Modern India Chapters

1. Expansion of British Power (Bengal, Mysore, Punjab etc.)2. Economic Impact of British Rule3. Socio Religious Movements in 19th 20th Centuries4. Freedom Struggle I5. The Revolt of 18576. Moderate Phase7. Extremist Phase8. The Gandhian Era

Socio-Religious Movements in 19th–20th Centuries

The socio-religious reform movements of the 19th and 20th centuries were aimed at reforming Indian society by eradicating social evils, promoting education, and rejuvenating Indian religions. These movements played a crucial role in the emergence of nationalism and the freedom struggle.

1. Brahmo Samaj (1828)

  • Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828 in Bengal.
  • Opposed idol worship, sati, polygamy, and child marriage.
  • Promoted monotheism and western education.
  • Contributed to the abolition of Sati system (1829).

2. Arya Samaj (1875)

  • Founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in Bombay.
  • Propagated the slogan “Go Back to the Vedas”.
  • Condemned idol worship, caste system, child marriage.
  • Started the Shuddhi Movement to reconvert Hindus who had converted to other religions.

3. Ramakrishna Mission (1897)

  • Founded by Swami Vivekananda in memory of his guru Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
  • Focused on spiritual awakening, social service, and harmony of religions.
  • Emphasized practical Vedanta and unity of all religions.

4. Theosophical Society

  • Founded by Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott in the USA; later moved to India (Adyar, Chennai).
  • Popularized Hindu philosophy and promoted education for women.
  • Dr. Annie Besant was its key leader in India and also started the Home Rule Movement.

5. Aligarh Movement

  • Started by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan to modernize Muslim education.
  • Established the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College (later Aligarh Muslim University).
  • Encouraged scientific and western education among Muslims.

6. Wahabi Movement

  • Islamic revivalist movement led by Syed Ahmad Barelvi.
  • Opposed Western influence and advocated a return to pure Islam.

7. Prarthana Samaj

  • Founded in Maharashtra by Atmaram Pandurang and later led by R.G. Bhandarkar and M.G. Ranade.
  • Worked for social reforms including women’s education, widow remarriage, and caste equality.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2020: Who founded Arya Samaj?
  • → Swami Dayananda Saraswati
  • RRB NTPC 2019: What was the main objective of Brahmo Samaj?
  • → To reform Hinduism and promote monotheism
  • UPSC Prelims 2018: Who established the Ramakrishna Mission?
  • → Swami Vivekananda
  • SSC CHSL 2021: “Go back to the Vedas” is associated with?
  • → Arya Samaj
  • HSSC 2021: Who played a major role in women's education in Maharashtra?
  • → M.G. Ranade
  • RRB Group D 2018: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan is associated with?
  • → Aligarh Movement
  • SSC MTS 2019: The Theosophical Society headquarters in India is located at?
  • → Adyar, Chennai
  • SSC GD 2020: Who was the Guru of Swami Vivekananda?
  • → Ramakrishna Paramhansa
  • UPSC Prelims 2016: Wahabi Movement was led by?
  • → Syed Ahmad Barelvi
  • SSC JE 2021: Annie Besant was associated with which movement?
  • → Theosophical Society
  • HSSC JE 2019: Who is associated with Shuddhi Movement?
  • → Swami Dayananda Saraswati
  • SSC CGL 2022: What was the main goal of Aligarh Movement?
  • → To promote modern education among Muslims
  • RRB ALP 2018: Prarthana Samaj worked in which region?
  • → Maharashtra
  • UPSC CDS 2017: Who was called the "Father of Indian Renaissance"?
  • → Raja Ram Mohan Roy
  • SSC Steno 2020: Sati system was abolished in which year?
  • → 1829

Conclusion

The socio-religious reform movements were instrumental in awakening Indian society, fighting superstitions and social evils, and reviving India’s cultural heritage. They laid the moral and intellectual foundation for the Indian freedom struggle.

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