Question

The Factor which helped the Indians to analyse their society during 19th century was

Answer 1

Answer:

The socio-religious reform movements of the 19th century were great pioneers of Indian nationalism. The impact of western education, which led to a rational, humanitarian and scientific approach to life, made the educated Indians realise the need to reform their religion and society. These movements touched almost every segment of Indian society. In the social sphere these movements worked for the abolition of caste system, child marriage, dowry system, purdah system, sati and infanticide. In the religious sphere, these reform movements combated religious superstitions, attacked idolatry, polytheism and hereditary priesthood. These movements fought for individual liberty and social equality.

Prominent reform movements were Brahmo Samaj (founded by Raja Rammohan Roy), Arya Samaj (founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati), Ramakrishna Mission (founded by Swami Vivekanand) and Satya Shodhak Samaj (founded by Jyotiba Phule.

 b) The Press: Newspapers such as the Amrit Bazar Patrika, The Bengali, The Tribune, The Times of India, The Hindu were prominent. Newspapers in vernacular language were also printed. It was through the press that the message of patriotism and modern liberal ideals of liberty, freedom, equality spread among the people. The press daily criticised the unjust policies of the British. It made possible to exchange views among different sections of the Indian society and to organise political movements. It made Indians aware of the political and social development of the outside world and shape their own policies and programmes.  

c) Repressive Colonial Policies: The British had conquered India to promote their own interests and therefore , followed such repressive policies so as to make India submissive to the needs of the British.  

Lord Lytton introduced the Vernacular Press Act (1878) and the Indian Arms Act. The Vernacular Press Act did not allow vernacular papers to publish any material that might excite a feeling of dissatisfaction against the British government.  The Indian Arms Act of 1879 made it a criminal offence for Indians to carry arms without license.  

The maximum age limit for the Indian Civil Service examination was reduced from 21 to 19 years, thus making it difficult for the Indians to compete for it.  

These repressive policies of the British provided a stimulus to political agitation and quickened the pace of Indian nationalism.

Explanation: