Social Movements in India
Short Questions
1. What is a social movement?
Answer: A social movement is a collective effort to promote or resist change in society.
2. Who introduced the term “social movement”?
Answer: Lorenz Von Stein introduced the term in 1850.
3. What is a key characteristic of social movements?
Answer: They are essentially collective in nature.
4. Name one type of social movement identified by David Aberle.
Answer: Revolutionary Social Movement.
5. Who founded the Brahmo Samaj?
Answer: Raja Rammohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828.
6. What was the main focus of the Satya Shodhak Samaj?
Answer: It focused on women’s education and social equality.
7. What is a cultural drift in the context of social movements?
Answer: It is a rapid change in societal values, ideas, and expectations.
8. When was the All India Women’s Conference established?
Answer: It was established in 1926.
9. Who is considered the Father of the Indian Workers’ Movement?
Answer: Narayan Meghaji Lokhande is considered the Father.
10. What was the first workers’ organization in India?
Answer: The Bombay Mill Hands Association, started in 1884.
11. When was the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) formed?
Answer: It was formed in October 1920.
12. What was the Champaran Struggle about?
Answer: It was against indigo planters in Bihar in 1917-18.
13. Who led the Chipko Movement?
Answer: Sunderlal Bahuguna led the Chipko Movement.
14. What does the Narmada Bachao Andolan oppose?
Answer: It opposes the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
15. When is Earth Day celebrated?
Answer: Earth Day is celebrated on April 22.
Long Questions
1. Explain the meaning and nature of social movements as described by sociologists.
Answer: Social movements are collective efforts aimed at promoting or resisting societal change, as defined by sociologists like Turner, Killian, and Blumer. They involve planned, deliberate actions backed by an ideology and specific objectives. These movements are distinct from spontaneous protests due to their organized nature and focus on social transformation.
2. What are the key characteristics of social movements?
Answer: Social movements are collective, involving group actions rather than individual efforts, and are planned with deliberate objectives. They are driven by an ideology that guides their course and aim to bring about or resist social change. Their operations vary in pace and scope, but they consistently seek to address societal issues.
3. How did Raja Rammohan Roy contribute to social reform in India?
Answer: Raja Rammohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828, advocating for religious, social, and educational reforms. His efforts led to the abolition of Sati through the Sati Act of 1829. He challenged discriminatory practices and promoted progressive ideas to uplift Indian society.
4. Describe the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Women’s Movement in India.
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi significantly influenced the Women’s Movement by mobilizing women during the Nationalist Movement, encouraging their participation in protests. His emphasis on non-violence and swaraj inspired women to fight for their rights and political independence. This involvement increased women’s awareness of their societal roles and rights.
5. What were the major outcomes of the Workers’ Movement in India during the pre-independence period?
Answer: The Workers’ Movement in the pre-independence period led to the formation of trade unions like the All India Trade Union Congress in 1920. It resulted in legislative changes, such as the First Factories Act of 1881, improving labor conditions. Strikes and protests highlighted workers’ grievances, pushing for better wages and work environments.
6. How did the Farmers’ Movement evolve in the post-independence period?
Answer: In the post-independence period, the Farmers’ Movement gained momentum in the 1970s in agriculturally developed states like Punjab and Maharashtra. Organizations like Shetkari Sangatana and Karnataka Rajya Ryot Sangh emerged, demanding fair prices and policies. The movement addressed issues like farmer suicides and protested against government apathy through events like the 2018 Mumbai march.
7. What are the main causes of environmental movements in India?
Answer: Environmental movements in India arise from rapid environmental degradation due to industrialization, urbanization, and excessive resource use. Issues like deforestation, air pollution, and biodiversity loss threaten ecological balance, prompting collective action. These movements also reflect ideological conflicts between sustainable development and modern industrial practices.
8. Discuss the significance of the Chipko Movement in India.
Answer: The Chipko Movement, started in 1973 in Chamoli, was significant for its non-violent resistance against deforestation, led by Sunderlal Bahuguna. It empowered local communities, especially women, to protect forests by hugging trees, preserving their livelihoods. The movement inspired global environmental activism and highlighted the importance of sustainable resource use.
9. What role did the Narmada Bachao Andolan play in addressing development issues?
Answer: The Narmada Bachao Andolan, led by Medha Patkar, opposed the Sardar Sarovar Dam, highlighting the displacement of tribal and rural communities. It raised awareness about sustainable development and the need for adequate rehabilitation for affected people. The movement gained international support, influencing policy discussions on large-scale development projects.
10. How do social movements contribute to social change in India?
Answer: Social movements in India, such as the Women’s and Environmental Movements, drive social change by challenging discriminatory practices and promoting equality. They raise awareness, influence legislation, and empower marginalized groups to demand their rights. Through collective action, these movements reshape societal norms and foster progressive transformations.
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