Q.63 Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. GS-I: HISTORY (UPSC CSE 2021) (150 words/10 Marks)

Answer:

INTRODUCTION:

The Indian society in the first half of the 19th century was caste-ridden and embedded with various social evils. In this background the beginning of the 19^th century witnessed the emergence of socio religious movements with the rise of modern vision. Here, rise of Brahmo Samaj and Young Bengal Movement not only facilitated reforms in the society but also acted against the colonial rule.

THE BODY:

Major factors that led to the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements in India:

• • Social condition of the period: Indian society had deep rooted social ills during the 19^th century with dominance of monotheism and the cultural backwardness of Indian This led to rise of voices of many classes against these injustices.
  • Influence of western education: Western education influenced the elite class of the 19^th century with newer ideas of emancipation from traditional ills of the society. It served as the basis of the emergence of socio religious For example, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the founder of Brahmo Samaj was well read in western education. Similarly, Young Bengal movement under Derozio was inspired by the French revolution.
  • Role of missionaries: Apart from the Indians reformers, Chrisitan missionaries also played important role in challenging orthodox restrictions and social interactions and promoted free thinking, rationality, questioning the authority and ideals of liberty, equality and freedom.
  • Influence of colonial rule: Another major influence that led to rise of socio religious movements was the impact of colonial rule. For example, Orientalism which was initially aimed at understanding local culture became a source of hostility against indigenous traditions and led to rise of public debate and the rise of socio-religious reform movements of 19th century.

Role played by Young Bengal Movement and Brahmo Samaj

Brahmo Samaj & Raja Ram Mohan Roy:

• • Raja Ram Mohan Roy, prominent social reformer of 19^th century is known as the father of Modern India’s Renaissance. He initiated the age of enlightenment and liberal reformist modernisation in India.
  • He founded Brahmo Samaj in 1828 which preached against priesthood, rituals and sacrifices. Under the movement, prayers, meditation and readings of the Upanishads were considered as the forms of worship and was against idolatry.
  • Samaj gave importance to women equality, girl child education, monotheism and purification of The greatest achievement in the field of social reform was the abolition of Sati in 1829. He advocated the abolition of polygamy and wanted women to be educated and given the right to inherit property.
  • This organisation led to the emergence of rationalism and enlightenment in India which indirectly contributed to the nationalist movement. The organization promoted rationalism and enlightenment in India, indirectly influencing the nationalist movement.

Young Bengal & Henry Lui Vivian Derozio:

• • Derozio, a teacher at the Hindu College and his followers initiated Young Bengal Movement. They were inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution and the liberal thinking of Britain.
  • The movement focused on thinking freely and rationally, question all authority, liberty, equality and freedom, and opposed decadent customs and traditions while support women’s rights and education.
  • Derozio promoted radical ideas through his teaching and by organizing an association for debate and discussions on literature, philosophy, history and science.

CONCLUSION:

Social reforms of the nineteenth century contributed to the evolution of Indian society, which worked to remove backwardness and laid the groundwork for the Indian national movement. It had lasting impact on society and the public sphere of ideas in the 19^th century.