Test: Social & Cultural Awakening, Lower Caste, Trade Union & Peasants Movements - 1 - UPSC MCQ

Raja Rammohan Roy passed away on 7th September 1833. His death occurred in Bristol, England.

Key points about Raja Rammohan Roy:

• He was a prominent social reformer and a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance.
• Roy advocated for various social reforms, including the abolition of Sati.
• He played a significant role in the introduction of modern education in India.
• His efforts laid the groundwork for future reform movements in the country.

Raja Rammohan Roy's legacy continues to influence Indian society today.

The Young Bengal Movement was a significant intellectual movement in the early 19th century, spearheaded by H.V. Derozio, an Anglo-Indian educator and reformer. This movement represented a shift towards modernity and rational thought in Bengal.

• The Young Bengal Movement emerged as a response to traditional norms.
• It encouraged critical thinking and questioned established beliefs.
• Members of this movement were known for their progressive ideas, advocating for social reform.
• It played a crucial role in shaping modern Indian thought and culture.

Through its emphasis on education, rationality, and reform, the Young Bengal Movement laid the groundwork for future movements in India, promoting a spirit of inquiry and change.

Derozio taught at Hindu College from 1826 to 1831, embracing the most radical views of his time. His inspiration came from various movements that sought significant social and political change.

• The movement for the betterment of Ireland
• The American War of Independence
• The French Revolution

These events collectively influenced his teaching and ideas, reflecting a strong desire for reform and progress.

The Derozians embraced reason, challenged outdated customs, and valued liberty and equality. However, they struggled to establish a successful movement due to several factors:

• Many members faced condemnation from both the British authorities and the majority of Indians.
• After H.V. Derozio, there was a lack of effective leadership.
• Social conditions in India were not yet suitable for their ideas to thrive.

The Derozians did not actively support certain social causes during their movement. Their focus was primarily elsewhere, leading to the neglect of significant issues that affected various segments of society.

• The Derozians largely overlooked the plight of peasants, who faced numerous hardships.
• Additionally, the movement failed to advocate for women's rights, leaving their issues unaddressed.

This lack of engagement with these groups indicates a limitation in the Derozians’ broader social vision.

S.N. Banerjee referred to the Derozians as "the pioneers of the modern civilisation of Bengal." He regarded them as the "conscript fathers of our race," highlighting their significant contributions and influence on Bengali society. Banerjee expressed a deep respect for their virtues, suggesting that these qualities would inspire veneration. At the same time, he acknowledged their shortcomings, indicating that these would be viewed with gentle consideration.

• Banerjee's description underscores the important role of the Derozians in shaping modern Bengal.
• He highlighted their positive traits while also calling for an understanding of their flaws.
• This duality reflects a broader appreciation for historical figures, recognising both achievements and failures.

Debendranath Tagore, the father of Rabindranath Tagore, founded the Tatua Bodhini Sabha with the aim of promoting the ideas of Rammohan Roy. This initiative was established in the year 1839.

• The Tatua Bodhini Sabha played a significant role in the reform movement.
• It aimed to educate people about rational thought and social reforms.
• Debendranath Tagore was influenced by Rammohan Roy’s vision of modernising Indian society.

This organisation contributed to the broader social and cultural changes in 19th-century India.

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, A.K. Dutt, and Jotiba Phule were significant figures in the Indian social reform movement during the 19th century. However, only one of them was not associated with the Tatvabodhini Sabha.

The Tatvabodhini Sabha was founded in 1839 in Kolkata and played a crucial role in promoting social reform, particularly in the context of Hindu society. The Sabha focused on educational reform, the abolition of superstitions, and the promotion of rational thought.

• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: A prominent educationist and reformer, he was a key member of the Sabha. He advocated for women's rights, particularly in education and marriage.
• A.K. Dutt: Another notable member of the Sabha, he was involved in various reformative activities and supported the cause of social justice.
• Jotiba Phule: While a major reformer, he operated primarily in Maharashtra and was not directly associated with the Tatvabodhini Sabha.

Thus, the individual who was not a member of the Tatvabodhini Sabha is Jotiba Phule.

Debendranath Tagore played a crucial role in revitalising the Brahmo Samaj. His efforts included:

• Reorganising the community to enhance its structure and outreach.
• Introducing reforms that aligned with modern values.
• Promoting social and religious reforms to foster unity.

Through these actions, he significantly influenced the movement, making it more relevant in his time.

Tatvabodhini Sabha supported several important social reforms:

• Widow remarriage and women’s education were key focuses, promoting gender equality.
• The Sabha advocated for temperance, encouraging moderation in alcohol consumption.
• It worked towards the abolition of polygamy, aiming to improve the status of women.
• Additionally, the Sabha sought the improvement of the ryot’s condition, addressing the rights and welfare of farmers.

These initiatives reflect the Sabha's commitment to social reform and upliftment of marginalised communities.

Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar became the principal of the Sanskrit College in the year 1851.

• Vidya Sagar was a prominent educational reformer in India.
• His leadership at the college played a crucial role in promoting education and social reform.
• He was known for his efforts to improve the status of women and advocate for their rights.
• His tenure is marked by significant contributions to both Sanskrit literature and modern education.

Vidyasagar introduced significant changes to Sanskrit studies at the Sanskrit College, aiming to liberate the field from its previous isolation. His initiatives included:

• Incorporating ancient Indian philosophy to enrich the understanding of traditional texts.
• Introducing Western thought to broaden perspectives and foster critical analysis.
• Studying nature to connect philosophical ideas with the real world.

These changes collectively aimed to create a more dynamic and relevant approach to Sanskrit studies, encouraging students to explore various intellectual traditions and engage with a wider range of ideas.

Vidyasagar made significant contributions to women's rights in India. His advocacy led to important legal reforms, including:

• The passing of the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act, which aimed to improve the status of widows.
• This act allowed widows to remarry, challenging traditional norms that restricted their rights.
• His efforts were pivotal in changing societal attitudes towards widows and their roles in society.

The enactment of this law marked a crucial step in the fight for women's rights in India.

The Bethune School was established as a significant part of the movement advocating for women's education during the 1840s and 1850s. This initiative aimed to provide educational opportunities for girls in a time when such prospects were limited.

Vidyasagar served as the Secretary of this school, which played a crucial role in promoting literacy and empowerment among women in Calcutta.

• The school represented a progressive step towards gender equality in education.
• It contributed to changing societal perceptions about women's roles and capabilities.
• The establishment of the Bethune School marked a pivotal moment in India's educational landscape.

The Paramhansa Mandali was founded in 1849 in Maharashtra.

The founders believed in one God and aimed to challenge the existing caste system. Their meetings included:

• Members consuming food prepared by individuals from lower castes.
• Encouraging unity and equality among different social groups.

This initiative was significant in promoting social reform and inclusivity during a time of rigid caste distinctions.

In 1849, a group of educated young men established the Student’s Literary and Scientific Society.

This society had two main branches:

• Tamil and Kannada Dnyan Prasarka Mandlis.
• Marathi and Gujarat Dnyan Prasarka Mandlis.

These branches aimed to promote knowledge and education in their respective languages and cultures.

Jotiba Phule was a significant figure in promoting the widow remarriage movement in Maharashtra. His contributions included:

• Advocating for women's rights and education.
• Challenging social norms and traditions that restricted women's independence.
• Founding the first girls' school in Pune, which symbolised his commitment to empowering women.
• Encouraging widows to remarry, thereby normalising this practice in society.

Phule's efforts laid the groundwork for subsequent reforms and inspired many to support the cause of widow remarriage, making him a pioneer in this movement.

Jotiba Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule, were pioneering social reformers in India. In 1851, they established the first school for girls in Poona, which was a significant step towards women's education in a time when such initiatives were rare.

• Jotiba Phule focused on promoting education for all, particularly for women and the lower castes.
• His wife, Savitribai Phule, played a crucial role as the first female teacher in the school and worked tirelessly for women's rights.
• Their efforts challenged the existing societal norms and laid the foundation for future educational reforms.
• This initiative was part of a broader movement that aimed to eradicate ignorance and promote equality.

The establishment of the girls' school in Poona is a landmark event in the history of education in India, representing a commitment to progressive values and social change.

The Widow Remarriage Association was founded by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in the 1850s. This organisation played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of widows, promoting their remarriage and challenging societal norms that stigmatized them.

Key contributions include:

• Social reform: Vidyasagar worked tirelessly to change public perceptions about widows.
• Legal changes: He actively campaigned for laws that would support widow remarriage.
• Education: Vidyasagar believed that education was vital for improving the status of women in society.

His efforts were significant in the broader movement for women's rights in India, making him a pivotal figure in the fight against social injustices.

The Satya Prakash was launched in Gujarati in 1852 to promote widow remarriage. This initiative played a crucial role in advocating for social reforms in India.

• Karsondas Mulji was the key figure behind this publication.
• He aimed to challenge prevailing social norms and encourage progressive thoughts.
• The period marked significant movements for women's rights in India.
• Mulji's efforts were part of a broader campaign for social justice.

The impact of the Satya Prakash was significant in raising awareness about the importance of widow remarriage and women's rights.

G.H. Deshmukh was a prominent figure who advocated for the reorganisation of Indian society. His vision was centred on integrating rational principles with modern, humanistic, and secular values. Below are some key aspects of his approach:

• Deshmukh emphasised the need for a society based on reason and scientific thinking.
• He believed that social reform should be grounded in rationality, moving away from traditional dogmas.
• His focus was on creating an inclusive society that respected all individuals, regardless of their background.
• Deshmukh's ideas contributed to the broader movement for social justice and equality in India.

His efforts were part of a larger trend of reformers who aimed to transform Indian society through education and progressive thought.

G.H. Deshmukh, known by the pen-name Lokahitawadi, was a prominent figure in Indian literature and social reform. His contributions are significant for several reasons:

• He advocated for social justice and education, focusing on the upliftment of the underprivileged.
• Deshmukh's writings addressed the importance of rational thinking and challenged traditional norms.
• He played a key role in promoting the use of the Marathi language in literature and education.
• His works often highlighted the need for women's rights and empowerment.

Through his literary efforts, G.H. Deshmukh significantly influenced the social landscape of his time.

Jotiba Phule was born into a low caste mali family and dedicated his life to fighting against the domination of upper castes and the supremacy of Brahmanism.

• He was a prominent social reformer in India.
• Phule worked to promote education, especially for women and lower castes.
• He founded the Satya Shodhak Samaj to advocate for social justice.
• His efforts aimed to challenge and dismantle the rigid caste system.

Through his activism, Jotiba Phule became a key figure in the struggle for equality and human rights in India.

One of the founders of an association to reform the Zoroastrian religion and the Parsi Law Association was Karsondas Mulji.

• Karsondas Mulji played a significant role in advocating for women's legal status.
• He pushed for a uniform law regarding inheritance and marriage for the Parsi community.
• His efforts were aimed at modernising the Zoroastrian religion and improving social conditions.
• The reforms sought to address gender inequalities within the community.

J.S. Seth and Bhau Daji are renowned for their contributions to social reform in India. Their key initiatives include:

• Promoting education for women, recognising its importance for societal development.
• Supporting widow remarriage, which challenged traditional norms and provided a path for women's empowerment.
• Launching an attack against polygamy in the Deccan, advocating for legal reforms to protect women's rights.

Through these efforts, they played a crucial role in advancing social justice and equality.

Jotiba Phule established the Satya Shodak Samaj in 1873. This organisation was founded with the aim of promoting social reform and fighting against oppression.

The main objectives of the Satya Shodak Samaj included:

• Educating the lower castes and women
• Challenging social inequalities and caste discrimination
• Advocating for the rights of the downtrodden
• Promoting rational thinking and scientific temper

Through his efforts, Phule aimed to create a more equitable society, where everyone could enjoy the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their caste or gender.

Jotiba Phule was the founder of the Dinbandhu Sarvajanik Sabha, established in 1884. This organisation played a crucial role in advocating for social reforms and addressing the issues faced by the lower castes in India.

• Phule was a pioneering social reformer who worked tirelessly for the rights of the oppressed.
• The Sabha aimed to promote education and uplift the status of marginalised communities.
• It served as a platform for discussing social issues and advocating for equality.

Through his efforts, Jotiba Phule laid the groundwork for future movements focused on social justice and education in India.

The Act of 1860 was a significant piece of legislation in India, as it raised the age of consent for girls to ten years. This change was driven by the efforts of several social reformers who were dedicated to improving the status of women and protecting their rights. Key contributors included:

• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar - A prominent educator and social reformer known for his advocacy for women's rights.
• D.K. Karve - An influential figure in the women's movement, focusing on education and social reform.
• Jotiba Phule - A pioneering social reformer who fought against caste discrimination and advocated for women's rights.
• M.C. Ranade - A social reformer who worked towards the upliftment of women and the abolition of social injustices.

These reformers played crucial roles in shaping public opinion and pushing for legislative changes to protect young girls from exploitation.

The 19th century reawakening in India primarily involved various social classes. Key participants included:

• Upper middle classes: This group played a significant role in the cultural and social reforms.
• Priestly classes: They contributed to the revival of traditional practices and ideologies.
• Urban landlords: Their influence helped shape the economic landscape during this period.

Collectively, these groups were instrumental in fostering a sense of identity and promoting changes that affected Indian society.

Jonathan Duncan established a madrasa in Calcutta in 1781. This institution was significant for several reasons:

• The madrasa focused on teaching Arabic and Persian languages.
• It played a vital role in the educational landscape of India at the time.
• Jonathan Duncan aimed to enhance the understanding of Islamic culture and literature.

His efforts contributed to the broader movement of educational reform during the British colonial period, promoting a blend of Eastern and Western knowledge.