Bipan Chandra Summary: Social & Cultural Awakening in the First of 19th Century | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

Social and Cultural Awakening in the First Half of the 19th Century

Introduction

The impact of modern Western culture on India in the early 19th century sparked a significant awakening. This awakening was characterized by a reevaluation of Indian society's shortcomings and a search for ways to address them. While some remained rooted in traditional Indian ideas, others saw potential in Western thought for societal regeneration.

• Rammohun Roy: The Central Figure

  
  Rammohun Roy emerged as a pivotal figure in this awakening, revered as the first great leader of modern India. He dedicated his life to various aspects of societal betterment, including social, religious, intellectual, and political spheres. Roy was deeply troubled by the stagnation and corruption prevalent in Indian society during his time, notably the dominance of caste and superstition in religion.

• Roy's Perspective

  
  Roy advocated for a synthesis of Eastern and Western thought, believing that Western culture held the key to India's revival. While he respected traditional Indian philosophies, he saw Western ideals such as rationalism, scientific inquiry, and humanism as essential for progress. He emphasized the importance of modernization, including the introduction of capitalism and industry, to meet the evolving needs of society.

• Roy's Scholarly Background

  
  Roy's extensive linguistic and scholarly proficiency equipped him to bridge Eastern and Western philosophies. He was well-versed in Sanskrit literature, Hindu philosophy, as well as Islamic and Western texts. His mastery of languages facilitated his deep exploration of various religious and philosophical traditions.

• Roy's Advocacy and Activism

  
  Upon settling in Calcutta, Roy established the Atmiya Sabha and embarked on a campaign against prevalent religious and social ills in Bengal. He vehemently opposed idol worship, caste rigidity, and meaningless rituals, attributing these practices to the exploitation by the priestly class. Roy sought to demonstrate through translations and writings that monotheism was inherent in Hindu scriptures, advocating for a more rational interpretation of religious texts.

• Roy's Rational Approach

  
  Roy's philosophy emphasized the supremacy of human reason in discerning truth, whether in Eastern or Western doctrines. He believed in departing from traditional beliefs if they proved detrimental to society, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and rational analysis. Despite his critique of Hinduism, Roy applied the same rational scrutiny to Christianity, advocating for the incorporation of its moral teachings into Hinduism.

• Formation of the Brahmo Samaj

  
  In 1829, Roy established the Brahmo Sabha, later known as the Brahmo Samaj, with the aim of purifying Hinduism and promoting the worship of one God. Grounded in reason and the Vedas, this society sought to reform Hindu practices, rejecting idolatry and advocating for social reforms such as the abolition of Sati.

• Orthodox Opposition and Legacy

  
  Roy faced vehement opposition from orthodox quarters for his radical views, enduring social ostracism and condemnation as a heretic. Despite the backlash, he persisted in his efforts to reform Indian society and promote religious tolerance. The Brahmo Samaj, founded on principles of reason and inclusivity, left a lasting legacy in Indian religious and social reform movements.
  

  Rammohun Roy: Thinker and Man of Action

  
  

  Social Reforms

  
  - Rammohun Roy initiated reforms within Hinduism, addressing social evils such as the practice of Sati.
  - He conducted a relentless campaign against Sati, rallying public opinion against this inhumane custom.
  - Roy appealed to reason and compassion, citing Hindu scriptures and engaging with communities directly to dissuade them from practicing Sati.
  - He organized groups to monitor and prevent instances of Sati, actively opposing orthodox Hindu petitions against the banning of Sati by British authorities.
  

  Champion of Women's Rights

  
  - Roy staunchly advocated for women's rights, denouncing their subjugation and challenging notions of female inferiority.
  - He condemned practices like polygamy and the mistreatment of widows, advocating for their inheritance and property rights to elevate their social status.
  

  Advocate of Modern Education

  
  - Roy recognized the transformative power of education and supported initiatives like the Hindu College founded by David Hare.
  - He established English and Vedanta schools, offering a blend of Indian and Western learning to foster intellectual growth.
  - Roy also played a crucial role in promoting Bengali as a language of intellectual exchange, contributing to the development of a modern prose style.
  

  National Consciousness and Social Unity

  
  - Roy envisioned a unified and resurgent India, aiming to eradicate corrupt elements within Indian religions and society.
  - He challenged the caste system, viewing it as a barrier to unity and patriotic sentiment among Indians.
  - Roy believed that religious reform was intertwined with political uplift, advocating for social equality as a precursor to national cohesion.
  

  Journalism and Political Activism

  
  - Roy pioneered Indian journalism, publishing journals in multiple languages to disseminate scientific, literary, and political knowledge.
  - He used his publications to educate the public, advocate for social and political reforms, and represent popular grievances to the government.
  - Roy actively engaged in political agitation, condemning oppressive practices by landlords and advocating for peasant rights, judicial reforms, and Indian representation in government.
  

  Internationalism and Advocacy

  
  - Roy espoused principles of international cooperation and opposed injustice and tyranny in all forms.
  - He supported causes of liberty, democracy, and nationalism globally, expressing solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide.
  - Roy fearlessly confronted social injustices and powerful adversaries throughout his life, embodying a steadfast commitment to his ideals despite personal hardships.
  

  Contributors to Social Reform in 19th Century India

  
  

  David Hare and Alexander Duff

  
  - Dutch watchmaker David Hare and Scottish missionary Alexander Duff provided significant support to Rammohun Roy's educational endeavors.
  - Hare founded the Hindu College in 1817, with Roy's enthusiastic assistance, promoting modern education in India.
  - Duff, through his missionary work, also contributed to the advancement of education in India.
  

  Associates of Rammohun Roy

  
  - Dwarkanath Tagore, Prasanna Kumar Tagore, Chandrashekhar Deb, and Tarachand Chakravarti were prominent Indian associates of Rammohun Roy.
  - They assisted Roy in his social and educational reforms, with Chakravarti serving as the first secretary of the Brahma Sabha.
  

  The Young Bengal Movement

  
  - The Young Bengal Movement emerged in the late 1820s and 1830s as a more radical trend among Bengali intellectuals.
  - Led by Henry Vivian Derozio, the movement embraced modern ideas influenced by the French Revolution.
  - Derozio and his followers, known as Derozians, advocated for rational thinking, questioning authority, and championing liberty, equality, and truth.
  

  Legacy of the Derozians

  
  - The Derozians challenged old customs and advocated for women's rights and education.
  - Despite their radicalism, they failed to create a lasting movement due to societal conditions and lack of support.
  - Nevertheless, they continued Roy's tradition of educating the public on social, economic, and political issues.
  

  Revitalization of the Brahmo Samaj

  
  - Debendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore, revitalized the Brahmo Samaj in the mid-19th century.
  - He founded the Tatvabodhini Sabha in 1839 to propagate Rammohun Roy's ideas, attracting prominent followers and independent thinkers.
  - The Brahmo Samaj, under Debendranath's leadership, supported various social reforms, including widow remarriage, women's education, and temperance.
  

  Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

  
  - Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, born in 1820, dedicated his life to social reform and education.
  - He rose from humble beginnings to become a renowned scholar and reformer, advocating for a blend of Indian and Western culture.
  - Vidyasagar's contributions included innovative teaching methods, promotion of vernacular education, and opening Sanskrit studies to non-Brahmins.
  

  Advocacy for Women's Rights

  
  - Vidyasagar played a crucial role in advocating for widow remarriage, facing opposition from orthodox Hindus but persisting in his efforts.
  - His campaign led to legislative changes allowing widow remarriage, and he personally oversaw numerous remarriage ceremonies.
  - Vidyasagar also protested against child marriage, campaigned against polygamy, and supported women's education, establishing girls' schools and promoting higher education for women.
  The organization you mentioned, the Paramahansa Mandali, was founded in Maharashtra in 1849. It was established by individuals who believed in the concept of one God and were primarily interested in challenging caste rules. The Paramahansa Mandali aimed to promote social equality by breaking caste barriers, and its members engaged in activities such as sharing meals cooked by people from lower castes. Additionally, the organization played a role in advocating for educational initiatives and social reform.
  Key points:
  

  Establishment of Paramahansa Mandali

  
  

  Founding and Ideals

  
  - The Paramahansa Mandali was founded in Maharashtra in 1849.
  - Its founders espoused beliefs in monotheism and were dedicated to challenging caste rules.
  - The organization sought to promote social equality and break down caste barriers in society.
  

  Social Initiatives

  
  - Members of the Paramahansa Mandali engaged in activities aimed at promoting social equality, such as sharing meals prepared by individuals from lower castes.
  - The organization advocated for educational initiatives and played a role in the promotion of social reform.
  Additionally, in Western India, the impact of Western ideas was felt earlier in regions like Bengal compared to areas brought under effective British control later. Initiatives for women's education faced significant prejudice and opposition initially, with fears that educated women would undermine traditional societal structures. Missionary efforts in the early 19th century laid the foundation for girls' education, albeit with a religious emphasis. However, by the mid-19th century, movements for social reform and educational advancement gained momentum across India, with figures like Jotiba Phule in Maharashtra and Dadabhai Naoroji in Bombay championing causes such as widow remarriage, education, and legal reform for women.
  Key points:
  

  Social Reform Movements in Maharashtra and Bombay

  
  

  Initiatives for Women's Education

  
  - Despite initial prejudice, efforts for women's education gained traction in the mid-19th century.
  - Missionary endeavors in the early 19th century laid the groundwork for girls' education but faced opposition due to religious concerns.
  - Figures like Jotiba Phule and his wife started schools for girls in Poona, supported by others like Jagnnath Shankar Seth and Bhau Daji.
  

  Advocacy for Social Equality and Reform

  
  - Gopal Hari Deshmukh, known as Lokahitwadi, advocated for the reorganization of Indian society based on rational principles and secular values.
  - Jotiba Phule campaigned against upper caste dominance and Brahmanical supremacy, addressing the socially degraded position of non-Brahmins and untouchables in Maharashtra.
  - Dadabhai Naoroji, a prominent figure in Bombay, was involved in social reform initiatives, including efforts to reform the Zoroastrian religion and advocate for legal rights for women within the Parsi community.