Faced with the humiliation of colonial rule, many Indians initiated and participated in social reform movements. To which ideas were they exposed at the same time?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Ideas of democracy and justice
Option (1) Ideas of free trade and laissez-faire — Incorrect. Free trade and laissez-faire are economic ideas about markets working without state control. The reform movements drew instead on ideas of social equality and fair treatment.
Option (2) Ideas of democracy and justice — Correct. Along with the humiliation of colonial rule, Indians were exposed to ideas of democracy and justice. Together these led many to start and join social reform movements.
Option (3) Ideas of swadeshi and self-reliance — Incorrect. Swadeshi and self-reliance were ideas of the national movement, urging people to use Indian-made goods. The reform movements here grew from exposure to ideas of democracy and justice.
Option (4) Ideas of private property and land revenue — Incorrect. Private property and land revenue belong to colonial policy on land and its taxation. They offer no ideal of equality that could inspire reform against social discrimination.
NCERT (2026-27): “Social Exclusion … |