19th CENTURY - INDIAN RENAISSANCE
It was an attempt to reform Indian Society in the light of modernization, westernization and the threat of Christianity. The most important factor for the Renaissance was the introduction of English education with its ideas of Humanism, Rationalism and Empiricism (Experiment and Experience)
I. HINDU REFORM MOVEMENTS
1. ATMIYA SABHA - Founded by Raja Rammohan Roy in Kolkata in 1815 A.D. was the first reform organisation, Its main theme was to promote studies on Indian philosophy (Upanishads).
2. YOUNG BENGAL MOVEMENT - was started by Henry Vivian Derozio, an Anglo - Indian teacher in 1824 A.D. His followers called Derozians were the first to start the practice of writing pamphlets of social and economic issues. Derozio inspired his whole generation of Bengali intellectuals including Vidyasagar and Keshab Chandra Sen.
3. BRAHMA SAMAJ - Actually called Brahmo Sabba was founded by Rammohan Roy in Kolkata in 1828 A.D. as a social reform organisation. Its main theme was 'Nirgunosapna' (formless worship monotheism).
Its social programme included-
a. Eradication of social evils like sati.
b. Emancipation of woman.
c. To demand for progressive education.
d. To generate awareness an socio-economic and political issues.
At the instance of Raja rammohan Roy, the custom of Sati was obolished in 1829 A.D. He prevailed upon Lord T.B. Macaulay in introducing English education.
After the death of Raja Rammohan Roy. Debendranath Tagore became the head of Brahmo Samaj. In 1866 A.D. Brahmo Samaj was divided for the first time on the issue of defining the relationship between Brahmanism and Brahmo Samaj. The radicals called keshab Chandra sen, Anandamohan Bose and Shivnarayan Shastri left Brahmo Samaj under Debendranath Tagore continued as Adi Brahma Sabha.
In 1878, the Brahmo Samaj was divided for the second time. Anand Mohan Bose and Shivnarayan Sastri revolted against Sen and founded Saddharmo Brahmo Samaj. The reasons for the second split were -
= keshab Chandra Sen introduced Kirtanas and Bhajans.
= Declared himself a propher and encouraged here worship.
= Performed child marriage.
4. DHARMO SABHA- A conservative movement founded by Radhakanta Deb in 1829 A.D. in Kolkata opposed the progressive outlook of Brahmo Samaj
5. TATWABODHINI SABHA- Founded by Debendranath Togore in 1839 A.D. to promote studies on Indian philosophy. He also started the journal 'Tatwabodhini Patrika'.
6. MANAVA DHARMA SABHA - Founded in 1844 A.D. at Pune by Durga Ram and Mancharam to promote Brahmo ideas.
7. PARAMHANSA MANDALI - Founded by Dadoji Pandurage in Bombay in 1849 A.D. to promote Brahmo ideas particularly monotheism.
8. RADHASWAMY SATSANG/SOMAI - Founded in 1867 A.D. in Agra by Tulsiram, also called Shivdayal Shastri, The Satsang apart form Monotheism, emphasized on a disciplined life without vices.
9. PRARTHANA SAMAJ - Founded in 1867 A.D. in Bombay by Atmaram Pandurang as a brach of brahmo Samaj in Bombay Presidency at the instance of Keshab Chandra Sen. Justice M.G. Ranade joined the Samaj in 1870 and was called "Architect of the Samaj"
Its social program included-
= Imparting education to woman and the downtrodden
= To establish window homes
The Samaj spearheaded the lower caste movements in Bombay Presidency.
10. ARYA SAMAJ : Founded by Swami Dayanand Sarswati, first in Bombay in 1875 and later at Lahore in the same year.
The social program of Arya Samaj included -
= Promoting studies on Vedsa.
= the Samaj opposed the dominationof priestly classes, encouraged widow remarriages, founded schools and colleges, hospitals, providing social service.
The 2 controversial programs of the Samaj were-
= Suddhi Movement - (Purification Movement ) by which Arya Samaj tried to bring back the converted into Hindusim.
= Cow protection movement - With the 2 movements, the Samaj very often caused communal tension between Hindus. Christians and Muslims.
After the death of Dayanand, the Samaj was divided on the issue of medium of instruction. Swami Shraddhananda demanded Sanskrit as the medium and founded Gurukul at Hardwar (Gurukula Secation) Whereas Lala Hansraj and Lata Lajpat Rai demanded English as the medium (College Section) - founded Oriental College at Lahore.
11. THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY : Founded in 1875 at New York by Madam H.P. Blavadsky and Col. Olcott. The main purpose of the society was to promote studies on Theosophy (Occult Sciences). In 1878. the Centre was shifted to Adayar in Chennai.
Madam Annie Besant became the President of the Society in 1903 and led the Home Rule Movement demanding self governance for India.
12. DECCAN EDUCATION SOCIETY - Founded in 1881 in Bombay by Gopal Ganesh Agarkar to provide education to the downtrodden and depressed classes.
13. INDIAN NATIONAL SOCIAL CONFERENCE - Was founded by Justice M.G. Ranade in Bombay in 1887 to strengthen the cause of reformism.
14. RAMAKRISHNA MATH - Was founded by Swami Vivekananda at Belur in 1887 to promote the universal religion of Paramahansa. The Swami of the Math are being trained at Belur. Vivekananda also founded the Ramakrishna Mission as a social service organisation in 1897.
15. DEVA SAMAJ - Was founded by Shivanarayan Agnihotri in Lahore in 1897 as a brach of Brahmo Samaj. The members of the Samaj however worship the Gurus and Scriptures.