SSLC NOTES: History Chapter –5 SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS REFORM MOVEMENTS

 

Chapter - 5

SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS REFORM MOVEMENTS

I. Fill in the blanks with suitable words:

1. The 19th Century is called the period of __________________. (Renaissance)

2. Raja Ram Mohan Roy started the newspaper _______________. (Samvada Koumudi)

3. The founder of Prarthana Samaj was _______________. (Athma Ram Panduranga)

4. ____________ propagated that freedom was the basic necessity of every individual.(Jyothiba Phule)

5. Swami Vivekananda’s guru was _______________.(Ramakrishna Paramahamsa)

II Discuss the following in groups and write the answers:

1.     What are the preachings of the Brahmo Samaj?

Ans: i.Brahmo Samaj attempted to bring in reforms in the traditions and customs in Hindu religion.

ii. It opposed idol-worship and polytheism, and encouraged monotheism.

iii.  It condemned performance of yagas and rituals, and opposed the priestly class.

 iv. Since English education exposed Indians to Western political thought, it enabled the development of nationalism among Indians.

 

2.     Analyse the call of Dayananda Saraswati to return to the Vedas.

Ans: i. Arya Samaj was established by Dayananda Saraswati.

ii. He travelled throughout the country giving lectures and emphasized that the Vedas were the source of truth and knowledge.

iii. In this context, he advised people to ‘Back to the Vedas’.

 

3.     Explain the reforms propagated by Satyashodhak Samaj.

Ans: i. Satyashodak Samaj was established by Jyotiba Phule.

ii. He believed that freedom was the basic necessity of every individual and that no individual could express his ideas if he did not have freedom.

iii. Satyashodak Samaj urged for prohibition of liquor.

iv. It vehemently opposed gender inequality, denial of human rights, exploitation of people and practice of untouchability.

 

4.     Analyse the objectives of the Aligarh Movement.

Ans:i. The Aligarh Movement aimed at promoting harmony of Eastern and Western ideas through transformation of the Muslims in their political, social, educational, religious and philosophical beliefs.

ii. The leadership of this movement was borne by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

iii. With an intention to provide modern education to the Muslim community, he started ‘The Anglo-Oriental College’. Later on, this college was renamed ‘Aligarh Muslim University’.

iv. Its main objective was to provide religious education along with western education, and to create a modern society through western education.

v. He supported female literacy and condemned polygamy and ideas against widow marriage.

 

5.     Explain the vision of Ramakrishna Mission.

Ans: i. Swami Vivekananda established Ramakrishna Mission in order to propagate the ideals of his teacher, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

ii. The main objective of this organization was to spread the message of equality of all religions and to put that into practice.

iii. Ramakrishna Ashram has many branches all over the world.

iv. The mingling of ancient, modern and western thinkers can be seen here.

 

6.     Swami Vivekananda was a great inspiration to the youth. Explain.

Ans:i.  Swami Vivekananda was a revolutionary monk who opened the eyes of Indians to the importance of loving life.

ii. He stressed the significance of the individual, his presence and ability.

iii. He maintained that apart from prayer and practice of yoga, social service was also necessary for achievement of salvation (moksha).

Iv. Ramakrishna Mission is continuing to nurture culture through education and social service.

v. Vivekananda emphasized that nation and religion were like the two faces of a coin.

vi. In 1893, at the Chicago Conference of World Religions, Swami Vivekananda upheld the greatness of India by advocating tolerance of all religions, and maintaining that all religions were true.

vii. In this manner, he introduced Indian culture to the world.

viii. He was a role model to the youth.

 

7.     Which are the reforms brought about by Annie Besant?

Ans: i. Annie Besant, an Irish lady started the activities of Theosophical Society in India and gave it new vitality.

ii. She aroused pride in Indian culture through her lectures.

iii. She attempted to establish equality, universal brotherhood and harmony in society.

 iv. Annie Besant gave her full support to the freedom struggle. She started a newspaper called ‘New India’.

v. In 1916, she started Home Rule movement.

vi. She was the President of the Congress Session in 1917.

vii. She contributed immensely to Indian philosophy and the Independence struggle.

 

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