EHI - 5

12th Part

Q  What was the nature of the 19th-century reform movement in India?  12

Q  Analyse the social and religious ideas of the 19th-century reformers.    12

Q  Write a critical note on the social and religious ideas of the 19th-century reformers. 12

A   The reformers attacked the socio-cultural evils and religious malpractices that were prevalent in the society such as superstitions and irrationality. The intellectuals did not attack the social system as a whole, their attack was centered only on the perversions and distortions that have crept into the system. They did not advocate a complete breakdown in the existing social structure of the country. In other words, they were advocates of reform and not exponents of revolution.

 The intellectual movement in India was an urban phenomenon. It originated and greatly operated in the urban areas only. The methods used for the propagation of ideas for furthering the cause of reform and for the creation of favourable public opinion were the urban communication channels such as the press, lectures, and sabhas as propaganda network. Although their activities were confined to certain urban pockets, yet the intellectuals were concerned about the plight of society in different regions and the country as a whole.

Social Questions - Nearly all the intellectuals concluded that the condition of women in India was deplorable and wretched. 

Promoted polygamy- The intellectuals demanded equal distribution of rights to women on par with men. They also emphasized the spread of education among women which they considered as a liberating force. Contrary to the British educational policy, science education was given priority by them They were opposed to the monopoly of learning by certain upper castes and class&, and proposed the spread of knowledge to all the segments of society

          The intellectuals placed a very high premium on knowledge. Illiteracy in general & especially among women was held responsible for the degeneration & backwardness of the nation. The spread of education was considered very important. Nearly all the intellectuals held education to be the panacea for all problems

Religious ideas - Thinkers denounced idolatry, polytheism, and the role of priests in spreading superstitions. Social reformers like Raja R M Roy blamed Brahman priests for spreading superstitions and by keeping people ignorant about the true teachings of the indigenous scriptures.

Use of Scriptures

The intellectuals cited Hindu scriptures to justify the reform in the society. The scriptures were used by them according to the need and desirability for furthering the cause of reform.    

Q  Write a note on the main ideas of the reform movement of the 19th century.                   12

Q  What were the main issues taken up by Indian reformers during the 19th century.      20

A  The intellectuals placed a very high premium on knowledge. Illiteracy in general and among women, in particular, was held responsible for national degeneration and backwardness. The spread of education was, therefore, accorded a primary position in the scheme of reform. Nearly all the intellectuals held education to be the panacea for all problems. Contrary to the British educational policy, science education was given priority by them They were opposed to the monopoly of learning by certain upper castes and class&, and proposed the spread of knowledge to all the segments of society. Above answer 

Q  Write a critical note on the contribution and limitations of the 19th-century reform movements in India.   20

A  Contribution includes an emphasis on education, women education, child marriage, eradication of sati, infanticide, social mobility by a new consciousness, etc

Limitations - In terms of impact, extent & achievements, the 19th-century reform movement could not achieve any spectacular success. Caste differences continue to remain strong and the religious and social practices did not die away. Child-marriage and enforced widowhood continue to be a problem as ever. Reform movement affected a very small minority. The masses remained nearly untouched by the ideas of the intellectuals. 

Although the social reformers tried to reach a larger audience by writing in the vernaculars, but despite their best efforts, their ideas were largely confined to the urban middle classes, particularly the educated sections. The methods used for the propagation of ideas for furthering the cause of reform and for the creation of favourable public opinion were the urban communication channels such as the press, lectures, and sabhas as propaganda network. Given the problem of widespread illiteracy in the rural areas & lack of modern and diversified communications networks, they were doomed to have a very limited audience, mainly urban-based. Thus despite their best efforts, the movement remained urban which was its limitations. The colonial rule was also a hindrance in their activities, intellectual ideas and activities could not, therefore, stir the minds of the general public.