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19th Century Indian Social Reform Movements
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19th Century Indian Social Reform Movements
19th Century Indian Social Reform Movements
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1
Question
What was the condition of Indian society in the first half of the 19th century?
Page 1
Answer
Caste ridden, decadent, and rigid with practices not in keeping with humanitarian feelings followed in the name of religion.
2
Question
What modern ideas did the British introduce to India that impacted society?
Page 1
Answer
Liberty, social and economic equality, fraternity, democracy, and justice.
3
Question
Name three enlightened Indians who fought for societal reforms in the 19th century.
Page 1
Answer
Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chand Vidyasagar, and Dayanand Saraswati.
4
Question
What did the study of ancient Indian history, philosophy, science, religions, and literature by scholars provide to Indians?
Page 2
Answer
A sense of pride in their civilization and help for reformers against inhuman practices and superstitions.
5
Question
Why did most social reform movements in 19th century India have a religious character?
Page 2
Answer
Because social reforms were associated with religious beliefs.
6
Question
Among which communities did social and religious reform movements arise in India?
Page 2
Answer
Among all communities of the Indian people.
7
Question
What did religious and social reform movements attack in Indian society?
Page 2
Answer
Bigotry, superstition, and the hold of the priestly class.
8
Question
Name five social evils that reform movements worked to abolish.
Page 2
Answer
Castes and untouchability, purdah system, sati, child marriage, social inequalities, and illiteracy.
9
Question
How were some reformers connected to the British in 19th century India?
Page 2
Answer
Some were supported directly or indirectly by British officials, and some supported British reformative steps and regulations.
10
Question
Why does Raja Rammohan Roy deserve special mention among 19th century reformers?
Page 2
Answer
He represented a fine combination of East and West, had great literary talent, was versed in Indian culture, studied Christianity and Islam, and felt revulsion for practices with religious approval.
11
Question
What was Raja Rammohan Roy's main pre-occupation regarding Hindu religion?
Page 3
Answer
To rid it of image worship, sacrificial rites, and other meaningless rituals.
12
Question
Whom did Raja Rammohan Roy condemn for encouraging meaningless rituals in Hinduism?
Page 3
Answer
The priestly class.
13
Question
What did Raja Rammohan Roy opine about principal ancient Hindu texts?
Page 3
Answer
They preached monotheism or worship of one God.
14
Question
What was Raja Rammohan Roy's greatest achievement in religious reform?
Page 3
Answer
Setting up the Brahmo Samaj in 1828.
15
Question
What did the Brahmo Samaj forbid among its practices?
Page 3
Answer
Idol-worship and meaningless rites and rituals.
16
Question
What did the Brahmo Samaj believe about all religions?
Page 3
Answer
The basic unity of all religions.
17
Question
What principles did Raja Rammohan Roy advocate for individuals?
Page 3
Answer
Adopt truth and goodness, give up things based on falsehood and superstition.
18
Question
What was the reason Raja Rammohan Roy saw for the practice of Sati?
Page 3
Answer
The extremely low position of Hindu women.
19
Question
How did Raja Rammohan Roy campaign against Sati starting in 1818?
Page 3
Answer
Roused public opinion by citing oldest sacred books opposing it, appealed to reason, humanity, compassion, and visited burning ghats to persuade relatives.
20
Question
What opposition did Raja Rammohan Roy face in his Sati campaign?
Page 3
Answer
Bitter attacks from orthodox Hindus.
21
Question
What system in Indian society did Raja Rammohan Roy oppose besides Sati?
Page 3
Answer
The caste system.
22
Question
Based on study of Vedas and Upanishads, what did Raja Rammohan Roy denounce in Hindu theology?
Page 3
Answer
Polytheism and idolatry.
23
Question
What did Raja Rammohan Roy aim to do with Vedic religion rather than create new?
Page 3
Answer
Purify it from crude and ignorant superstitions.
24
Question
What universal proclamation did Raja Rammohan Roy make about God?
Page 3
Answer
There is only one God for all religions and all humanity.
25
Question
In what languages did Raja Rammohan Roy write to express his ideas?
Page 3
Answer
Bengali, English, and Persian.
26
Question
What social practices did Raja Rammohan Roy advocate abolishing besides Sati?
Page 3
Answer
Polygamy and child marriage.
27
Question
What rights for women did Raja Rammohan Roy champion?
Page 3
Answer
Education, right to inherit property, and widows' right to remarry.
28
Question
What was the original name and year of foundation for the Brahmo Samaj?
Page 3
Answer
Brahmo Sabha founded in 1828, later known as Brahmo Samaj.
29
Question
Who could join the Brahmo Samaj founded by Raja Rammohan Roy?
Page 3
Answer
All persons regardless of colour, convictions, caste, nationality, and religion.
30
Question
What were the core emphases of the Brahmo Samaj?
Page 3
Answer
Human dignity, opposed idol worship, and condemned social evils like sati pratha.