Q. Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.

Model Answer: 

Trace the Rise and Growth of Socio Religious Movement

Socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India emerged as a response to colonial rule and Western influences. This answer will trace the rise and growth of two significant movements: Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.

Young Bengal Movement:

• Origins: Founded in late 1820s by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio
• Rise:
– Gained popularity among students of Hindu College, Calcutta
– Challenged traditional Hindu practices and beliefs
• Growth:
– Spread of rationalist and free-thinking ideas
– Publications like “Parthenon” and “Hesperus”
– Debates and discussions in public forums
• Impact: Questioned social norms (e.g., caste system)

Brahmo Samaj:

• Origins: Established in 1828 by Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• Rise:
– Initially focused on religious reform and monotheism
– Gained support from educated Bengali elite
• Growth under different leaders:
– Debendranath Tagore (1843): Formalized doctrines
– Keshab Chandra Sen (1857): Expanded social reform agenda
• Evolution:
– 1866: Split into Adi Brahmo Samaj and Brahmo Samaj of India
– 1878: Further division led to Sadharan Brahmo Samaj
• Expansion:
– Spread beyond Bengal to other parts of India
– Established schools, journals, and social welfare initiatives

Both movements:

• Contributed to the Indian Renaissance
• Influenced later reform movements and nationalist thought
• Faced opposition from orthodox sections of society

Conclusion: These movements evolved from religious reform to broader social change, significantly impacting Indian society and thought.