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IGNOU HISTORY NOTES : Modern India - SOCIAL REFORMS IN 19TH CENTURY INDIA

IGNOU HISTORY Study Notes for IAS, UPSC Exams

Modern India 1857-1964

SOCIAL REFORMS IN 19TH CENTURY INDIA

Structure
8.0 Objectives
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Why Reform?
8.3 Reform Movements
8.4 Scope of Reformers
8.5 Method of ~eform
8.5.1 Reform from Within
8.5.2 Reform Through Legislation
8.5.3 Reform Through Symbol of Change
8.5.4 Reform Through Social Work
8.6 Ideas
8.6.1 Rationalism
8.6.2 Universalism
8.7 Significance
8.8 Weakness and Limitations
8.9 Let Us Sum Up
8.10 Key Words
8.-11 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

8.0 OBJECTIVES

India in the 19th century witnessed a series of reform movements under- taken in various parts of the country. These movements were oriented toward a re-structuring of the Indian society along modem lines. This unit presents a general and analytical view of these socioreligious reform movements. It also seeks to highlight the significance of these movements. Although it does not give a factual account of the ideas and activities of these movements. and their leaders, it offers an analysis which would help you to understand these movements.

After reading this unit, you will:

Know why and how these reforms were initiated in India
Understand who were the leading reformers and their ideas about the nature of the Indian society
Grasp the scope and methods of these reforms and highlight their shortcomings

8.1 INTRODUCTION

The conquest of India by the British during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, exposed some serious weaknesses and drawbacks of Indian social institutions. As a consequence several individuals and movements sought to bring about changes in the social and religious practices with a view to reforming and revitalizing the society. These efforts, collectively known as the Renaissance, were complex social phenomena. It is important to note that this phenomenon occurred when India was under the colonial domination of the British.

8.2 WHY REFORM

An important question for discussion is about the forces which generated this awakening, in India. Was this a result of the impact of the West? Or was it only a response to the colonial intervention? Although both ~iiese qlrestians are inter-related, it wcl;!d k profitab!~ t:, separate them for a clear understanding. Another dimension of this is related to the changes taking place in Indian society leading to the emergence of new classes. For this perspective. the socio-religious movements can be viewed as the expression of the social aspirations of the newlv emerging middle class in colonial India.

The importance of Western impact on the regenerative process in the society in nineteenth century is undeniable. However, if we regard this entire process of reform as a manifestation of colonial benevolence and limit ourselves to viewing only its positive dimensions, we shall fail to do justice to the complex character of the phenomenon. Sushobhan Sarkar (Bengal Retlaissance and Other Essays, New Delhi, 1970) has drawn our attention to the fact that "foreign conquest and domination was bound to be a hindrance rather than a help to a subject people's regeneration". How colonial rule acted as a factor limiting the scope and dimension of nineteenth century regeneration needs consideration and forms an important part of any attempt to grasp its true essence.

The reform movements should be seen as a response to the challenge posed by the colonial intrusion. They were indeed important just as attempts to reform society but even more so as manifestations of the urge to contend with the new situation engendered by colonialism. In other words the socio-religious reform was not an end in itself, but was integral to the emerging anti-colonial consciousness.

Thus, what brought about the urge for reform was the need to rejuvenate the society and its institutions in the wake of the colonial conquest. This aspect of the reform movement, however, introduced an element of revivalism, a tendency to harp back on the Indian past and to defend, Indian culture and civilization. Although this tended to impart a conservative and retrogressive character to these movements, they played an important role in creating cultural consciousness and confidence among the people.