Consider the following about the Shuddhi movement in British India: 1...
- Derived from the ancient rite of shuddhikaran or purification, it was started by the Arya Samaj founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati and his followers like Swami Shraddhanand, who also worked on the Sangathan consolidation aspect of Hinduism in North India, especially Punjab in early the 1900s, though it gradually spread across India.
- Shuddhi had a social reform agenda behind its belligerent rationale and aimed to abolish the practice of untouchability by converting outcasts from other religions to Hinduism and integrating them into the mainstream community by elevating their position instilling self-confidence and self-determination in them. The movement strove to reduce the conversions of Hindus to Islam and Christianity, which were underway at the time.
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Consider the following about the Shuddhi movement in British India: 1...
Explanation:
The correct answer is option C - Both 1 and 2.
1. Socio-Political Movement Aimed at Reducing Conversions
The Shuddhi movement was indeed a socio-political movement aimed at reducing the conversions of Hindus to Islam and Christianity. During British colonial rule in India, there was a significant increase in conversions to Islam and Christianity, mainly due to missionary activities and the allure of opportunities offered by the British. This movement aimed to counteract these conversions and preserve the Hindu population.
2. Abolishing Untouchability by Converting Outcasts to Hinduism
The Shuddhi movement also aimed at abolishing the practice of untouchability by converting outcasts from other religions to Hinduism. The caste system in India had resulted in the marginalization and oppression of certain groups, known as untouchables or Dalits. These marginalized groups were often subjected to social discrimination and were considered impure or untouchable by the higher castes.
The Shuddhi movement sought to bring these outcastes back into the Hindu fold by converting them to Hinduism. The belief was that by converting these individuals, they would be accepted as part of the Hindu society and the practice of untouchability would be abolished.
Significance of the Shuddhi Movement
The Shuddhi movement was significant in several ways. It demonstrated the efforts of Hindus to address the challenges posed by conversions and preserve their religious identity in the face of British colonial rule. It also aimed to promote social equality and challenge the discriminatory practices of the caste system.
However, it is important to note that the Shuddhi movement was not without controversy. Critics argued that it perpetuated the idea of religious conversion and reinforced the hierarchical structure of the caste system. Additionally, the movement led to tensions between different religious communities and contributed to communal tensions in British India.
In conclusion, the Shuddhi movement was a socio-political movement aimed at reducing conversions of Hindus to Islam and Christianity, as well as abolishing the practice of untouchability by converting outcasts to Hinduism. It played a significant role in shaping religious and social dynamics during British colonial rule in India.
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