Question

Answer in detail

Discuss the circumstances that led to the Reform movements of 19th century.

Answer 1

1. The nineteenth century India was plagued with a number of social evils such as sati, child marriage, female infanticide, polygamy and so on.
2. Women were subjugated by men and were not allowed to get education. They were restricted to home and hearth. They were considered inferior to men.
3. The condition of the depressed classes was miserable. They were subject to untouchable. Their entry to schools, temples and other public places, meant for upper castes, was banned. Hence, there was no education among the people belonging to lower castes.
4. There were other evil practices prevalent in the Indian society such as excessive superstitious religious beliefs, animal sacrifice, which needed attention of the social reformers for the benefit of the common people of the society.
5. There was total absence of reason in the society. The system of child marriage was prevalent which resulted to child widows. These widows were never accepted in the family and were destined to lead a pathetic life. These were the circumstances that led to the Reform movements in the nineteenth century.