Question

Explain the following statement with a reason.

The Social and religious reform movement began in India.

Answer 1

Social-religious reforms in the 19th century helped in the growth of Indian Nationalism. The main reason for the emergence of the reform movements was the spread of western education and liberal ideas. These reforms started in Bengal and later spread in all parts of India. All the reform movements demanded changes in society through social or educational transformations.

There are several reasons for the emergence of social and religious reform movements. They are:

1. THE CONDITION OF WOMEN WAS VERY PATHETIC: Women’s problems like Sati, female infanticide, widow remarriage, lack of education, etc
2. THE CONDITION OF DALITS (SHUDRAS) AND THE LOWER CASTES WERE SO DREADFUL: Casteism and untouchability remained very strong, and the marginalized people were not allowed any freedom in any field of their social life.
3. ISSUES IN RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS: Idolatry, polytheism, religious superstitions and exploitation by priests were unbearable.