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.
Which of the following DO NOT fit in the given group?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option 4: Arya Samaj
Buddhism, Bhakti movements, and Sufi movements had already made attempts to fight social discrimination before the colonial period. In contrast, Arya Samaj was a 19th-century social reform organisation that emerged in the colonial period as part of the modern social reform movements.