Socio - Religious Reform Movements in the 19th and 20th CE India MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Socio - Religious Reform Movements in the 19th and 20th CE India - Download Free PDF

The Correct answer is Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

Key Points

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy is widely recognized as the 'Father of the Indian Renaissance' due to his pioneering contributions to social reform, education, and modernization of Indian society.
• He was an advocate of abolishing social evils such as Sati (the practice of burning widows on their husband's funeral pyre), child marriage, and caste-based discrimination.
• He played a crucial role in the enactment of the Bengal Sati Regulation Act of 1829, which abolished the practice of Sati.
• He founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828, a socio-religious reform movement aimed at promoting monotheism, discarding idolatry, and eradicating superstitions from Hindu society.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy was also a strong advocate for women's rights and worked towards improving their social status, including advocating for widow remarriage and women's education.
• In addition to his social reforms, he was a prolific writer and intellectual who contributed to the development of modern Indian journalism. He published newspapers like Sambad Kaumudi (in Bengali) and Mirat-ul-Akbar (in Persian).
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a proponent of Western education and supported the introduction of subjects like science, mathematics, and philosophy in Indian schools and colleges.
• His efforts laid the foundation for India’s socio-cultural and intellectual revival, making him one of the most influential figures in India's history.

 Additional Information

• Dayanand Saraswati
  • Dayanand Saraswati was the founder of the Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement established in 1875.
  • He emphasized the Vedic tradition and opposed idol worship, caste discrimination, and social evils.
  • He is also credited with the slogan "Swaraj is my birthright," which inspired Indian freedom fighters.
  • He worked towards promoting education and the establishment of Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) schools and colleges.
• Swami Vivekananda
  • Swami Vivekananda was a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Mission.
  • He is best known for his speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he introduced Indian philosophy and spirituality to the West.
  • He emphasized the importance of education, self-reliance, and service to humanity.
  • Swami Vivekananda played a key role in the revival of Hinduism and Indian culture.
• Atmaram Pandurang
  • Atmaram Pandurang was the founder of the Prarthana Samaj, a socio-religious reform movement in Maharashtra.
  • He worked towards abolishing caste discrimination and promoting women's education and widow remarriage.
  • The Prarthana Samaj was inspired by the Brahmo Samaj and emphasized monotheism and ethical living.

The correct answer is Rammohan Roy.

Key Points

• Rammohan Roy founded the Vedanta College in Calcutta in 1825 to promote a blend of Indian traditional learning and modern Western education.
• He aimed to integrate the teachings of Vedanta philosophy with scientific and rational education.
• The college emphasized learning English, science, mathematics, and other contemporary subjects alongside traditional Indian scriptures.
• Rammohan Roy is widely regarded as the father of modern Indian Renaissance for his progressive social and educational reforms.
• His educational initiatives were instrumental in laying the foundation for the spread of modern education in India.

Additional Information

• Brahmo Samaj: Rammohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828, which was a reformist movement promoting monotheism, equality, and social reform.
• Educational Reforms: He also played a significant role in advocating for the abolishment of the traditional Sanskrit-based education system and supported modern scientific learning.
• Sati Abolition: Rammohan Roy was a pioneer in the movement to abolish the practice of Sati and worked with the British government to pass the Regulation XVII in 1829 banning it.
• Journalism Contributions: He published newspapers like Sambad Kaumudi to advocate for social and political reforms, including freedom of the press.
• Legacy: Rammohan Roy's contributions to education, social reforms, and religious reformation earned him the title of the "Father of the Indian Renaissance."

The correct answer is Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

Key Points

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a key social reformer in India during the 19th century.
• He strongly advocated for progressive reforms, including the promotion of inter-caste and inter-religious marriages.
• Roy was instrumental in the abolition of Sati and worked towards improving women's rights, aligning with his broader reformist agenda.
• He founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828, which championed social and religious reforms and encouraged egalitarian values.
• His efforts laid the foundation for modern Indian society by promoting rationalism, equality, and universal human rights.

Additional Information

• Inter-caste and inter-religious marriages: These marriages are a union between individuals from different castes or religions, challenging traditional norms and promoting social integration.
• Brahmo Samaj: A socio-religious reform movement founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. It emphasized monotheism, rational thought, and rejection of caste discrimination.
• Sati: A historical practice in which a widow was immolated on her husband's funeral pyre. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was pivotal in its abolition through legislation in 1829.
• Social reform in British India: Reform movements during the colonial period aimed at addressing societal issues such as caste hierarchy, gender inequality, and religious orthodoxy.
• Legacy: Raja Ram Mohan Roy is regarded as the "Father of Modern India" for his efforts in modernizing Indian society and promoting progressive ideals.

The correct answer is Jyotirao Phule.

Key Points

• Jyotirao Phule founded the Satya Shodhak Samaj (Society of Seekers of Truth) in 1873 in Maharashtra.
• The primary aim of the Satya Shodhak Samaj was to advocate for social equality and upliftment of oppressed classes, especially Dalits and women.
• It sought to combat social discrimination, caste-based oppression, and religious orthodoxy.
• Phule believed in the principles of rationality, education, and equality, which were reflected in the activities of the Samaj.
• The organization encouraged inter-caste marriages, widow remarriage, and education for women and marginalized communities.

Additional Information

• Jyotirao Phule's Contributions:
  • He is regarded as a social reformer, thinker, and writer who worked extensively for the rights of marginalized communities.
  • Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule, pioneered women's education by starting the first girls' school in Pune in 1848.
  • He wrote critical works like "Gulamgiri" (Slavery) to expose the exploitation of lower castes.
• Satya Shodhak Samaj's Principles:
  • The Samaj rejected the dominance of Brahmins and aimed to establish a society based on equality and justice.
  • It emphasized education as a tool for empowerment and sought to eradicate superstitions and blind faith.
• Contemporary Relevance:
  • Jyotirao Phule's ideas remain relevant in addressing social inequality and caste-based discrimination.
  • His work inspired future reformers like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who led the fight for Dalit rights in India.
• Caste System in India:
  • The caste system is a hierarchical social structure rooted in Hindu tradition, often leading to discrimination against lower castes and Dalits.
  • Reform movements like the Satya Shodhak Samaj played a critical role in challenging caste-based inequalities.

The correct answer is 1936.

Key Points​

• The All India Kisan Sabha was formed in 1936 at Lucknow.
• All India Kisan Sabha is also known as ‘Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha.’
• Swami Sahajanand Saraswati was the President of the Sabha.
• The secretary of All India Kisan Sabha was NG Ranga.
• The motives of the All India Kisan Sabha were:
  • To abolish the Zamindari system,
  • To reduce land revenue,
  • To institutionalize credit.

Additional Information

• The Kisan Sabha movement was started in Bihar under the leadership of Sahajanand Saraswati.
• It was formed in 1929 by the Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha (BPKS) in order to mobilize peasants and vocalize their grievances against the zamindari attacks on their occupancy rights and thus sparking the farmers' movements in India.
• Gradually the peasant movement intensified and spread across the rest of India.
• The formation of the Congress Socialist Party (CSP) in 1934 helped the Communists to work together with the INC, however temporarily, then in April 1935, noted peasant leaders N. G. Ranga and E. M. S. Namboodiripad, then secretary and joint secretary respectively of South Indian Federation of Peasants and Agricultural Labour suggested the formation of an all-India farmers body.
• Soon all these radical developments culminated in the formation of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) at the Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress on 11 April 1936 with Swami Sahajanand Saraswati elected as its first President.
• It involved people such as Ranga, Namboodiripad, Karyanand Sharma, Yamuna Karjee, Yadunandan (Jadunandan) Sharma, Rahul Sankrityayan, P. Sundarayya, Ram Manohar Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan, Acharya Narendra Dev and Bankim Mukherjee.
• The Kisan Manifesto released in August 1936, demanded the abolition of the zamindari system and cancellation of rural debts, and in October 1937, it adopted the red flag as its banner.
• Soon, its leaders became increasingly distant from Congress and repeatedly came into confrontation with Congress governments, in Bihar and United Province.

The correct answer is salvation.

Key Points

• Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) is a Hindu religious and spiritual organization that forms the core of a worldwide spiritual movement known as the Ramakrishna Movement or the Vedant
  • The mission is named after and inspired by the Indian saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and founded by Ramakrishna's chief disciple Swami Vivekananda on 1st May 1897.
  • The mission bases its work on the principles of karma yoga, the principle of selfless work done with a dedication to God.
  • The Ramakrishna Mission has centered around the world and publishes many important Hindu texts.
  • It is affiliated with the monastic organization. Vivekananda was greatly influenced by his guru (teacher) Ramakrishna.
  • The motto of the mission is - Atmano mokshartham Jagat hitaya cha (For one’s own salvation and for the welfare of the world).

Additional Information

• Swami Vivekananda
  • His original name was Narendranath Dutt.
  • He attended the Parliament of Religions held at Chicago in 1893 AD and published two papers, Prabhudhha Bharat in English and Udbodhana in Bengali.
  • He urged people to inculcate the spirit of liberty, equality and free-thinking.
  • He worked for the emancipation of women.
  • He emerged as a preacher of Neo-Hinduism.
  • He advocated the Doctrine of Service–the service of all human beings.
  • He was considered the spiritual father of the modern nationalist movement.

The correct answer is Raja Rammohan Roy.

• Raja Rammohan Roy was the founder of Atmiya Sabha.

Key Points

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy:
  • ​He is known as the ‘Father of Modern India’ or ‘Father of the Bengal Renaissance.
  • He was born on 22 May 1772 in a Brahman family at Radhanagar in Bengal.
  • He was a religious and social reformer.
  • He was widely known for his role in the abolition of the practice of Sati.
  • He was given the title of ‘Raja’ by the titular Mughal Emperor of Delhi, Akbar II.
  • He was a scholar and knew Sanskrit, Persian, Hindi, Bengali, English, and Arabic.
  • In 1814, he founded Atmiya Sabha in Calcutta to campaign against idolatry, caste rigidities, meaningless rituals, and other social ills.
    • It was an association for the dissemination of the religious truth and the promotion of free discussions of theological subjects.
  • He Formed the Brahmo Sabha in 1828 which later became the Brahmo Samaj.
  • Here, recital and expounding of Hindu scriptures were done. 

Additional Information

• Keshab Chandra Sen was the founder of Bharatvarshiya Brahmo Samaj.
• Debendranath Tagore founded the Tattvabodhini Sabha.
• Raja Radhakant Deb was the founder of British Indian Association.

The correct answer is 1856.

Key Points

• The Hindu widow remarriage act was passed in the year 1856.
  • The act made the remarriage of Hindu widows in all jurisdictions of India under East India Company rule legal.
  • The Hindu widow remarriage act was drafted during the tenure of Lord Dalhousie.
  • The act was passed by Lord Canning in 1856.
  • The remarriage of Hindu widows was first legalized by Lord Canning.
  • Hindu widow remarriage act was considered as the first major social reform legislation after the abolition of Sati in 1829.
  • Indian social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was the most prominent campaigner of the Hindu widow remarriage act

The correct answer is 1856.

Key Points

• Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act
  • It was passed on 16th July 1856.
  • It legalised the remarriage of Hindu widows in all jurisdictions of India under East India Company rule.
  • It was drafted by Lord Dalhousie and passed by Lord Canning.
  • It said that no marriage contracted between Hindus shall be invalid, and the issue of no such marriage shall be illegitimate, by reason of the woman having been previously married.
  • Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was the most prominent campaigner for Hindu widow remarriage and petitioned the Legislative council despite severe opposition from Radhakanta Deb and the Dharma Sabha.

The correct answer is Atmaram Pandurang.

Key Points

• The Prarthana Samaj was founded in 1867.
• It was founded by Atmaram Pandurang.
• Prarthana Samaj played a very important role in the Maharashtra renaissance.
• It focused on religious and social reform in Maharashtra.
• The mouthpiece called 'Subodh-Patrika' was run by the Prarthana Samaj.
• Veeresalingam Pantulu was the Telugu reformer who encouraged the Prarthana Samaj in South India.

Additional Information

• Swami Dayanand Saraswati is the founder of Arya Samaj in 1875.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy is the founder of Brahmo Samaj in 1828.
• Swami Vivekananda is the founder of the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897.

The correct answer is Debendranath Tagore.

Key Points

• Debendranath Tagore founded 'Tattavabodhini Sabha'.
• On 6 October 1839, Debendranath Tagore established Tattvaranjini Sabha which was shortly thereafter renamed the Tattwabodhini ('Truth-seekers') Sabha.
• Debendranath Tagore was a Hindu philosopher and religious reformer.
• Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Debendranath Tagore
• In 1859, the Tattwabodhini Sabha was dissolved back into the Brahmo Samaj by Debendranath Tagore.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy is regarded as the Father of Modern India.

Additional Information Important movements/Sabha and their founder:

The correct answer is Swami Vivekananda.

Key Points

• Swami Vivekananda was born on 12^th January 1863.
• His birthday is celebrated as national youth day in India.
• The Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda.
  • It was founded in 1897.
  • The headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission is located at Belur Math in West Bengal.
  • "Atmano mokshartham Jagat Hitaya cha" is the motto of Ramakrishna Mission.
• Narendranath Datta is the original name of Swami Vivekananda.
• He is considered the patriotic saint of India.
• "Go back to Gita" is a famous slogan raised by Swami Vivekananda.
• He attended the parliament of religions held in Chicago on 11^th September 1893.
• He died on 4^th July 1902 at the age of 39.

Additional Information

• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is the guru of Swami Vivekananda.
• Sarada Devi was the wife and spiritual consort of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
• Mahendranath Gupta was a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e., Debendranath Tagore.

Key Points

• Debendranath Tagore founded 'Tattavabodhini Sabha'.
• On 6 October 1839, Debendranath Tagore established Tattvaranjini Sabha which was shortly thereafter renamed the Tattwabodhini ('Truth-seekers') Sabha.
• Debendranath Tagore was a Hindu philosopher and religious reformer. 
• Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Debendranath Tagore
• In 1859, the Tattwabodhini Sabha was dissolved back into the Brahmo Samaj by Debendranath Tagore.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy is regarded as the Father of Modern India.

Additional Information

Important movements/Sabha and their founder:

The correct answer is 1867.

• Prarthana Samaj was founded by Atmaram Pandurang in 1867.
  • It was founded in Bombay.
  • It was formed to carry out social and religious reforms.
  • Dr Atmaram Pandurang was an Indian Physician and Social Reformer.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 1897.

Key Points

• Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda  in 1897.
• The headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission is located at Belur Math in West Bengal.
• The mission is named after and inspired by the Indian saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
  • Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the guru (teacher) of Swami Vivekananda.
• "Atmano mokshartham Jagat Hitaya cha" is the motto of Ramakrishna Mission.
• Ramakrishna Mission helps with the installation of photovoltaic (PV) lighting systems in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal.

Additional Information

• Swami Vivekananda was born on 12th January 1863.
  • His birthday is celebrated as national youth day in India.
  • Narendranath Datta is the original name of Swami Vivekananda.
  • He is considered the patriotic saint of India.
  • "Go back to Gita" is a famous slogan raised by Swami Vivekananda.
  • He attended the parliament of religions held in Chicago on 11th September 1893.
  • He died on 4th July 1902 at the age of 39.