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Old NCERT Summary (Bipan Chandra): Social & Cultural Awakening in the First Half- 2 | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Debendranath Tagore and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

  • The Brahmo Samaj was initially lacking in energy but was revitalised by Debendranath Tagore , who was influenced by both traditional Indian learning and new Western ideas.
  • In 1839 , Debendranath Tagore founded the Tatvabodhini Sabha to promote Rammohan Roy 's ideas, attracting notable followers and independent thinkers.
  • The Tatvabodhini Sabha and its publication fostered a systematic study of India's history in Bengali and promoted a rational viewpoint among intellectuals.
  • In 1843 , Debendranath reorganised the Brahmo Samaj, infusing it with new energy and support for various social movements, including widow remarriage, abolition of polygamy, women's education, improvement of ryots' conditions, and temperance.

Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

  • Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a prominent scholar and reformer dedicated to social reform.
  • He faced challenges growing up in a poor family but became the principal of the Sanskrit College in 1851 .
  • Vidyasagar blended Indian and Western cultures, embracing the best of both.
  • Known for his strong character and brilliant mind, he lived by his beliefs, demonstrating a clear connection between thoughts and actions.
  • He was a true humanist, showing sympathy for the poor and oppressed, and his stories of kindness are still told in Bengal.
  • Vidyasagar made significant contributions to modern India, including developing a new teaching method for Sanskrit and writing a Bengali primer still in use today.
  • He advanced modern prose style in Bengali and opened the Sanskrit College to non-Brahmin students, challenging the priestly caste's monopoly on Sanskrit studies.
  • He introduced Western thought into Sanskrit studies and helped establish a college now named after him.
  • Vidyasagar is especially remembered for his efforts to uplift downtrodden women, following in Rammohun Roy's footsteps.

Contributions to Modern India

  • Vidyasagar fought tirelessly for widow remarriage, deeply moved by the struggles of Hindu widows.
  • In 1855 , he advocated for widow remarriage, leading to a significant movement that persists today.
  • Petitions were submitted to the Government requesting a law to legalise widow remarriage, leading to the first lawful Hindu widow remarriage among upper castes in British India, celebrated in Calcutta on 7 December 1856 .
  • Vidyasagar faced strong opposition from orthodox Hindus, including threats to his life, but continued his advocacy with courage.
  • He provided financial assistance to needy couples, facilitating twenty-five widow remarriages between 1855 and 1880 .
  • In 1850 , he protested against child marriage and campaigned against polygamy throughout his life.
  • Vidyasagar was passionate about women's education, organising thirty-five girls' schools, many funded by himself.
  • As Secretary of the Bethune School , he was a pioneer in higher education for women.
  • Early efforts to provide modern education to girls began with missionaries in 1821 , although these initiatives were often overshadowed by a focus on Christian education.
  • The Bethune School faced difficulties in attracting students, and educated women were often viewed negatively.

Introduction

In the 19th century, various reform movements emerged in different regions of India, each influenced by Western ideas. These movements aimed at social and religious reforms, focusing on issues like caste discrimination, women's rights, and the need for education.

Bengal and Western India

  • Western ideas had a profound impact on Bengal much earlier than in Western India . Bengal was quicker to absorb these ideas, while Western India, under British control only by 1818 , was slower to embrace them.

Early Reformers in Bombay

  • Bal Shastri Jambekar was a pioneering reformer in Bombay who challenged traditional Brahmanical practices and sought to reform popular Hinduism .
  • In 1832 , he started a weekly publication called the Darpan to correct misconceptions and showcase the progress of Europeans compared to others.

Prarthana Samaj

  • The Prarthana Samaj was founded in Maharashtra in 1849 . Its founders advocated for the belief in one God and aimed to dismantle rigid caste rules .
  • Members of the Prarthana Samaj practiced social equality by sharing meals prepared by low-caste individuals and supported causes like widow remarriage and women’s education .

Influence of the Mandali

  • R.G. Bhandarkar , a noted historian, reflected on the Mandali's impact on the youth, emphasizing the need to address caste distinctions for national progress.
  • In 1848 , educated young men established the Students Literary and Scientific Society with branches like the Gujarat and Marathi Dnyan Prasarak Mandalis .
  • This Society organized lectures on science and social issues and aimed to set up a school in Poona , leading to the establishment of several other schools supported by figures like Jagannath Shankar Seth and Bhau Daji .

Advocates for Widow Remarriage

  • Phule was a key figure in the widow remarriage movement in Maharashtra .
  • Vishnu Shastri Pundit established the Widow Remarriage Association in the 1850s .
  • Karsondas Mulji initiated the Saiya Prakash in Gujarati in 1852 to advocate for widow remarriage.
  • Gopal Hari Deshmukh , known as Lokahitawadi , promoted new learning and social reforms in Maharashtra , calling for a reorganization of society based on rational and humanistic principles.
  • Jotiba Phule , from a low-caste Mali family, was aware of the marginalized status of non-Brahmins and untouchables and dedicated his life to fighting upper-caste dominance and Brahmanical supremacy .

Dadabhai Naoroji and the Role of Language

  • Dadabhai Naoroji was a significant reformer in Bombay , involved in establishing an association for Zoroastrian reform and the Parsi Law Association , which advocated for women’s legal rights and uniform inheritance and marriage laws for Parsis .
  • Reformers primarily used the Indian language press and literature to spread their ideas, creating language primers and educational materials to support this effort.
  • Notable figures like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Rabindranath Tagore wrote Bengali primers that are still in use today.
  • The dissemination of modern and reformist ideas among the masses largely occurred through Indian languages .
  • The impact of 19th-century reformers lay not only in their numbers but in their role as trendsetters who significantly influenced the emergence of a new India .
The document Old NCERT Summary (Bipan Chandra): Social & Cultural Awakening in the First Half- 2 | History for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course History for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on Old NCERT Summary (Bipan Chandra): Social & Cultural Awakening in the First Half- 2 - History for UPSC CSE

1. What is the significance of the social and cultural awakening in the first half of the 20th century?
Ans. The social and cultural awakening in the first half of the 20th century played a crucial role in shaping the identity and consciousness of the Indian people. It led to the revival of indigenous traditions, the promotion of social reforms, and the development of a sense of national pride. This awakening laid the foundation for the Indian independence movement and paved the way for the country's eventual freedom from British colonial rule.
2. How did the social and cultural awakening impact Indian society?
Ans. The social and cultural awakening brought about significant changes in Indian society. It challenged social inequalities and discriminatory practices, such as the caste system and untouchability. It also promoted the rights and empowerment of women, leading to movements for gender equality and women's education. Additionally, it revived and celebrated Indian art, literature, and cultural heritage, fostering a sense of pride and national identity among the people.
3. What were the key factors that contributed to the social and cultural awakening in the first half of the 20th century in India?
Ans. Several factors contributed to the social and cultural awakening in India during this period. The impact of Western education and ideas, the influence of social and religious reform movements, the emergence of nationalist sentiments, and the participation of Indian intellectuals and leaders all played a crucial role. The spread of mass media, such as newspapers and magazines, also helped in disseminating new ideas and creating awareness among the masses.
4. How did the social and cultural awakening influence the freedom struggle in India?
Ans. The social and cultural awakening laid the foundation for the Indian freedom struggle. It instilled a sense of national consciousness and pride among the Indian people, motivating them to fight for their rights and independence. The social reforms and movements that emerged during this period, such as the abolition of child marriage and the promotion of women's rights, became integral parts of the larger struggle for freedom. The awakening also led to the formation of political organizations and the mobilization of the masses, which played a crucial role in the independence movement.
5. What were the major achievements of the social and cultural awakening in India during the first half of the 20th century?
Ans. The social and cultural awakening in India during this period achieved several significant milestones. It led to the eradication of social evils like child marriage and sati, and the promotion of women's education and empowerment. It revived and celebrated Indian art, literature, and cultural heritage, fostering a sense of national identity. It also laid the groundwork for the Indian independence movement, inspiring millions of Indians to fight for their rights and freedom.
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