During the 19th century, many reformers worked to remove social evils and reform religion in India. These reform movements fought against practices like Sati, child marriage and untouchability. The reformers and their organisations are key exam topics.
Brahmo Samaj
Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828 in Calcutta. He is called the Father of Modern India and the Father of the Indian Renaissance. He worked with Lord William Bentinck for the abolition of Sati in 1829.
Arya Samaj and Other Movements
- Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875. He gave the slogan Back to the Vedas.
- The Prarthana Samaj was started in Bombay, linked with Atmaram Pandurang.
- The Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897.
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Reformers Against Social Evils
- Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar worked for widow remarriage (Act of 1856).
- Jyotiba Phule worked for the education of women and lower castes.
- Sir Syed Ahmad Khan started the Aligarh Movement for the education of Muslims.
Importance of the Movements
These movements spread education, promoted equality and removed many evil customs. They created social awareness that supported the later freedom struggle.
Quick Revision Points
- Brahmo Samaj (1828): Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
- Sati abolished in 1829.
- Arya Samaj (1875): Dayananda Saraswati, slogan Back to the Vedas.
- Widow remarriage: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
- Ramakrishna Mission: Swami Vivekananda (1897).
- Aligarh Movement: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
- Jyotiba Phule worked for women and lower castes.