Key Points
- Indian society was hindered by superstitions, orthodoxy, caste discrimination and irrational beliefs.
- Social reformers were influenced by modern education introduced by the British.
- Reformers developed a rational and progressive outlook towards society.
- They aimed to build a new society based on freedom, equality, fraternity and humanism.
|
Aspect |
Field |
Action Taken |
Method/Contribution |
Impact |
|
Social Reform |
Social Evils |
Opposed Sati, child marriage, Purdah |
Writings and petitions |
Abolition of Sati (1829) |
|
Education |
Modern Education |
Opened English-medium school |
Promotion of Western learning |
Spread of rational thought |
|
Religious Reform |
Brahmo Samaj (1828) |
Propagated monotheism |
Rejected idol worship |
Religious awakening |
|
Freedom of Press |
1824 |
Protested against press restrictions |
Appeal to King of England |
Defence of civil rights |
|
Modern Thought |
Intellectual Reform |
Founded Atmiya Sabha and journals |
Reformist writings |
Foundation of modern India |
|
Movement |
Founder |
Year |
Main Principles |
Social Impact |
|
Prarthana Samaj |
Dadoba Pandurang Tarkhadkar |
19th century |
Monotheism; opposed idol worship |
Promoted gender equality and social reform |
|
Satyashodhak Samaj |
Mahatma Jyotirao Phule |
1873 |
Rationalism; rejection of caste discrimination |
Upliftment of lower castes and women |
|
Arya Samaj |
Swami Dayanand Saraswati |
1875 |
Vedas supreme; opposed caste discrimination |
Encouraged widow remarriage and women education |
|
Ramakrishna Mission |
Swami Vivekananda |
1897 |
Service to humanity; spiritual upliftment |
Social service and national awakening |
|
Social Reform Efforts |
Phule and Savitribai Phule |
19th century |
Education for girls; equality |
Beginning of women empowerment |
|
Reformer |
Period |
Major Work |
Field of Reform |
Impact |
|
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan |
19th century |
Founded Scientific Society and MAO College |
Modern education for Muslims |
Promotion of scientific and modern thinking |
|
Tarabai Shinde |
19th century |
Wrote on women’s rights |
Gender equality |
Early voice against patriarchy |
|
Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde |
20th century |
Depressed Classes Mission |
Upliftment of untouchables |
Social awareness for equality |
|
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar |
20th century |
Fight against caste system; drafted Constitution |
Social justice and equality |
Legal foundation of modern India |
|
Ramaswamy Naikar |
20th century |
Swabhiman Andolan |
Anti-caste and social reform |
Campaign against social inequality |
|
Ruler |
State |
Major Reforms |
Social Focus |
Impact |
|
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad |
Baroda |
Free and compulsory primary education |
Education for all, including untouchables |
Spread of modern education |
|
Sayajirao Gaikwad |
Baroda |
Encouraged women’s education and physical training |
Women empowerment |
Social progress |
|
Sayajirao Gaikwad |
Baroda |
Opposed caste restrictions and supported inter-caste marriage |
Social equality |
Reduction in caste discrimination |
|
Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj |
Kolhapur |
Supported Non-Brahmin Movement |
Reservation and social justice |
Empowerment of backward classes |
|
Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj |
Kolhapur |
Supported Dr. Ambedkar’s leadership |
Upliftment of depressed classes |
Strengthened social reform movement |
Important Questions [12]
- Governor General Lord William Bentinck passed a law for the abolishment of the practice of sati due to efforts of ______.
- Write a short note: Arya Samaj
- 'Arya Samaj' was founded by ______.
- Work done by Social worker: Mahatma Jyotirao Phule
- Write a short note. Prarthana Samaj
- Work done by Social worker: Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde
- Write the name of a historical place/person/event: The one who participated in ‘Vykom Satyagraha’ –
- Work done by Social worker: Sir Sayyad Ahmad Khan
- Complete the concept map. Newspapers started by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
- Explain the following statement with reasons. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar started publishing newspapers.
- Explain the statement with reason. Policies adopted by Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj were progressive.
- Write a short note: Rajashri Shahu Maharaj’s Policy
