Question

State your opinion.

Maharashtra has always been at the forefront of social and religious reform.

Answer 1

1. Prarthana Samaj established in Maharashtra opposed idolatry and rituals. They focused on the importance of gender equality, wiping out caste discrimination and also on appreciating the value of mundane life.
2. In 1873 Mahatma Jotirao Phule founded ‘Satyashodhak Samaj’ in Pune.
3. The characteristics of the Satyashodhak Samaj included monotheism, rejection of the authority of Veda-Puranas, acceptance of rationality, opposition to dominance and intrusion of the priests and idol worship, pilgrimage, disbelief in miracles and opposition to the notion of a world after death.
4. As far as social reforms in Maharashtra are concerned, the list of people, who devoted their lives for it, is quite extensive.