Socio – Religious Reform Movements in 19th Century of India

During the 19th century, religious superstitions and social obscurantism was prevalent in India. The social evils such as killing of female infants, child marriage, polygamy and sati were also under practice. The status of position of women filled with misery and humiliation. There are many social reformers played a vital role to removal of superstitions and decadent customs, spread of enlightenment and development of a rational and modern outlook. They were led to the national awakening in India. The socio – religious reform movement, as a whole was against backward element of traditional culture in terms of both religious and social evils. In this article throw light on the role of Raja Ram Mohan Rai and Jyotirao Phule in Socio – Religious Movement in India. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a champion of women’s rights in India. He revolted in opposition to the subjection of women and pleaded for the restoration of their rights. He advocated in favour of abolition of sati and widow remarriage. Due to the efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the British Government passed a law in 1829 abolishing the custom of sati. Another greatest social reformer was Jyotirao Phule. He was the first person in modern India to launch a movement for the liberation of caste-oppressed toiler and women irrespective of the caste. He offered a socio-cultural analysis that was deeply integral of Caste-Varna domination. He started a great work of education by starting various schools in and around Poona