Socio-Religious Movements in Modern India

About Socio-Religious Movements in Modern India

In 19th century the process of religious reform had started almost in all Indian religions. The contemporary Indian social system was associated with religion. Naturally religious reforms and social reforms were complementary to each other. In 19th century, a lot of socio-religious reform movements took place; like in Hindu religion, the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj, in Muslim religion Aligarh and Ahmedia movement, in Sikh religion Akali movement and in Parasi religion Rahnumai Majdayasan Sabha came into existence. If we have an overall look at 19th century socio-religious reform movement’s nature, it becomes clear that this movement was associated with urban middle class and upper class which rationalism and religious universalism put importance on the social system reforms and modernisation. In the realm of culture emphasis was on religious and philosophical field, and art, music, science and technology etc. were benefited less comparatively. In modern National Movement, socio-religious reform played the prime role. The socio-religious leaders leaving all socio-religious controversies strengthened Indian socio strength. Those reforms helped Indians to have comparatively more self-confidence, self-respect and the feelings of patriotism. Those movements helped introduced to all Indians political and social freedom, equality and friendship. From these, humanity and morality among the common people spreaded and the feelings of political freedom and modern development raised. The slogans for Swadeshi and self-dependence of Swami Dayananda and Swami Vivekanand spreaded a new consciousness among the common people. Naturally socio-religious reforms played a very important role in the formation of the base for National Movement. The Brahmo Samaj movement was founded in 1882 by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, also known as the Father of Indian nationalism. Raja was influenced by monotheism, anti-idolatry, Sufism ethical teachings of Christianity and the liberal ideology of the West. He opposed idol worship and pressed on Doctrine of the Unity of God. The Samaj stood for equal rights of man and woman in social and educational matters. Another religious reform movement through which national awakening found expression is the Ramakrishna Mission started by swami Vivekananda, the disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa. The mission was established in 1887 to carry on humanitarian relief and social work. This book presents the dynamics of this subject with special emphasis on the practical aspects. This will serve the purpose of student of this subject.