Social Movements In India example essay topic

Definition and meaning of social movements: . It is very difficult to obtain a precise definition for social movements... Early sociologists looked upon social movements as efforts to promote change whereas modern sociologists view social movements as forms of collective social behaviour either promoting or resisting change... Social movements are difficult to define because they are varied and diverse. They have a wide range.

They range from national to global movements, from progressive to secular movements and also from regional to local... Social movements are highly dynamic in nature and their life span is uncertain i.e. they can be short term or long term... Social movements have been defined by several authors: - Turner and Killian: According to them, social movement is a collectivity, acting with some continuity, to promote or resist a change in society or in the groups of which it is a part. Lang and Lang: Social movements refer to large scale, widespread and continuing elementary collective action in pursuit of an objective that affects and shapes social order in some fundamental aspect. H. Blume r: Social movements are collective enterprises to establish a new order life.

Social movement has 2 main aspects: 1. solidarity and idealism For a movement to survive, it is important that there should be a sense of solidarity, combined with common ideals. The members must feel bound together which will provide the movement with emotional support. 2. Orientation towards action: When there is involvement in some kind of action, it keeps the movement alive. Members are provided with a sense of satisfaction that they are moving towards their goals or objectives. TYPES OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS Social movements are of many types.

However, they can be categorized into 3 main types: 1. Reformist movements: such movements try to improve society without really changing its basic social structure. Reform movements operate more easily in a democratic atmosphere and generally do not succeed in an authoritarian society. e.g. Religious reform movements like Brahmo Samaj, Women's Liberation Movements, and Religious Reform Movements. 2.

Revivalistic Movements: . Such movements are an effort to revive ancient glory and heritage - to revive past history. e.g. - Arya Samaj - go back to the Vedas... Such movements may have a positive or negative impact on people in society because people may be forced to regress into an atmosphere they cannot adjust to. e.g. - Taliban 3. Revolutionary Movements: . Such movements try to overthrow the existing social system and replace it with another one.

The revolutionary system does not feel that the existing system is worth saving. e.g. Industrial Revolution Apart from these are other types of movements: 4. Migratory Movement: . When a large number of people migrate to a new land for some definite reason like religious persecution, war, partition of a nation... All those who migrate share a common focus of discontent. This is what keeps them together. All of them share a common hope for a new future.

5. Expressive Movement: . Such movements occur when people are bottled up in a situation from which there is no escape. They feel powerless to change anything and are helpless...

They find ways of emotional release to make their like bearable - outlet for emotions. e.g. San thal Movement, Chip ko Movement 6. Utopian Movement: . they try to create an ideal or a perfect society and they want to extend it everywhere. e.g. Israeli Kibbutz (members join this unit and children are looked after together - they are one large family - self sufficient unit), Russian Commune. 7. Resistance Movement: .

It is an effort to block or propose a change or to oppose a change that had already been achieved. e.g. Partition of Bengal IMPACT OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS ON THE MASSES. Every social movement begins with the spread of unrest. It is the fist sign of a potential movement this unrest is observed when people confront situations that cannot be explained by their traditional ideology... This unrest leads to frustration amongst people which can be long term or short term...

This unrest coupled with frustration leads to general social excitement among people. People become very tense and have a tendency of breaking into violence... The social excitement leads to the emergence of new goals and objectives... This leads to the formalization of the movement. Funds are kept aside for this purpose and new members recruited to run the movement. It becomes institutionalized...

This leads to the development of a new ideology that becomes deep-rooted in the minds of the members. This serves to constantly remind people of their discontent... Thus emerges a disciplined membership which gives the movement its continuity. However, the ideology of the movement may not always be rational but it does have a definite impact on the people. It thus leads to social change which may be positive or negative These movements often bridge cultural or ideological lags or gaps (time interval between introduction of a culture and its acceptance) These movements force changes. e.g. Women's liberation movement. PROMINENT SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN INDIA.

Began in the 19th century - before this, the 18th century in India was called the 'Dark Age'. People faced a lot of problems - suppressed the people and these were sanctioned under the pretext of religion. e.g. Sati Brahmanic supremacy prevailed and various practices that were harmful had spread all over society. e.g. Female infanticide, devadasi system... Most of the social movements in India began with the advent of the British The 19th century India saw the emergence of Indian Renaissance Thinkers. Such thinkers were all intellectuals and many of then were educated in the west.

They had developed a desire to bring about social and political reforms in India... These liberal intellectuals focused on the problem of Indian inequality. They had an opportunity to compare their own ideologies with that of the west and they realized the need for reform and growth... They now began to mobilize the masses towards these movements. There were several socio - political factors that created a new awakening in Indian society giving rise to movements like Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj. Such movements woke the nation from it's slumber.

The first person to start the renaissance in India was Raja Ram Mohan Roy - Father of Modern India BRAHMO SAMAJ 1. Means 'Society of God' Brahmo - Brahman (Universal Spirit) Brahmo samaj as a prayer group to pray to Brahman. This is the first and one of the most prominent socio - religious movements in India. 2. It was established by Dr. Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828. However it did not have any proper headquarters and objectives.

3. Two years later in 1830, it was officially established in Calcutta with headquarters, staff and objectives, rules and regulations 4. The Secretary was Tara chand Chakravarty. 5. During this period, even though Bengal was progressive in education, yet at the same time, there were several parallel practices which abused women, like female infanticide, sati. The situation was paradoxical.

6. When he was very young (Raja Ram Mohan Roy) lost his parents. He was brought up by his elder brother. He was very attached to his sister-in- law, Alokmanjiri.

7. In the year 1811, he lost his elder brother and was forced to watch the self-immolation (sati) of his sister-in-law. This had a very deep impact on him. He realized that his sister-in-law, Alokmanjiri, did not want to commit sati, but she was forced into it. He then decided that putting an end to these practices would be his mission in life. 8.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy realized that no reform could take place without educating the masses. His first task was educational reform through the Brahmo Samaj. 9. He suggested several practical changes and propounded several progressive ideas.

10. He made liberal education one of the chief objectives of the Brahmo Samaj. OBJECTIVES 1. Monotheism. Belief one Supreme Being: The Brahmo Samaj advocates that there is a fundamental unity in world religion.

All religions are based upon the worship of a Universal God... Following this principle, the Brahmo Samaj took up a rational approach to religion and stressed the importance of the value of comparative study of religion... He made an analysis of various world religions i.e. Christianity, Hinduism, Islam He formed the ideal of universal religion. He stated, after a study of the Vedas, that all religions are but historical varieties of this. 2.

No images or idols: . The Brahmo Samaj feels that keeping of images and idols contradicts the Upanishad ic principles of monotheism. Besides, keeping of idols and images is an irrational approach to worship. This theory was that since god is formless and infinite, there can never be images of him. This was his firm belief and he refused to bow down to any deity.

3. It is against untouchability and Brahmanic supremacy: . Raja Ram Mohan Roy refused to accept the rigid principles of the Hindu Brahmin priests, . He very openly attacked the authority of priesthood in Hinduism and its right to interpret the Vedic scripture... He refused to equate the Brahmin priests with God. Further he strongly advocated equality of man in the eyes of God...

In line with this, he refused to accept the practice of untouchability... This was at a time when people were very afraid to defy the authority of Brahmin priests... The Brahmo Samaj however, openly attacked their authority, and preached equality of man, and the unity of all religions. 4. the crusade against Sati and general abuse of women: . He challenged the fact that sati was a part of Hindu religion. During this time, he was one voice against millions of people. However, he continued to insist that sati was not sanctioned by the Vedic scriptures and carried on with his crusade against sati, relentlessly...

He approached the British for help and in the year 1829, with the help of Lord William Bentinck, the Abolition of Sati Act was passed... Besides this, he also fought against the general abuse of women and kulinism and the devadasi system (kulinism - young girls belonging to kulin group were married off to Brahmin men who were much older, for the higher caste) (devadasi system: practice of giving young girls to the goddess Tel ema - eldest girl in the family). There was a very high rate of kulin widows, they were sexually abused and sold. 5. liberal Education: . Liberal means a congenial atmosphere in the classroom. i.e. corporal punishment was done away with... There was a better rapport between teachers and students. Learning made more meaningful, not only for the students, but also for the teachers. o In order to advocate this, he took a number of steps.

In the year 1815, he founded an organization called 'Amitya Sabha' - society of Friends. The objective in forming this organization was to have inter-religious prayer meetings and group discussions. o Many liberal intellectuals, Indian and European, joined the Amitya Sabha. o From among the Europeans, the prominent were from the Unitarian Association - Dr. David Hare and Rev. Fr. William Adams. o Later there were several Indians who joined the Amitya Sabha like Dwarkanath Tagore and Keshab Chandra Sen. o Later in the year 1817, he started a Hindu College in Calcutta. This college had a modified syllabus and a very broad based system of education. It was a combination of western and oriental education. o Later on, several schools attached to the Hindu College, came up. These were 1st stared for boys, and then for girls.

The focus was also on educating poor children. o In 1822, he started the Anglo - Hindu School with the help of the Unitarian Association to give free education to Indian children, especially boys. In the same year, Vedanta College was started. The college imparted intensive studies of the Vedic scriptures in English medium. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was the first reformer to realize that India needed educational reform on modern lines. This method was one in which he combined western science and eastern philosophy. 6.

Progressive Reform: . After Raja Ram Mohan Roy's death in the year 1833, the Brahmo Samaj was taken over by Devendranath Tagore. Prior to this, Devendranath Tagore had already started his own society called 'Tattvabodhini Samaj' which means a 'society friend' This society joined up with the Brahmo Samaj. Members of the Tattvabodhini Samaj were very rich and influential people. They decided to carry on where Roy had left and carry the Vedic faith. They laid down a body of rules on the lines of the Vedanta philosophy...

Much later, there emerged in the Brahmo Samaj, a younger class of members who favoured new ideals and a new outlook. This was when Dr. Keshab Chandra Sen rook over from Devendranath Tagore. He had a more western outlook in the philosophy of Brahmo Samaj. This was criticized by many and led to a wide controversy. It finally led to a split in the Brahmo Samaj... The Brahmo Samaj now was divided into 2 groups: 1.

Adi (first) Brahmo Samaj - Included the ideals of Raja Ram Mohan Roy - original ideals and philosophy. 2. Brahmo Samaj of India - Included the western philosophy of Dr. Keshab Chandra Sen. He combined the teachings of the Bhag wad Gita with the Bible, Quran and the Zend Avesta. - He considered God to be a creative force and he used the concept of 'God Force' in his teachings.

His ideas were cosmopolitan and humanistic... The Brahmo Samaj was the first socio- religious movement in India to fight several unjust practices. It may be called the Protestant Movement in Hinduism. It created a major awakening in the country, but it did not remain a public movement.

This was because it got divided into 2 groups. Later, it became a very elitist movement, joined only by the richer class of people in Bengal. Today the followers of the Brahmo Samaj have reverted back to the original philosophy based on the ideals of the Vedanta... The Brahmo Samaj was an inspiration to several other parallel movements in different parts of India. In the north, the Arya Samaj emerged. ARYA SAMAJ.

Was founded in the year 1875, by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. His original name was Mool Shankar - born in Gujarat in 1824 He belonged to an orthodox family. His family used to observe the various festivals and ceremonies religiously. When he was 14 years old, he accompanied this father to the Shiva temple on the occasion of Mahashivratri. In his mind, several questions began to form about the relevance of idols. His mind became restless and he wanted to go in search of truth.

His father, being very orthodox, opposed him. However, he finally managed to leave home, in search of truth at the age of 21 in 1845... For 15 years, he wandered from place to place till 1860. He suffered great hardships - carried out penance, meditated. At last he came across Guru Swami Virjananda who was a blind saint. Swami Virjananda was a very well known scholar and had knowledge of the Vedas, etc.

He was a very powerful opponent of idol worship... For two and a half years, Mool Shankar remained his disciple. It was Swami who changed his name to Dayanand. Two and a half years later he began to preach in public. He realized that there was an urgent need to emphasize on the principles of Hinduism.

He wanted to revive ancient Hinduism and instill a sense of confidence among people. He began to give lectures in public. He preached that Vedas are the final authority and emphasized that people should refrain from keeping idols... According to him, keeping idols is corruption of true Hinduism... Swami Dayanand had a strong personality and he attracted thousands of people.

Wrote a book - Satya rth Prakash - Light of Truth. This became very popular. Here he explained that the Vedas are the final authority and his was a revivalistic movement saying "Go back to the Vedas". 1875 - He officially founded the Arya Samaj in Mumbai. The fundamental principles on which this movement was based are o God is the Primordial root of creation and knowledge. o God alone should be worshipped: because he is infinite and omnipresent, there should be no images or idols. o Vedas are the books of true knowledge for every Arya Samaj and they should read, study, and propagate the same. o Every Arya should be willing to accept the truth. o All actions should be performed according to Dharma or the path of righteousness. o Every Arya must aim to do good to people (physical, social, spiritual) o Peoples merit and talent should be given due consideration. o Every Arya should work to liquidate ignorance and spread knowledge o The Arya should not be content with his uplift only, but should work to uplift others. o While looking at the uplift of others, he should not neglect his uplift. o Every Arya should follow the principles laid out. OBJECTIVES: 1.

Against Untouchability and Brahmanic supremacy: . Swami Dayanand refused to accept Brahmanic supremacy. He did not agree that Brahmin priests were the interpreters or custodians of the Vedas. According to him anyone can interpret and read the religious scriptures Hence it declared untouchability to be an irrational practice.

It came up against much opposition from the orthodox section; but he continued his work regardless. It also conducted inter-caste marriages with Vedic rituals. 2. Monotheism and against keeping of idols... Advocates belief in one God.

It totally rejects worship through idols and images. Its focus is on direct worship (prayer, mediation). They light the scared fire - Homa. They advocated Sahdhna a worship of god through the path of yoga and meditation... It emphasized the doctrines of karma and dharma, following of religious sacraments and taking the advice of learned religious people... Arya Samaj professes that god, nature and living beings are infinite.

So Swami Dayanand explained the 'Trism' of creation which he called 'Traitvad'. God created the world from the material of nature. Everyone must return to nature and finally to god. 3. Improvement in status of women: . Arya Samaj advocates that society can't progress unless women are given better status and position.

It is against child marriage, sati, female infanticide, polygamy etc. It propagates education of women and has started several schools, many of which are for girls, recommends widow remarriages, and conducts inter-caste marriages... It was these efforts which caused the 'widow Remarriage Act' to be passed in 1856 4. Eradication of illiteracy: . Arya Samaj advocates free and compulsory education for all. However, it does hold the state responsible for the spread of education and literacy...

Swami Dayanand Saraswati had started a chain of Vedic institutions, which emphasized moral, spiritual and other education. These institutions had a wide curriculum and they represent various branches of knowledge. They are open to people of all castes and religions... He also started the Dayanand Anglo - Vedic Institutions (DAV) in Lahore. These were grade 1 institutions run be learned and dedicated academicians. They produced doctors, lawyers, social workers etc and even sportsmen of every high caliber.

5. Respect for Animals and Vegetarianism: . Arya Samaj favoured vegetarianism and advocated the protection of animals, condemned cruelty to animals (especially protection of cows) Several sanctuaries have been founded and financed by Arya Samaj... Dayanand Saraswati was very critical of meat eating 6.

Social service and social reform: . Arya Samaj is socialist in nature to a large extent and it renders social service and carries out social reform in various directions. e.g. Education - looking up the task of eradication of illiteracy... Setting up several orphanages for destitute children... Helping women in distress (homes for women and their illegitimate children). Help to depressed groups (schedule castes). Help in conducting inter-caste marriages through Vedic rites.

7. Rejection of conversions to other religions: . It advocates revivalism through the Shuddhi movement. Arya Samaj wanted to stop a large number of conversions. It wanted to unite the entire Arya race into one group by eradicating several practices that abuse people and get people to understand Hinduism and remain within the religious fold. It has taken up the difficult task of reviving the Vedic faith...

It advocates that all those who have converted to other religions should return back to their original faith by going through purification ceremony as Shuddhi. It came to be known as Shuddhi movement... It has 2 aspects: o To give non- Hindus a right to read Vedic scripture. This was the right the Hindus preserved for centuries. o To prepare the Hindus to accept and absorb all those who had not belonged to Hinduism into the religion...

Arya Samaj was criticized for converting masses to Hinduism However, Arya Samaj very clearly stated the rational points: o It does not exercise any force o If other religions can convert, so could the Arya Samaj. o Arya Samaj is willing to accept anyone into the Vedic faith, if they willingly want to convert. o It has no potential motives and emphasizes on equality of man. 8. To work towards National Integration: . Arya Samaj works towards integration by uniting people of all castes and by advocating equality. At the time when the British had ridiculed and distorted Hinduism Arya Samaj instilled a sense of respect among Hindus by praising Hinduism and explaining the true essence of Hinduism... At the same time, it supported ideals like liberty and social justice.

Several of its prominent members like Swami Shraddhananda and Lala Lajpat Rai contributed substantially to the freedom struggle. Arya Samaj became a much more popular movement than Brahmo Samaj. Swami Dayanand Saraswati preached directly to the masses and did not confine his teachings only to the elite and intellectuals. Thus, his teachings were more effective and Arya Samaj became a more popular than Brahmo Samaj. So, it spread over various states across India from north upto south. By upholding the glory of god and the Vedas, it also upheld the glory of man.