Notes For All Chapters – History Class 8
1. Introduction
- With the spread of English education, Indians were introduced to new thoughts, ideas, and philosophies.
- This led to changes in social, religious, economic, and cultural aspects of Indian society.
- Indian Renaissance: A period of social and religious awakening aimed at reforming society and removing backwardness.
2. Important Social and Religious Reform Movements
A. Brahmo Samaj (1828)
Founder: Raja Rammohan Roy (in Bengal)
Key Ideas:
- Monotheism (belief in one God)
- Opposed Sati practice, child marriage, and purdah system
- Supported widow remarriage and female education
- Promoted caste equality and prayers instead of rituals
Contributions:
- Helped abolish Sati with the support of Lord Bentinck.
- Established Hindu College (now Presidency University) in Kolkata.
- Spread new ideas through his newspaper Samvad Kaumudi.
B. Prarthana Samaj (1867)
Founder: Dr. Atmaram Pandurang (in Mumbai)
Key Ideas:
- Opposed idol worship and caste discrimination
- Supported monotheism, prayers, and devotion
- Worked for women’s education and orphan care
Contributions:
- Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade and Dr. R.G. Bhandarkar expanded the movement.
- Established schools for girls, night schools for workers, and orphanages.
- Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde started the Depressed Classes Mission to uplift lower castes.
C. Satyashodhak Samaj (1873)
Founder: Mahatma Jyotirao Phule (in Pune)
Key Ideas:
- Fought against caste discrimination and untouchability
- Advocated education for women and lower castes
- Promoted social equality
Contributions:
- Opened the first school for girls in 1848 with his wife Savitribai Phule.
- Wrote books like ‘Gulamgiri’ and ‘Shetkaryacha Asud’ to highlight social injustice.
- Organized a barber strike against the custom of shaving widows’ heads.
D. Arya Samaj (1875)
Founder: Swami Dayanand Saraswati
Key Ideas:
- “Go Back to the Vedas” – Return to ancient Indian traditions.
- Opposed casteism, idol worship, and rituals.
- Supported gender equality and education.
Contributions:
- Wrote the book ‘Satyarth Prakash’ explaining Vedic teachings.
- Opened schools and colleges across India to promote education.
E. Ramakrishna Mission (1897)
Founder: Swami Vivekananda (a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa)
Key Ideas:
- Service to humanity is service to God.
- Focused on spiritual growth, education, and social welfare.
Contributions:
- Helped during famine relief and medical aid.
- Established educational institutions for the poor and women.
- Famous message: “Arise, Awake, and Stop Not Till the Goal is Achieved.”
F. Social Reforms Among Sikhs
- Singh Sabha (1873): Worked to modernize Sikh education and remove superstitions.
- Akali Movement: Continued Sikh reforms and community development.
G. Social Reforms Among Muslims
Leader: Sir Sayyad Ahmad Khan
Key Ideas:
- Advocated modern education and scientific knowledge.
- Believed Muslim progress depended on Western education.
Contributions:
- Established Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College (now Aligarh Muslim University).
- Encouraged social and educational reforms for the Muslim community.
3. Emancipation of Women
During British rule, the condition of women was poor due to child marriage, sati, and lack of education. Social reformers worked to improve their status.
Key Reformers for Women’s Rights:
1. Raja Rammohan Roy:
- Helped pass the Sati Prohibition Act (1829).
2. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule:
- Opened the first girls’ school in Pune with his wife Savitribai Phule.
- Established Bal Hatya Pratibandhak Griha (Home for orphan girls).
3. Pandit Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar:
- Worked for widow remarriage and women’s education.
4. Gopal Hari Deshmukh (Lokhitwadi):
- Wrote in Shatapatre to advocate for gender equality.
5. Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve:
- Founded Anath Balikashram for orphan girls.
- Established India’s first Women’s University.
6. Pandita Ramabai:
- Opened Sharada Sadan to care for widows and disabled women.
7. Ramabai Ranade:
- Started the Seva Sadan Institute to train women in nursing.
- Fought for women’s right to vote.
4. Hindu Reform Movements
- Hindu Mahasabha (1915): Founded to give Hindus a united voice.
- Banaras Hindu University (1916): Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya.
- Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) (1925): Founded by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar to promote Hindu discipline.
- V.D. Savarkar: Built the Patit Pawan Temple open to all castes.
5. Impact of Social and Religious Reform Movements
- Improvement in Women’s Status: More rights for women, including education and widow remarriage.
- Caste Reforms: Reduced discrimination against lower castes and untouchables.
- Education Expansion: Increased educational institutions and promotion of scientific knowledge.
- National Unity: The reforms inspired unity and patriotism among Indians.
- End of Social Evils: Efforts to end Sati, child marriage, and untouchability.
6. Key Slogans and Messages
- “Go Back to the Vedas” – Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
- “Arise, Awake, and Stop Not Till the Goal is Achieved” – Swami Vivekananda.
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