The social reform movements which emerged in India in the 19th century arose to the challenges that colonial Indian society faced. Before this, there were attempts to eradicate social evils existing in Indian society. However, 19th and 20th-century social reform attempts were different in several levels. Sociologist Satish Saberwal elaborates on this development by sketching three aspects of modern times (a) modes of communication, (b) forms of organization, and (c) the nature of ideas. New technologies speeded up various forms of communication. Within India, social reformers from Punjab and Bengal exchanged ideas with reformers from Madras and Maharashtra. Some of them went to other countries, while people and organizations came to India reaching remote corners of the country.
The social reform movements which emerged in India in the 19th century arose in response to the challenges faced by colonial Indian society. Which of the following is NOT true about these reform movements?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option 2: They marked the beginning of attempts to fight social discrimination in India.
Option 1: They emerged in a context where reformers combined modern ideas with a new look at traditional literature. Correct. This is a true statement. The distinctive feature of the 19th-century social reform movements was the creative combination of modern ideas of western liberalism with a new look at traditional literature.
Option 2: They marked the beginning of attempts to fight social discrimination in India. Incorrect. This statement is not true. Attempts to fight social discrimination had already been made in the pre-colonial period through the Buddhist, Bhakti and Sufi movements. The 19th-century reform movements differed because they emerged in a modern colonial context with new ideas, organisations and modes of communication.
Option 3: Modern technologies and organisations enabled reformers from different regions to exchange ideas. Correct. This is a true statement. The printing press, telegraph, railways, steamships, newspapers and modern organisations facilitated communication and helped reformers across different regions exchange ideas and coordinate their efforts.
Option 4: New ideas of liberalism, education and freedom became important features of the reform movement. Correct. This is a true statement. The reform movements were influenced by new ideas of liberalism, freedom, education, homemaking and social progress, which shaped debates on social practices and institutions.