CULTURAL CHANGE
SOCIAL REFORM MOVEMENTS IN THE 19TH AND EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Colonial Impact & Social Reform Movements
The British colonial period in India saw the rapid spread of certain social evils that were deeply ingrained in the societal fabric. While some of these practices, such as sati (self-immolation by widows on their husband’s funeral pyre) and child marriage, were rooted in tradition, the British colonial regime often highlighted these to justify their civilising mission in India.
Pre-Colonial Efforts
It’s important to note that efforts to counter social discrimination were not unique to colonial India. Such attempts were integral to the teachings of earlier movements like Buddhism, Bhakti, and Sufism. However, what distinguished the 19th-century efforts was the environment in which they emerged.
Modern Context And Mix Of Ideas
The social reform movements of the 19th century had a dual influence. On one hand, they drew inspiration from Western liberal ideas of human rights, equality, and justice. On the other, they sought to revisit and reinterpret traditional Indian scriptures and literature to argue against these social evils. This created a fusion of thought that aimed to remodel Indian society.