==[[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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