1. Mention there major achievements of the
social reformers
towards nationalism and society.
Answers
CONTRIBUTION OF RAJA RAM MOHAN ROY - SHORTCUT
Rabindranath Tagore referred to him as the 'Father of Indian Renaissance and the Prophet of Indian Nationalism'. He started two newspapers - Sambad Kaumudi and Mirat-ul-Akbar. He set up the Brahmo Sabha in 1828 which later became Brahmo Samaj. One of his greatest achievements in the field of social reforms was the abolition of sati in 1829 with the help of the Governor General William Bentinck.
CONTRIBUTION OF ISHWAR CHANDRA VIDYASAGAR AS A SOCIAL REFORMER - SHORTCUT
The spirit of self-sacrifice, simple living and fearlessness guided him. He wrote a Bengali primer, Barna Parichaya which is still in use. His greatest contribution was the upliftment of widows and education of women. It was due to his sincere efforts that a law was passed which made widow remarriage legal through Widow Remarriage Act (1856).
CONTRIBUTION OF DAYANAND SARASWATI TOWARDS HINDU SOCIETY - SHORTCUT
He was born in Kathiawar in 1824 and was called 'Mul Shankara'. At the age of 14, he rebelled against the practice of idol worship. The Satyarth Prakash was his most important work. He preached directly to the masses and did not confine his teachings to the intellectuals. In 1875, Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj in Bombay.
CONTRIBUTION OF RAMAKRISHNA PARAMAHANSA AS A SOCIAL REFORMER - SHORTCUT
He was a priest in a temple at Dakineshwar, near Calcutta. The simplicity of his character and his homely wisdom attracted a large number of followers. The intellectual Indians, whose faith in their own culture had been shaken by the challenge from the West, found reassurance in his teachings.