Introduction

India in the 19th century witnessed a series of reform movements undertaken in various parts of the country. These movements were oriented toward a restructuring of the Indian society along modern lines. This unit presents a general and analytical view of these socio-religious reform movements. It also seeks to highlight the significance of these movements.

The conquest of India by the British during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, exposed some serious weaknesses and drawbacks of Indian social institutions. As a consequence several individuals and movements sought to bring about changes in the social and religious practices with a view to reforming and revitalizing the society. An important question for discussion is about the forces which generated this awakening in India. Was this a result of the impact of the West? Or was it only a response to the colonial intervention? Another dimension of this is related to the changes taking place in Indian society leading to the emergence of new classes. For this perspective the socio-religious movements can be viewed as the expression of the social aspirations of the newly emerging middle class in colonial India.

The early historical writings on reform movements have traced their origins primarily to the impact of the West, particularly to English education and literature, Christianity, Orientalist research, European science and philosophy, and the material elements of Western civilization. The importance of Western impact on the regenerative process in the society in the nineteenth century is undeniable. However, if we regard this entire process of reform as a manifestation of colonial benevolence and limit ourselves to viewing only its positive dimensions, we shall fail to do justice to the complex character of the phenomenon.

The reform movements should be seen as a response to the challenge posed by the colonial intrusion. They were indeed important not just as attempts to reform society but even more so as manifestations of the urge to contend with the new situation engendered by colonialism.

Method and Scope of Reforms

The reform movements of the nineteenth century were not purely religious movements. They were socio-religious movements. The reformers like Rammohan Roy in Bengal, Gopal Hari Deshmukh in Maharashtra and Kandukuri Veeresalingam in Andhra advocated religious reform for the sake of political advantage and social comfort. The reform perspectives of the movements and their leaders were characterised by recognition of interconnection between religious and social issues. They attempted to make use of religious ideas to bring about changes in social institutions and practices. For example, Keshub Chandra Sen, interpreted the unity of godhead and brotherhood of mankind to eradicate caste distinctions in society.

The major social problems which came within the purview of the reform movements were:

• Emancipation of women in which sati, infanticide, child marriage and widow marriage were taken up
• Casteism and untouchability
• Education for bringing about enlightenment in society

In the religious sphere the main issues were:

• Idolatry
• Polytheism
• Religious superstitions
• Exploitation by priests

In the attempts to reform the socio-religious practices several methods were adopted. Four major trends are as follows: