Question

Compare and contrast the contributions of Revivalist Movements with that of Reform Movements.

Answer 1

1. Reform Movements were the Brahmo Samaj, the Prarthana Samaj, and the Aligarh movement.
2. Revival movements were the Arya Samaj, the Ramakrishna mission, Deoband Movement.
3. To compare, both the reform and revival movements were in some way or other attack the social evils that prevailed in the society like Sati, female infanticide, child marriages, and various superstitious beliefs and complex rituals.
4. The reform movements strived to change the fundamental system and structure of the society, while the reformist movements strived to revive the earlier customs and practices, protecting the cultural heritage of the country.
5. Revival movements proved that the rich cultural heritage of India was found superior to the Western culture. That’s why Arya Samaj advocated ‘Go back to the Vedas’.
6. The Reform movement responded to the changes in the time period and scientific thinking of the modem era.
7. For example, Brahmo Samaj considers other religions such as Christianity, Islam as equal to Hinduism.
8. Arya Samaj believes in the superiority of Hinduism.
9. The Reform movements were influenced by Western culture, whereas the Revival movements were influenced by Indian culture only.