Indian society in the 19th century was caught in a vicious web created by religious superstitions and social corruption. Various socio-religious movements in British India not only reformed Indians but also led to the rise of nationalism in India.
Reasons for the Growth of Socio-Cultural Reforms.
1. Religious and social ills:
a. Brahmo Samaj: The Brahmo Samaj thought that all religions should be together. It resulted in the growth of rationalism and enlightenment in India.
b. Young Bengal Movement: Young Bengal Movement condemned religion and pleaded for eradication of social evils and improvement in the condition of women.
2. Depressing Position of Women:
a. Brahmo Samaj: The Brahmo Samaj had the issue of widow remarriage high on its agenda. The Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act, 1856 that legalized marriage of widows was passed due to the efforts of the Brahmo Samaj and their members like Vidyasagar.
b. Young Bengal Movement: The Society for the Acquisition of General Knowledge was established in 1838 where they discussed various aspects including the ban on widow remarriage.
3. The Caste Problem:
a. Brahmo Samaj: Brahmo Samajists were against the caste restrictions.
b. Young Bengal Movement: They pretended to take beef and drink wine, which they regarded as a yardstick to measure their freedom from all religious superstition and prejudice.
4. Opposition to the Western Culture:
a. Brahmo Samaj: Brahmo Samaj was primarily reformist and believed in the western culture and philosophy.
b. Young Bengal Movement: The greatest folly on the part of the Young Bengal, however, was that they found perfection in everything western. Oriental ways of life and thought appeared to them superstitious and unacceptable.
Value Addition
1. Brahmo Samaj
• Polytheism and idol worship were condemned by Rammohan Roy and he propagated the concept of 'one God of all religions and humanity'.
• Ram Mohan Roy advised people to read the scriptures themselves and not depend on the intermediary brahmanas and follow a rational approach to religion.
• He translated ancient Indian works on religion and philosophy from Sanskrit into Bengali so that the influence of intermediary Brahmans can be reduced. Caste system was attacked by Rammohan Roy, further he campaigned to persuade the government to abolish sati and child marriage.
2. Young Bengal Movement
• Derozio promoted radical ideas through his teachings and by organizing an association for debates and discussions on Literature, History, Philosophy and Science.
• Raised their voice on important issues such as the freedom of the Press, better treatment for Indian labour in British colonies abroad, trial by jury, protection of the ryots from oppressive zamindars, employment of Indians in the higher grades of government services etc.