Nadu.
Explanation:
Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, also known as Periyar, was a social reformer and politician from Tamil Nadu, India. He is best known for his efforts to eradicate caste-based discrimination and promote social equality. Periyar founded the Self Respect Movement in 1925, which aimed to promote self-respect and dignity among the Dravidian people and challenge the oppressive Brahminical social order. He also played a crucial role in the Temple Entry Movement, advocating for the right of all castes, including Dalits, to enter Hindu temples. While he did not specifically found the Dalit Movement, his work and ideology greatly influenced the Dalit movement in Tamil Nadu and beyond. Periyar's initiatives and activism continue to inspire social justice movements in India today.

The Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College was opened by Sayyid Ahmed Khan

• Sayyid Ahmed Khan: He was the founder of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College, which later became Aligarh Muslim University.

Answer:
The statement "Raja Rammohun Roy founded the Arya Samaj in 1875" is false.
Raja Rammohun Roy was a prominent social reformer in India during the 19th century. While he made significant contributions to the reform movements of his time, the founding of the Arya Samaj was not one of them. Here are the details to support the answer:
1. Raja Rammohun Roy:
- Raja Rammohun Roy was born in 1772 in Bengal, India.
- He is often referred to as the "Father of the Indian Renaissance" due to his efforts in promoting social, educational, and religious reforms.
- He played a crucial role in the abolition of the practice of Sati (the burning of widows on their husband's funeral pyre) and advocated for the rights of women.
2. Arya Samaj:
- The Arya Samaj is a Hindu reform movement founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875.
- Swami Dayananda Saraswati was a religious leader and scholar who aimed to revive the ancient Vedic traditions.
- The Arya Samaj promotes the principles of monotheism, the rejection of idol worship, and the emphasis on education and social reform.
3. Role of Raja Rammohun Roy:
- Raja Rammohun Roy was not involved in the founding of the Arya Samaj.
- However, his ideas and contributions to social reform in India greatly influenced the reformist movements that emerged in the 19th century, including the Arya Samaj.
Therefore, the correct answer is False. Raja Rammohun Roy did not found the Arya Samaj in 1875. It was founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati.

Statement: Pandita Ramabai was a great scholar of Sanskrit and she founded a widow’s home at Poona to provide shelter to widows.

Answer: True

Explanation:

Pandita Ramabai:

• Pandita Ramabai was a prominent Indian social reformer, scholar, and advocate for women's rights.


• She was born on 23 April 1858 in Maharashtra, India.


• She belonged to a Brahmin family and received a comprehensive education.


• Pandita Ramabai was well-versed in Sanskrit and other languages.

Founder of Widow's Home:

• Pandita Ramabai established a widow's home called "Sharada Sadan" in Poona (now Pune) in 1889.


• The purpose of the home was to provide shelter, support, and education to widows who were often marginalized and neglected in Indian society.


• The home aimed to empower widows and enable them to lead independent lives.


• Pandita Ramabai's efforts in founding the widow's home were motivated by her own experiences as a widow and her desire to alleviate the suffering of other widows.


• The home provided widows with opportunities for education, vocational training, and spiritual guidance.

Legacy:

• Pandita Ramabai's widow's home in Poona became a symbol of empowerment and social reform.


• Her work in advocating for the rights of widows and women's education had a significant impact on Indian society.


• She was a pioneering figure in the feminist movement in India and a source of inspiration for future generations.

In conclusion, it is true that Pandita Ramabai was a great scholar of Sanskrit and she founded a widow's home at Poona to provide shelter to widows. Her contributions to women's empowerment and social reform continue to be recognized and celebrated.

The Begums of Bhopal and Muslim Girls' Education in Patna

The statement "The Begums of Bhopal started schools for Muslim girls in Patna" is False.

Here are the reasons why this statement is false:
1. Historical background:
- The Begums of Bhopal were female rulers who reigned over the princely state of Bhopal in central India from 1819 to 1926.
- The Begums of Bhopal were known for their progressive and reformist approach towards education and women's empowerment.
2. Contribution to education:
- The Begums of Bhopal played a significant role in promoting education, especially for girls, within their own state of Bhopal.
- They established several schools and institutions in Bhopal to provide education to both boys and girls, including the famous Taj-ul-Masajid Girls' School.
3. No record of schools in Patna:
- There is no historical evidence or records suggesting that the Begums of Bhopal started schools for Muslim girls in Patna.
- Patna, the capital city of Bihar, has its own historical significance and educational institutions, but it does not have a direct association with the Begums of Bhopal in terms of educational initiatives.
In conclusion, while the Begums of Bhopal made commendable efforts towards promoting education for girls within their own state of Bhopal, there is no evidence to support the claim that they started schools for Muslim girls in Patna.

Answer:

Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar did not strongly criticise widow remarriage. This statement is false.

Explanation:
There are several reasons that highlight Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar's support for widow remarriage and contradict the claim that he strongly criticised it. These reasons include:
1. Pioneer of social reform: Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was one of the key figures in the Bengal Renaissance, a period of social and cultural reform in 19th-century Bengal. He actively supported various progressive causes, including widow remarriage.
2. Advocacy for legalizing widow remarriage: Vidyasagar played a significant role in advocating for the legalization of widow remarriage through the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856. This act allowed Hindu widows to remarry, challenging the prevailing social norms.
3. Educational initiatives for widows: Vidyasagar established the first widow remarriage association in Calcutta in 1855, aiming to provide education and support to widows and encourage their remarriage. He believed in empowering widows through education and social acceptance.
4. Writing in support of widow remarriage: Vidyasagar wrote extensively on the importance of widow remarriage and the need to eradicate social stigma associated with it. His works, such as "Barna Parichay" and "Bidhaba Bibaha," promoted widow remarriage as a means to uplift widows and provide them with a chance at a fulfilling life.
5. Social impact: Vidyasagar's efforts towards widow remarriage had a significant social impact. His advocacy and initiatives helped change societal attitudes and gradually led to the acceptance of widow remarriage as a legitimate practice.
In conclusion, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar actively supported widow remarriage through his writings, advocacy, and establishment of institutions. Therefore, the statement that he strongly criticised widow remarriage is false.

The Arya Samaj and its attempt to reform Hinduism
The statement that the Arya Samaj was an association that attempted to reform Hinduism is True. Here are some key points to support this answer:
1. Introduction to the Arya Samaj:
- The Arya Samaj is a Hindu reform movement founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875.
- Its main objective was to advocate for the reform and revival of Hinduism.
2. Rejection of ritualistic practices:
- The Arya Samaj aimed to bring about a return to the original teachings of the Vedas and reject the prevalent ritualistic practices in Hinduism.
- They emphasized the importance of monotheism, rejecting idol worship, and promoting the worship of the one true God.
3. Promotion of social reforms:
- The Arya Samaj actively worked towards social and educational reforms within Hindu society.
- They advocated for the education of women, widow remarriage, and the eradication of social evils such as child marriage and untouchability.
4. Advocacy for the use of vernacular languages:
- The Arya Samaj promoted the use of vernacular languages, particularly Hindi, in religious and educational contexts.
- This was seen as a way to make religious texts more accessible to the masses.
5. Contributions to Hindu society:
- The Arya Samaj played a significant role in shaping modern Hinduism and Indian society.
- Their efforts towards religious and social reform have had a lasting impact, influencing subsequent movements and organizations.
In conclusion, the Arya Samaj was indeed an association that aimed to reform Hinduism. Their emphasis on returning to Vedic teachings, rejection of ritualistic practices, advocacy for social reforms, and promotion of vernacular languages all contribute to their role as reformers within Hinduism.

Answer:
Introduction:
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker were prominent social reformers who played significant roles in the movement for caste reform in the 20th century in India.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar:
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, and he belonged to the Dalit community, formerly known as the "untouchables."
- He emerged as a prominent leader and scholar, advocating for the rights and upliftment of the marginalized sections of society.
- Ambedkar campaigned against the caste system and worked towards the eradication of untouchability.
- He was instrumental in the inclusion of provisions for social justice and equality in the Indian Constitution.
- Ambedkar also played a crucial role in the drafting of the Hindu Code Bill, which sought to reform Hindu personal laws.
E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker:
- E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, popularly known as Periyar, was born on September 17, 1879, in Tamil Nadu, India.
- He was a social activist and politician who vehemently opposed the social inequalities perpetuated by the caste system.
- Naicker founded the Self-Respect Movement, which aimed to promote rationalism, self-respect, and social justice.
- He criticized the Brahminical domination and called for the eradication of caste-based discrimination.
- Periyar also advocated for gender equality and women's rights.
Conclusion:
Both Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker were influential figures who continued the movement for caste reform in the 20th century. Through their activism and efforts, they fought for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities in India.

False
- Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar is not popularly known as Periyar.
- Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar (1891-1956) was an Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer.
- He was one of the key architects of the Indian Constitution and played a significant role in the upliftment of marginalized communities, especially the Dalits (formerly known as untouchables).
- Periyar, on the other hand, refers to E. V. Ramasamy (1879-1973), who was a social activist and politician from Tamil Nadu, India.
- Periyar is known for his advocacy of the rights of the non-Brahmin Dravidian communities and his opposition to the caste system and Brahminical dominance in society.
- Both Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and Periyar made significant contributions towards social justice and equality in India, but they are two distinct personalities with different ideologies and backgrounds.
- It is important to correctly identify and acknowledge their individual contributions and not confuse their identities.