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Reform Movements

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Brahmo

Arya

Ramkrishna

Satyashodhak

Aurobindo

Vivekanand

During the medieval period due to various invasions and political unstability introduction of monotheism in the form of Islam and Christianity the pluralistic fiber of Indian civilization was disturbed. During that period philosophy and religion were engaged in the battle of survival. Hence changes relevant to the changing times could not be brought about. Progress related to thinking was stopped. None the less, the old philosophies under the pretext of preserving it as it was became more orthodox and more rigid. As religious supremacy was equated with power selfish elements crept in. The religion was restricted to mere rites and rituals. It became means of exploitation. Hence the reform was very much awaited. Stresses from internal forces and external pressures from different religions and rulers from other soil catalysed the process of reform.

Reforms in the old days were gradual. They were confined to the original framework, Many a times such changes were accepted as an addition to the tradition. But exposure to the British rule changed the outlook. American struggle for independence could expose some of the French soldiers to the newer world and paved way to the French revolution which sooner or later reached remaining Europe. The echoes of those changes could be heard in India due to British and French colonies in India. It triggered off a process of introspection in Indian thinkers. It was followed by the action of reforms in various different sects, different states. Though it started with religious reform, soon it was followed by social reform which was the way to political reform leading to struggle for independence. Hence some of the reformers and their followers were to contribute in the freedom struggle which gave rise to Indian nationalism. Some of the reform movements are as follows.

1.Brahmo: Mainly in Bengal was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy on 20th August1828. At later stages Devevdranath Thakur (Tagore) formed Adi Brahmo. Keshav Chandra Sen founded Bharatiya Brahmo Samaj. In1878 Sadharan Brahmo Samaj was formed that converged to Adi Brahmosamaj.

2.Prarthana Samaj: It was like a counterpart of Brahmo Samaj in Maharashtra. It was founded in 1867 in Bombay and in 1870 in Pune. Mahadev Govind Ranade.R.G.Bhandarkar were the active members of the Samaj.They were liberal social reformers.

3.Satyashodhak Samaj: Founded by Mahatma Jotiba Phule in Maharashtra. It was formed in order to look into the real principles of the religion. According to them existence of God was replaced by Nirmik, the creator.

4.Arya Samaj: Founded by Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. He opposed the concept of idol worship. He wanted to revive old pure vedic religion.

5.Ramkrishna Mission: Swami Vivekananda a disciple of Ramkrishna Paramhans founded this in 1897. The purpose was to serve the bereaved & poor section of the society. Thus attaining higher spirituality.