Q.2 Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.

Model Answer :

Introduction

The early 19th century marked the beginning of significant socio-religious reform movements in India, particularly in Bengal. 

These movements emerged as a response to the social and religious practices prevalent in Hindu society, as well as the influence of Western education and ideas.

Body

Tracing the rise and growth of socio-religious  movements 

Young Bengal Movement:

• Emerged in the 1820s among the students of Hindu College, Calcutta
• Led by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, a teacher at Hindu College
• Objectives - some text
  • Aimed to promote rationalism, scepticism, and Western liberal ideas. 
  • Challenged traditional Hindu practices and beliefs
  • Advocated for women's rights, education, and social reforms. 

Brahmo Samaj

• Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828. 

• Evolved under leaders like Debendranath Tagore and Keshab Chandra Sen. 

• Objectives - 
  • Promoted monotheism and rejected idol worship and caste system
  • Advocated for social reforms such as the abolition of sati and child marriage
  • Emphasised education, especially for women

Rise and growth of other socio-religious reform movements

• Prarthana Samaj
  • Emphasised social reform and education
  • Worked against caste discrimination and child marriage
• Arya Samaj
  • Promoted Vedic learning and monotheism
  • Opposed idol worship and caste system
  • Established schools and colleges
• Ramakrishna Mission
  • Promoted spiritual enlightenment and social service
  • Emphasised harmony of religions
  • Established educational and charitable institutions
• Seva Sadan
  • Focused on women's education and empowerment
  • Provided vocational training and healthcare services
• Servants of India Society
  • Promoted nationalism and social reform
  • Worked on education, healthcare, and rural development

Conclusion

The socio-religious reform movements in India played a crucial role in shaping modern Indian society. These movements paved the way for India's struggle for independence and continue to influence social and political discourse in contemporary India. 

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