Class 8 Social-Science Chapter 7 Practice Question Answers - Women, Caste and Reform

Q1: What was the focus of Jyotirao Phule's efforts towards social reform?
(a) Caste discrimination
(b) Women's education
(c) Industrialization
(d) Political power
Ans: (b)
Jyotirao Phule was a prominent social reformer who focused on women's education as a means to uplift society. He established schools for girls and advocated for women's rights.

Q2: Who is known for leading the 'Temple Entry Movement' in Kerala?
(a) Raja Rammohan Roy
(b) B.R. Ambedkar
(c) Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
(d) Dadabhai Naoroji
Ans: (c)
Periyar E.V. Ramasamy led the 'Temple Entry Movement' in Kerala, advocating for the right of lower-caste individuals to enter temples that were previously restricted to higher castes.

Q3: What was the aim of the Sati Regulation Act passed in 1829?
(a) Abolishing child marriage
(b) Allowing inter-caste marriages
(c) Prohibiting the practice of Sati
(d) Promoting widow remarriage
Ans: (c)
The Sati Regulation Act of 1829 was aimed at prohibiting the practice of Sati, where widows were expected to immolate themselves on their husband's funeral pyres.

Q4: Who founded the 'Arya Samaj' to promote social and religious reform in the 19th century?
(a) Swami Vivekananda
(b) Dayanand Saraswati
(c) Rabindranath Tagore
(d) Swami Prabhupada
Ans: (b)
Dayanand Saraswati founded the 'Arya Samaj' with the goal of promoting social and religious reform based on the principles of Vedic teachings and opposing caste discrimination.

Q5: The Indian Reform Association was founded by:
(a) Raja Rammohan Roy
(b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Ans: (a)
Raja Rammohan Roy founded the Indian Reform Association in 1828 to advocate for social and religious reforms and to challenge traditional practices like Sati.

Q6: Explain the significance of the 'Temple Entry Movement' led by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy during the early 20th century.
Ans: The 'Temple Entry Movement' led by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy aimed to challenge the caste-based discrimination prevalent in Indian society. Periyar advocated for the right of lower-caste individuals to enter temples, which were traditionally restricted to higher castes. This movement sought to promote equality and social justice by challenging centuries-old discriminatory practices. The movement not only addressed religious inequality but also fostered a broader movement for social reform, emphasizing the importance of dismantling caste-based hierarchies.

Q7: Describe the contributions of Raja Rammohan Roy towards the upliftment of women in the 19th century.
Ans: Raja Rammohan Roy played a significant role in advocating for the rights and upliftment of women during the 19th century. He criticized practices like Sati and child marriage, highlighting the need for women's education and empowerment. His efforts culminated in the passage of the Sati Regulation Act of 1829, which prohibited the practice of Sati. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of widow remarriage and the need for women to have access to modern education. His work laid the foundation for future social reforms aimed at improving the status of women in Indian society.

Q8: How did Jyotirao Phule contribute to the promotion of education and social reform?
Ans: Jyotirao Phule was a prominent social reformer who made significant contributions to education and social reform. He established schools for girls and advocated for the education of women, recognizing that education was crucial for societal progress. He challenged the caste-based hierarchical system and critiqued Brahmanical dominance. Phule's efforts paved the way for a more inclusive society by promoting equality among different castes. His works, such as "Gulamgiri," emphasized the need for social justice and equality, inspiring subsequent generations of reformers and leaders.

Q9: Explain the goals of the 'Arya Samaj' founded by Dayanand Saraswati.
Ans: The 'Arya Samaj,' founded by Dayanand Saraswati, aimed to promote social and religious reform based on the principles of the Vedas. It sought to counter prevalent social evils such as caste discrimination, idol worship, and ritualistic practices that had deviated from the original teachings of the Vedas. The Arya Samaj emphasized monotheism, the pursuit of knowledge, and the rejection of rituals not supported by the Vedas. It advocated for social equality, widow remarriage, and women's education. Through its emphasis on Vedic teachings, the Arya Samaj aimed to restore a more rational and equitable form of Hinduism.

Q10: Discuss the role of the Indian Reform Association in the 19th century towards social reforms.
Ans: The Indian Reform Association, founded by Raja Rammohan Roy in 1828, played a crucial role in advocating for social reforms during the 19th century. It focused on challenging orthodox practices, particularly those rooted in caste-based discrimination and religious dogma. The association campaigned against practices like Sati and promoted widow remarriage and women's education. It sought to rationalize Hindu practices, advocating for a more inclusive and modern interpretation of the religion. Through its publications and advocacy, the Indian Reform Association laid the groundwork for later reform movements and contributed to the transformation of social norms and attitudes.

Q11: Explain the social reform movements that emerged in the 19th century to address issues related to women's rights in India.
Ans: In the 19th century, several social reform movements aimed at addressing women's rights issues in India emerged. The Raja Ram Mohan Roy-led Brahmo Samaj advocated against practices like sati and promoted widow remarriage. The Prarthana Samaj in Maharashtra focused on women's education and fought for their social upliftment. Additionally, the Arya Samaj under the leadership of Swami Dayanand Saraswati worked towards eradicating child marriage and promoting women's education. These movements aimed to challenge regressive customs, improve women's status, and provide them with education and opportunities for empowerment.

Q12: Discuss the role of women in the social reform movements of the 19th and early 20th centuries in India.
Ans: Women played a significant role in the social reform movements of the 19th and early 20th centuries in India. Many women actively participated in campaigns against practices like sati, child marriage, and purdah. Leaders like Pandita Ramabai and Savitribai Phule were pioneers in advocating for women's education and empowerment. They established schools and institutions to uplift women. Women's participation in movements like the Suffragette Movement in Bombay and the Non-Brahmin Movement in Tamil Nadu showcased their determination to challenge societal norms. These efforts by women not only advanced their own rights but also contributed to broader social transformations.

Q13: Examine the role of Jyotirao Phule in advocating for the rights of lower-caste women in India.
Ans: Jyotirao Phule, a prominent social reformer, played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of lower-caste women in India. He founded the Satyashodhak Samaj to challenge the oppressive caste system and promote education and dignity for lower castes, including women. Phule believed that educating women would lead to social progress. He started schools for girls from all castes and encouraged them to participate in public life. His efforts aimed at breaking the barriers of caste and gender discrimination, laying the foundation for the empowerment of lower-caste women and their inclusion in societal reforms.

Q14: Describe the challenges faced by the reformers working towards eradicating caste-based discrimination and promoting equality in India.
Ans: Reformers working to eliminate caste-based discrimination and promote equality in India encountered several challenges. The deep-rooted nature of the caste system led to resistance from those who benefited from it. Traditionalists viewed reforms as threats to their social hierarchy and opposed them vehemently. The conservative society resisted changes like widow remarriage, inter-caste marriages, and equal rights for lower castes. Reformers also faced opposition from religious and political leaders who wanted to maintain the status quo. Additionally, the colonial administration sometimes showed reluctance to interfere in social matters. Despite these challenges, reformers persisted, advocating for progressive changes and working towards a more equitable society.

Q15: Assess the impact of social reform movements on the status of women and lower-caste individuals in colonial India.
Ans: Social reform movements had a significant impact on the status of women and lower-caste individuals in colonial India. These movements challenged age-old customs and practices, leading to the abolition of practices like sati and child marriage. They promoted education and provided opportunities for women's empowerment. The efforts of reformers like B.R. Ambedkar led to the inclusion of safeguards for lower-caste individuals in the constitution. While these changes were gradual and faced resistance, they paved the way for greater social awareness, legal reforms, and an evolving perspective on gender and caste equality, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.