Eduqo
Modern Indian History›Ch 3: Revolt of 1857 & Social Reform›Other Reform Movements
Socio-Religious Reform Movements of 19th Century India
Social and religious reform movements transformed 19th-century India by attacking caste rigidity, idol worship, and regressive customs like child marriage and sati, while promoting modern education and widow remarriage.
Memory Hooks
| Movement / Society | Founder / Leader | Year / Location |
|---|---|---|
| Prarthana Samaj | Atmaram Pandurang | 1867, Bombay |
| Aligarh Movement | Sir Syed Ahmed Khan | 1875, Aligarh |
| Theosophical Society | Blavatsky & Olcott | 1875 (NY), 1882 (Adyar) |
| Satyashodhak Samaj | Jyotiba Phule | 1873, Maharashtra |
Vidyasagar
(Widow Remarriage Act)
Widow Remarriage Act
Passed in 1856 due to tireless efforts of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
Vivekananda
(Ramakrishna Mission)
Ramakrishna Mission
Founded in 1897 to propagate Vedanta and social service.
Sir Syed
(MAO College)
MAO College
Established MAO College at Aligarh in 1875 for modern Muslim education.
Phule
(Lower Caste Uplift)
Lower Caste Uplift
Fought against caste discrimination and promoted education for girls.
Prarthana Samaj founded by Raja Ram Mohan RoyFounded by Atmaram Pandurang in 1867
Prarthana Samaj was founded in Bombay by Atmaram Pandurang, influenced by Keshab Chandra Sen, not Roy.
Annie Besant founded Theosophical SocietyFounded by Blavatsky and Olcott in NY (1875)
Annie Besant joined later and popularized it in India; founders were Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott.
Widow Remarriage Act passed in 1829Passed in 1856 (Sati was abolished in 1829)
Do not confuse the 1829 Sati Abolition Act with the 1856 Widow Remarriage Act championed by Vidyasagar.
Q1.Who among the following founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873?
Q2.The Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act was passed in which year?