Notes »

19th-century-reforms

==[[Raja Ram Mohan Roy]] (1772-1833):==

[[Brahmo Samaj]]:

Maharishi [[Debendranath Tagore]] (1817-1905)

[[Keshab Chandra Sen]] (1838-1884)

[[Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar]] (1820-1891)

[[Prarthana Samaj]]:

  • Founded in 1867 in Bombay (now Mumbai) by Atmaram Pandurang.
  • Similar to the Brahmo Samaj, it aimed at social reform and the promotion of monotheism.
  • Key members included R.C. Pandarkar and Judge Mahadev Govind Ranade.
  • Both were committed to social reforms such as caste abolition, inter-caste marriages, widow remarriage, and the advancement of women and marginalized communities.
  • Mahadev Govind Ranade founded several organizations
    • The [[Widow Remarriage Association]] (1861),
    • The [[Pune Sarvajanik Sabha]] (1870), and
    • The [[Deccan Education Society]] (1884).
  • While reformers like Ranade worked among higher castes, Jyotirao Phule focused on the upliftment of oppressed communities and women.
  • Phule’s book, Gulamgiri (Slavery), condemned caste-based discrimination and was a significant work in the reform movement.

Swami Dayananda Saraswati and Arya Samaj (1875):

Arya Samaj: Founded in Punjab by Swami Dayananda Saraswati (1824-1883) to promote social reforms.

Key Beliefs: Rejected idol worship, Brahminical dominance, and social rituals. Emphasized monotheism and a return to Vedic principles.

Publications: Swami Dayananda’s book Satyarth Prakash was widely read, promoting the rejection of practices like child marriage and widow remarriage.

Mission: Arya Samaj aimed to counteract missionary activities and convert Hindus who had embraced other religions back to Hinduism through a process called “Suddhi” (purification).

Education and Reforms: The Samaj made significant contributions to education and social reforms, establishing Anglo-Vedic schools and colleges.

Split: In 1893, a dispute over the purity doctrine led to a split in the organization.

Swami Shraddhananda (1857-1926) later accused the leadership of favoring Western ideas over traditional Vedic principles.

Legacy: Shraddhananda established several schools emphasizing Vedic education, maintaining a focus on traditional Hindu learning.

Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886):

  • A simple priest from Dakshineswar near Calcutta.
  • Emphasized reaching spiritual enlightenment through devotional practices and merging with the divine.
  • A devout follower of Goddess Kali, he believed in the universality of all religions and the unity of life and God.
  • Advocated service to humanity as the highest form of worship.

Ramakrishna Mission:

  • Founded by Swami Vivekananda after Ramakrishna’s death in 1886.
  • Attracted educated youths dissatisfied with other reform movements.
  • Promoted Ramakrishna’s teachings and expanded them globally.
  • Engaged in education, medical aid, and disaster relief.

Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902):

  • Principal disciple of Ramakrishna.
  • Advocated practical Vedanta and service to humanity.
  • Criticized the protectionist attitude towards religious institutions and emphasized cultural nationalism.
  • Gained fame for his speeches on Hinduism and devotion at the 1893 Chicago World’s Parliament of Religions.
  • Supported the inclusion of marginalized groups in religious practices.
  • Inspired political and social movements, notably influencing the Swadeshi movement after the partition of Bengal.

Brahmo Jnana Movement:

  • In the 19th century, Hinduism and Indian culture were losing value in Europe due to the spread of Christianity.
  • Western intellectuals sought spiritual liberation from the East, leading to the Brahmo Jnana Sabha’s formation.
  • Founded by Madame H.P. Blavatsky (1831-1891) and Colonel H.S. Olcott (1832-1907), the movement was established in America in 1875 and moved to Chennai, India, in 1886.
  • Promoted the study of Hindu scriptures, particularly the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita.
  • Played a significant role in revitalizing Buddhism in India.

Annie Besant’s Contribution:

  • Succeeded Olcott as the leader of the movement, enhancing its influence.
  • Advocated for self-rule for India, similar to Ireland’s autonomy.
  • Spread Brahmo Jnana ideas through her newspapers, New India and Commonweal.
  • Annie Besant (1847-1933)
  • Leader of the Theosophical Society in India after 1886.
  • Advocated for Indian self-rule, founding the Home Rule League in 1916.
  • Established Central Hindu College in 1898, now part of Banaras Hindu University.
  • Contributed to the Indian independence movement and modern education.

Jyotirao Phule (1827-1890):

  • Early leader in the Brahmin opposition movement from Maharashtra.
  • Founded the first school for the oppressed in Pune in 1852.
  • Established the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth Seekers Society) to promote self-respect and goals for non-Brahmins.
  • Opposed child marriage and supported widow remarriage, including for higher castes.
  • Dedicated his life with his wife, Savitribai, to the upliftment of the oppressed and women.
  • Created hostels for orphaned children and shelters for widows.
  • Supported British rule and missionary activities as a means to challenge Brahmin dominance.
  • Authored Gulamgiri (Slavery), outlining his radical ideas against caste oppression.

Narayana Guru (1854-1928):

  • Born in 1854 in Kerala, a scholar and poet in Malayalam, Sanskrit, and Tamil.
  • Dedicated his life to the upliftment of the oppressed, who faced severe caste discrimination.
  • Founded the Sri Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam to work for the welfare of marginalized communities.
  • Built a major temple in Aruvippuram, dedicated to all, regardless of caste.
  • His movement significantly transformed Kerala society, especially among lower castes.
  • Inspired thinkers and poets like Kumaran Asan and Dr. Palpu, who advanced his ideas.

Ayyankali (1863-1941):

  • Born in 1863 in Venganoor, Travancore.
  • Became a leader against caste discrimination, advocating for the rights of the oppressed
  • Challenged caste-based dress codes and fought for public access and education for lower castes.
  • Founded the Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham in 1907 to support the education and welfare of oppressed communities.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898):

  • Born in Delhi, he recognized the disadvantages of modern education lack among Muslims.
  • Advocated for the adoption of Western education and sciences to advance the Muslim community.
  • Established scientific institutions and translated English scientific texts into Urdu.
  • Believed in maintaining good relations with the British to ensure Muslim welfare and encouraged English education for Muslims.

Aligarh Movement:

  • Founded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1875 with the establishment of the Aligarh Muslim Anglo-Oriental College.
  • Became Aligarh University in 1920, a key institution in modernizing Muslim education in India.
  • Aimed at educational reform and producing learned individuals for leadership roles in public life.

Deoband Movement:

  • Established in 1866 in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, by Islamic scholars like Muhammad Qasim Nanautawi and Rashid Ahmad Gangohi.
  • Focused on preserving traditional Islamic teachings and opposing Western education and influence.
  • Deoband school aimed to revive Islamic ethics and religious education.
  • Initially opposed British and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s reforms
  • supported the creation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.
  • Issued fatwas against Sir Syed’s institutions and policies, emphasizing the preservation of Islamic traditions and rights.

Parsi Reform Movement:

  • Began in Bombay in the mid-19th century, led by Parsis who had migrated from Iran.
  • 1851: Founded by Dadabhai Naoroji as the “Ruhnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha” (Parsis Reform Society).
  • Criticized traditional rituals like child marriage and astrology.
  • Rast Kothar (Truth Herald) was the motto of the “Ruhnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha” founded by Dadabhai Naoroji.
  • Prominent leaders like Perroshah Mehta and Dinsha Wacha played key roles in early Congress.

Sikh Reform Movements:

  • Nirankari Movement: Founded by Baba Dayal Das, emphasizing worship of a formless God, rejecting idol worship and associated rituals, and promoting abstinence from alcohol and meat.
  • Namdhari Movement: Initiated by Baba Ram Singh, promoted Sikh symbols except the sword, encouraged equality of men and women, supported widow remarriage, and opposed dowry and child marriage.
  • Singh Sabha Movement: Founded in Amritsar by reformers like Kahn Singh Nabha.
  • Focused on restoring Sikhism’s purity, combating Christian missionary influence, and reforming Sikh practices.
  • Played a role in establishing institutions like Khalsa College and was a precursor to the Akali movement.

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