Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (150 words) [2021]
The rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements in India can be traced back to the 19th century, with significant contributions from the Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj movements.
Young Bengal Movement
- Founded by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio in the 1820s.
- Derozio, a teacher at Hindu College in Calcutta, inspired his students to question traditional customs and practices.
- The movement aimed to promote rationalism, secularism, and humanism.
- The Young Bengal movement criticized superstitions, caste system, and religious orthodoxy.
- The movement’s members, known as Derozians, were influenced by European Enlightenment ideas and advocated for social and educational reforms.
- Example: The Derozians established the Society for the Acquisition of General Knowledge to promote education and social reforms.
Brahmo Samaj Movement
- Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828.
- The movement aimed to reform Hinduism by discarding idolatry, superstitions, and rituals.
- It promoted monotheism, rationalism, and humanism.
- The Brahmo Samaj movement played a crucial role in the Indian Renaissance, advocating for social and educational reforms.
- Example: The Brahmo Samaj established schools and colleges to promote modern education, including the Hindu College and the Brahmo Girls’ School.
- The movement’s leaders, such as Debendranath Tagore and Keshub Chandra Sen, contributed to the growth of the movement and its influence on Indian society.
In conclusion, the socio-religious reform movements in India, particularly the Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj movements, played a significant role in challenging traditional customs and promoting rationalism, secularism, and humanism. These movements laid the foundation for social and educational reforms in India.
