Important Socio Religious Reform Movements in India – Short Notes for exams
Important Socio Religious Movements in India. Social and Religious Movements of India have been incredibly important in our modern history, as they have shaped the ideologies of many people and provided a medium to express their beliefs. Here, we have compiled a list of important movements associated with social and religious that are essential to know from an examination standpoint. Knowing about these influential people can help you gain more knowledge. Useful for exams like UPSC, UPPSC, Other State exams and One Day exams.
It supported monotheism, widow remarriage, women’s education and opposed discrimination based on caste.
Prarthana Samaj (1867)
Atmaram Pandurang
It opposed the caste system and advocated women’s education.
It encouraged widow remarriage. With this end in view, it opened widow ashrams.
Against child marriage and supported raising the age of marriage for both males and females.
Satya Shodhak Samaj (1873)
Jyotiba Phule
It aimed to liberate the depressed classes and make them conscious of their rights through education.
Wrote two critical works to carry forward his anti-Brahminical activities- Sarvajanik Satyadharma Pustak Ghulamgiri
Arya Samaj Movement (1875)
Dayanand Saraswati
Dayanand looked upon the Vedas as India’s Rock of Ages. He believed that the Hindu religion and the Vedas, basis of Hinduism, were eternal, unalterable, infallible and divine.
Gave Slogan ‘Go back to the Vedas’.
He rejected the authority of the later Hindu scriptures like the Puranas, which in his view were responsible for the evil practices of idol worship and other superstitious beliefs in the Hindu religion.
Theosophical Movement (1875)
Madame H.P. Balvatsky, Colonel Olcott
Believed in the spiritual philosophy of Hinduism and its doctrine of Karma and transmigration of the soul.
Had faith in universal brotherhood irrespective of distinctions of caste, creed, race or gender.
Social reforms like female education, organizing famine relief funds, orphanages, schools for deaf and low IQ people, charitable institutions, were the primary functions of the new Samaj.
To educate the masses.
Started many new journals such as Tattva-Kaumudi, Brahmo Public Opinion, Indian Messenger, Sanjibani, Nabyabharat, Modern Review and Prabasi.
Ramakrishna Mission (1887)
Swami Vivekananda
It sought to foster a group of monks who base their life on renunciation and practical spirituality.
Aim is to spread the universal message of Vedanta.
To carry on preaching, philanthropic and charitable works treating all men, women and children as manifestations of the Divine irrespective of their color, caste or creed.
If you find our content helpful and interesting, please consider joining us on Telegram @affairsmastery_official to show your support. We would really appreciate it!
Skip to content 
