Name: Fighting For Change: Reform Movements Across India
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 5 min 46 s
Description: The 19th century was a time of great social change across India. Various reform movements emerged as leaders fought for more rights.

Question

How did the reformers seek to end the caste system?

Accepted Answer

Following were the steps taken by social reformers to eradicate the caste system in Indian society:

Raja Rammohun Roy saw that reforming Indian society required first reforming Hinduism. He felt that Hinduism should be liberated from the control of the Brahmans, who were anti-progress and responsible for the subjugation of the lower castes. He realised that in order to break free from the chains of the caste system and pointless religious ceremonies, people needed to be introduced to the original texts of Hinduism. As a result, he embarked on the work of translating Hindu scriptures into Bengali.

Swami Vivekananda and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar both advocated for caste reform. Swami Vivekananda saw caste as a social system rather than a religious institution. Caste was not mentioned in the sacred literature. Vivekananda was also opposed to the practice of untouchability. According to him, Hindu holy writings do not support untouchability.
Western India's renowned reformers were Gopal Hari Deshmukh, Ramakrishna Bhandarkar, M. G. Ranade, and Ramabai Ranade. They all spoke out and wrote against the caste system. Jyotiba Phule opened schools for the education of lower caste girls.

Bhimrao Ambedkar actively participated in the movement for temple entry of lower castes in Maharashtra.
Sri Narayan Guru promoted equality among all castes and advocated upliftment in the status of lower castes. He opened temples with no idols, where people were welcomed without discrimination.
Mahatma Gandhi also called for equality in society during the national movement. He addressed the lower caste people as 'Harijan' or children of God.

How did the reformers seek to end the caste system?

Important Questions on Reforms in Indian Society

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