General Studies (Paper - 1) : Model Question & Answers

Question: Despite some weakness the socio-religious reform movement did pave the way for the national awakening of India.

Answer: The socio-religious reform movement had remained confined to a narrow social base, as the reformist spirit appealed only to a small elite group, who were primarily the economic and cultural beneficiaries of colonial rule. In Bengal, the reform movement involved only a small number of western educated elite who were known by the general term bhadralok (gentlemen).

Reform in practice in any case affected a very small minority. The masses remained nearly untouched by the ideas of the intellectuals. Despite their best endeavours to appeal to the masses, their appeal for all practical purposes confined to the urban middle class particularly the educated sections.

Another limitation of these movements was that some of them had a tendency to look backward, appeal to past greatness and to rely on scriptural authority. These tended to go against the positive teachings of the reform movements themselves.

Contribution

• These movements attacked the caste system, untouchability and other social and legal inequalities.

• These movements were progressive in character for they sought reorganisation of society on democratic lines and on the basis of ideas of individual equality, social equality, enlightenment and reason.

Since many reform movements drew their inspiration from India’s rich cultural heritage, these promoted pan-Indian feelings and spirit of nationalism.