2. 19th Century - Period of Indian Renaissance
Indians always had a scientific outlook & were
rational
Indians were exposed to Western civilization
Rationalism simulated the Indians to question
superstitions, some traditions, & self interest
Western thoughts reignited the ideas of
democracy, freedom, equality & nationalism
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3. Prominent Social Reformers
Brahmo Samaj
Raja Ram Mohan Roy has been called “The Father of Indian Renaissance”
Well versed in Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, English, French, Greek, Larin
Studies principles of various religions: Hinduism, Islam, Sufi, Christanity, &
Buddhism
Questioned practice of idol-worship
Argued that modern science & English were essential for Indians revival
Supported prohibition of Sati Act by Lord William Bentinck
Started Bengali newspaper “Samvada Kaumudi”
Efficient soldier & administrator
Brahmo Samaj was in the forefront of social & religious reformation
Opposed idol worship, performing yagas & rituals & opposed priestly class
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4.
5. Prominent Social Reformers
Arya Samaj
Established by Dayanand Saraswati
Travelled through out the country giving lectures & emphasized that Vedas
were the source of truth & knowledge
Condemned idol worship & caste system
Promoted caste based on ability & not by birth
Encouraged widow marriages & use of swadeshi goods
Wrote a book called “Satyartha Prakasha”
Purification of Ritual was the main activity of Arya Samaj
Principles of Swarajya & Swadharma inspired people to take part in
freedom movement
Proclaimed “India Should be for Indians”
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7. Prominent Social Reformers
Prarthana Samaj
Established by Atmaram Panduranga in Mumbai
Motto was service to mankind is service to God
Gave priority to education by establishing Deccan Education Society
Encouraged widow marriage, female literacy, intercaste marriage, eating
together by people of all castes, & opposed child marriage
Condemned purdah system
Maintained that all religions lead to truth & need respect
M.G. Ranade popularized Prarthana Samaj
Reforms in political & economic fields was impossible without reform of
society
Propagated Hindu-Muslim unity
Started High school for educating girls
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9. Prominent Social Reformers
Sathyashodak Samaj
Established by Jyotiba Phule
Emphasized freedom as basic necessity of every individual
Urged for prohibition of liquor
Opposed gender inequality, denial of human rights, exploitation of people
& practice of untouchability
Condemned slavery forced on Shudras, dalits, -fought for equality
Phule wrote book “Gulamagiri”
His wife Saitribhail Phule worked hard for women’s education
Shahu Maharaj openend many branches of the Samaj
Began struggles on behalf of farmers
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was influenced by Phule’s principles
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11. Prominent Social Reformers
Aligarh Movement
Established by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
Aimed at promoting harmony of Eastern & Western ideas through
transformation of Muslims in their social, political, educational, religious
& philosophical beliefs
Started the Anglo-Oriental College which was renamed as “Aligarh Muslim
University”
Aim was to provide religious education along with western education –
modern society
Stayed outside congress & prmoted Muslim unity
Supported female literacy, condemned polygamy & encouraged widow
marriage
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13. Prominent Social Reformers
Ramakrishna Mission
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa – a priest promoted Indian Culture
Considered all religions to be equal
Spiritual realization was more important than any religion or God
Believed in idol-worship
Swami Vivekananda was his favorite disciple
Ramakrishna Ashram has many branches all over the world
Swami a revolutionary monk showed Indians the importance of loving life
Stressed the significance of individual, his presence & ability
Maintained that apart from prayer & practice of yoga, social service was
also necessary for attaining Moksha
Mission is still continuing to nurture culture through education & self
service
Emphasized that nation & religion are two faces of a coin
Showed the world the greatness of India, its culture, religion & people 13
15. Prominent Social Reformers
Theosophical Society (Brahma Vidya Samaj)
Established by Madam Blavatsky & Colonel H. S. Olcott
Founded on the principles of Universal Brotherhood
Anne Besant-Irish lady promoted the Theosophical society
Contributed immensely to Indian philosophy and the independence
struggle
Aroused pride in Indian culture through lectures
Gave her full support to Indian freedom struggle
Started a newspaper called “New India”
Started Home Rule Movement in 1916
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