Dalvoy Logo
Dalvoy
UPSC MainsSOCIOLOGY-PAPER-II201720 Marks
Q6.

The main objectives of socio-religious movements during the colonial rule in India were reforming and synthesizing Hinduism. Write on any two such important movements.

How to Approach

This question requires a detailed understanding of the socio-religious reform movements of colonial India. The approach should involve identifying movements primarily focused on reforming and synthesizing Hinduism, explaining their core tenets, methods, and impact. Focus on two prominent movements – Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj – providing a comparative analysis where possible. Structure the answer chronologically, detailing the historical context, key leaders, and the specific reforms advocated by each movement. Highlight how these movements responded to colonial influences and sought to revitalize Hindu society.

Model Answer

0 min read

Introduction

The colonial period in India witnessed a surge in socio-religious reform movements, largely as a response to perceived societal ills and the challenges posed by Western dominance. These movements weren’t merely religious revivals; they were complex engagements with modernity, seeking to reconcile tradition with reason and address issues like caste discrimination, sati, widow remarriage, and the status of women. While many movements emerged, a significant portion focused on reforming and synthesizing Hinduism, aiming to create a more rational and ethical framework. This answer will focus on two such pivotal movements: the Brahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj, analyzing their objectives, methods, and lasting impact on Indian society.

The Brahmo Samaj (1828-1861)

Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828, the Brahmo Samaj emerged as a response to the perceived stagnation and irrationality within Hinduism. Roy, deeply influenced by rationalist thought and exposure to other religions, aimed to purify Hinduism by eliminating idolatry, polytheism, and superstitious practices.

  • Core Principles: The Samaj advocated monotheism based on the teachings of the Upanishads, emphasizing reason and individual conscience. It rejected the authority of the priestly class and the rigid caste system.
  • Methods of Reform: Roy translated the Upanishads into Bengali, making them accessible to a wider audience. He published the Brahma Sabha journal to disseminate his ideas. The Samaj actively campaigned against sati (widow immolation), child marriage, and advocated for women’s education.
  • Key Leaders: Besides Raja Ram Mohan Roy, prominent leaders included Debendranath Tagore (who formalized the Samaj’s structure) and Keshab Chandra Sen (who introduced more emotional and devotional elements).
  • Impact: The Brahmo Samaj played a crucial role in raising awareness about social evils and promoting rational thought. It laid the foundation for modern Indian nationalism and influenced subsequent reform movements. However, internal divisions and a limited social base hindered its widespread impact.

The Arya Samaj (1875)

Founded by Dayananda Saraswati in 1875, the Arya Samaj presented a more assertive and nationalistic approach to Hindu reform. Dayananda, a Sanskrit scholar, believed that a return to the Vedas was the key to revitalizing Indian society and achieving independence from colonial rule.

  • Core Principles: The Arya Samaj emphasized the infallibility of the Vedas and advocated for a strict interpretation of Vedic teachings. It promoted the concept of ‘Krinvanato Vishwam Aryam’ – “Make the whole world Aryan,” signifying universal brotherhood and the upliftment of all humanity.
  • Methods of Reform: Dayananda established the Gurukula system of education, emphasizing Vedic learning and a holistic approach to education. The Samaj actively campaigned against caste discrimination, child marriage, and promoted widow remarriage. It also focused on promoting indigenous industries and self-reliance (Swadeshi).
  • Key Leaders: Dayananda Saraswati was the central figure. Later leaders like Lala Hansraj and Pandit Gurudatta Vidyarthi continued his work.
  • Impact: The Arya Samaj had a significant impact on North India, particularly among the educated middle class. It played a vital role in promoting education, national consciousness, and social reform. However, its emphasis on Vedic supremacy and its sometimes confrontational approach led to controversies and communal tensions.

Comparative Analysis

Feature Brahmo Samaj Arya Samaj
Founder Raja Ram Mohan Roy Dayananda Saraswati
Scriptural Basis Upanishads Vedas
Approach to Reform Rationalist, emphasizing reason and individual conscience Nationalistic, emphasizing a return to Vedic principles
Social Focus Combating Sati, promoting widow remarriage, women’s education Combating caste discrimination, promoting Swadeshi, Vedic education
Geographical Influence Bengal and surrounding areas North India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh)

Both movements aimed to reform Hinduism, but their approaches differed significantly. The Brahmo Samaj was more liberal and cosmopolitan, while the Arya Samaj was more conservative and nationalistic. Both, however, contributed significantly to the awakening of Indian society and the development of modern Indian thought.

Conclusion

The Brahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj, despite their differing ideologies and methods, were instrumental in shaping the socio-religious landscape of colonial India. They challenged traditional norms, promoted education, and fostered a sense of national identity. While the Brahmo Samaj appealed to a more elite and urban audience, the Arya Samaj resonated with a broader base, particularly in North India. Their legacy continues to influence Indian society today, reminding us of the enduring power of reform movements in addressing social injustices and promoting a more equitable and progressive future.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Evaluate your handwritten answer in under a minute

Free trial available • Trusted by 1,00,000+ aspirants

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Sati
Sati was a historical practice in some parts of India where a widow immolated herself on her husband's funeral pyre. It was widely condemned as a barbaric practice and outlawed by the British colonial government in 1829, largely due to the efforts of reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
Vedic Revivalism
Vedic Revivalism refers to the movement, prominently represented by the Arya Samaj, that sought to return to the perceived purity and wisdom of the ancient Vedic texts and traditions, rejecting later interpolations and perceived corruptions within Hinduism.

Key Statistics

According to estimates, before the abolition of Sati in 1829, approximately 8,000-10,000 sati cases occurred annually in British India.

Source: Various historical accounts and research papers on Sati practice.

By the early 20th century, the Arya Samaj had established over 300 schools and colleges across India, primarily focusing on Vedic education and promoting nationalistic ideals. (Source: Historical records of Arya Samaj)

Source: Historical records of Arya Samaj (Knowledge cutoff 2023)

Examples

The Case of Lord William Bentinck

Lord William Bentinck, the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835, played a crucial role in enacting the Bengal Sati Regulation of 1829, which declared Sati illegal. This was a direct result of the sustained campaign led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and other reformers.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What was the significance of the Gurukula system established by Dayananda Saraswati?

The Gurukula system, established by Dayananda Saraswati, aimed to provide a holistic education rooted in Vedic principles. It emphasized character building, physical fitness, and practical skills alongside traditional Vedic learning, offering an alternative to the colonial education system.

Topics Covered

HistoryReligionIndian SocietySocial ReformReligious MovementsColonialism
Back to all SOCIOLOGY-PAPER-II 2017 questions