Social Religious Movement

11. Consider the following events : 1. Foundation of the Ramakrishna Mis

Consider the following events :

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  • 1. Foundation of the Ramakrishna Mission
  • 2. Foundation of the Arya Samaj
  • 3. Foundation of the Brahmo Samaj
  • 4. Foundation of the Paramhans Mandali

Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above?

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1, 2, 3, 4
2, 3, 4, 1
3, 4, 1, 2
3, 4, 2, 1
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UPSC CAPF – 2019
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The correct answer is D) 3, 4, 2, 1.
Let’s establish the founding dates of these socio-religious reform movements:

* **3. Foundation of the Brahmo Samaj:** Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828 as ‘Brahmo Sabha’, later renamed ‘Brahmo Samaj’.
* **4. Foundation of the Paramhans Mandali:** Founded in 1849 in Maharashtra by Dadoba Pandurang Tarkhadkar and others.
* **2. Foundation of the Arya Samaj:** Founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875 in Bombay.
* **1. Foundation of the Ramakrishna Mission:** Founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897 near Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Arranging these events in chronological order:
1. Brahmo Samaj (1828)
2. Paramhans Mandali (1849)
3. Arya Samaj (1875)
4. Ramakrishna Mission (1897)

The correct chronological sequence of the provided numbers is 3, 4, 2, 1.

These movements were significant during the 19th century Indian Renaissance, addressing social evils, advocating for rationalism, education, and reforming religious practices, contributing significantly to the rise of Indian nationalism.

12. Which of the following statements about Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar is/ar

Which of the following statements about Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar is/are NOT correct ?

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  • 1. Vidyasagar’s writings significantly helped to develop the Bengali language
  • 2. He received the title ‘Vidyasagar’ from Presidency College, Kolkata
  • 3. He was enthusiastic about the spread of women’s education
  • 4. Vidyasagar defended widow marriage without being convinced about scriptural support

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

2 and 4
1 and 2
4 only
3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2019
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The correct option is A.
Let’s evaluate each statement about Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar:
1. Vidyasagar’s writings significantly helped to develop the Bengali language: This is CORRECT. Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar is considered one of the most important figures in the development of modern Bengali prose. He reformed the Bengali alphabet and contributed greatly to Bengali literature through his writings and translations.
2. He received the title ‘Vidyasagar’ from Presidency College, Kolkata: This is NOT CORRECT. Ishwarchandra Bandyopadhyay earned the title ‘Vidyasagar’ (Ocean of Knowledge) from the Sanskrit College in Kolkata, where he studied and later served as its principal. He received the title for his exceptional scholarship in Sanskrit studies.
3. He was enthusiastic about the spread of women’s education: This is CORRECT. Vidyasagar was a fervent advocate for women’s education and played a crucial role in establishing numerous schools for girls in Bengal, often collaborating with figures like John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune.
4. Vidyasagar defended widow marriage without being convinced about scriptural support: This is NOT CORRECT. Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was a strong proponent of widow remarriage and provided detailed scriptural arguments, drawing primarily from the Parashar Samhita, to prove that the practice was sanctioned by Hindu scriptures, challenging the prevailing orthodox interpretations. His efforts were instrumental in the passing of the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act of 1856.
The question asks for statements that are NOT correct. Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect.
Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was a polymath, social reformer, educator, and writer. His contributions to education, language, and social reform, particularly concerning the status of women and the caste system, were immense. He also opened the gates of Sanskrit College to non-Brahmin students, breaking centuries-old traditions.

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13. Who among the following founded the Atmiya Sabha in 1815 ?

Who among the following founded the Atmiya Sabha in 1815 ?

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Keshab Chandra Sen
Debendranath Tagore
Ram Mohan Roy
Bijoy Krishna Goswami
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UPSC CAPF – 2016
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Ram Mohan Roy founded the Atmiya Sabha in 1815 in Calcutta.
Atmiya Sabha was one of the earliest socio-religious reform organizations, dedicated to the propagation of monotheism and discussion of philosophical subjects.
Ram Mohan Roy is considered one of the pioneers of modern India and is known as the ‘Father of Modern India’. He later founded the Brahmo Sabha (later Brahmo Samaj) in 1828, which evolved from the activities of Atmiya Sabha.

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14. In 1893, there occurred a split in the Arya Samaj on the issue(s) of :

In 1893, there occurred a split in the Arya Samaj on the issue(s) of :

  • 1. Meat-eating vs vegetarianism
  • 2. Caste system and widow remarriage
  • 3. Shuddhi of converts
  • 4. Anglicised vs Sanskrit-based education

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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1, 3 and 4
2, 3 and 4
1 and 4 only
1 only
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UPSC CAPF – 2015
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The correct option is C.
The split in the Arya Samaj in 1893, following the death of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, was primarily driven by differences in approach to education and social practices. One faction, led by Lala Hans Raj and Lala Lajpat Rai, favoured Anglicised education and established the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) College. The other faction, led by Swami Shraddhanand and Pandit Guru Dutt Vidyarthi, advocated for a more traditional Sanskrit-based education focused on the Vedas, leading to the establishment of the Gurukul Kangri. Differences over dietary practices, specifically meat-eating versus vegetarianism, also contributed to the divergence between the groups. Caste system, widow remarriage, and Shuddhi were core tenets or programmes of the Arya Samaj, not issues that caused the 1893 split.
The split divided the movement into the ‘College Party’ (pro-Anglicised education) and the ‘Gurukul Party’ (pro-Sanskrit-based education). While the Gurukul group tended to be more conservative on social matters, the primary points of contention leading to the 1893 split were education style and, to a lesser extent, dietary issues.

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15. Which one among the following is not true of the Theosophical Society

Which one among the following is not true of the Theosophical Society of Madam H P Blavatsky ?

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It was founded outside India
It advocated the revival of ancient religions
It recognized the doctrine of transmigration of soul
It was silent on the idea of Universal Brotherhood
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UPSC CAPF – 2014
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The Theosophical Society was founded in New York City, USA, in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott, so statement A is true. It aimed to synthesize Eastern and Western philosophy, religion, and science, and advocated the revival of ancient religions and wisdom traditions, particularly those from the East, so statement B is true. Theosophy incorporates concepts like reincarnation and karma, which are related to the transmigration of the soul, so statement C is true. One of the fundamental objectives of the Theosophical Society, as stated by its founders, was to form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color. Therefore, the statement that it was silent on the idea of Universal Brotherhood is false.
– Founding location and date: New York, USA, 1875.
– Key objectives: Universal Brotherhood, study of ancient religions/philosophies, investigation of unexplained laws of nature and psychic powers.
– Core beliefs: Reincarnation, Karma, cyclical nature of cosmos, underlying unity of all religions.
The Theosophical Society later shifted its headquarters to Adyar, Chennai, India, and played a role in the Indian renaissance and independence movement by promoting pride in Indian culture and thought, and through the association of figures like Annie Besant.

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16. Which one among the following is not true of the Brahmo Samaj ?

Which one among the following is not true of the Brahmo Samaj ?

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It considered Vedic scriptures as infallible
It opposed idolatry
It emphasized the worship of one God
It emphasized the worship of God without the mediation of priests
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UPSC CAPF – 2014
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The Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and further developed by figures like Debendranath Tagore and Keshub Chandra Sen, was a reformist movement that rejected the infallibility of scriptures, including the Vedas. While drawing inspiration from various religious texts, including the Upanishads, they emphasized reason, conscience, and intuition over blind faith in scriptural authority. Statements B, C, and D are true of the Brahmo Samaj: it strongly opposed idolatry, advocated for the worship of a single, formless God (monotheism), and rejected the need for priestly mediation in worship, emphasizing direct communion with God.
Brahmo Samaj was a monotheistic reform movement.
It opposed idolatry and the caste system.
It rejected priestly mediation in worship.
It did not consider any scripture, including the Vedas, as infallible.
The Brahmo Samaj played a significant role in the Bengal Renaissance and social reform movements in India. It sought to synthesize the core tenets of various religions while advocating for social justice, women’s rights, and rationalism. The rejection of scriptural infallibility was a key departure from orthodox Hindu traditions.

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17. Which of the following statements about Theosophical Society are corre

Which of the following statements about Theosophical Society are correct ?

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  • 1. Its founders were non-Indians.
  • 2. Its advocates were in favour of the revival of Hinduism.
  • 3. It advocated for the adoption of rational and scientific approach based on western ideas.
  • 4. It helped people to overcome the sense of false pride.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
1, 3 and 4
1 and 2 only
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UPSC CAPF – 2011
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Statements 1 and 2 about Theosophical Society are correct.
1. The Theosophical Society was founded in New York City in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky (Russian) and Henry Steel Olcott (American). Neither was Indian, making statement 1 correct.
2. Theosophy promoted the study of ancient religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism, seeing them as sources of profound spiritual wisdom. Prominent Theosophists like Annie Besant actively championed Hindu philosophy and culture, contributing to a resurgence of interest and pride in Hinduism among Indians. This makes statement 2 correct.
3. While Theosophy claimed a rational approach to the study of spiritual phenomena, its core tenets were based on esoteric knowledge and mystical experiences rather than a strictly rational and scientific approach based on conventional Western ideas. It sought to reconcile science, religion, and philosophy, but its emphasis was on the wisdom of ancient traditions. Thus, statement 3 is generally considered incorrect in the context of advocating for Western scientific empiricism.
4. Theosophy promoted universal brotherhood and aimed to transcend racial, religious, and social barriers. This could indirectly help people overcome pride based on such distinctions, but “false pride” is a vague term and this effect wasn’t a primary stated goal or widely recognized consequence in the same way as promoting the revival of Eastern religions or advocating universal brotherhood. Compared to 1 and 2, this statement is less precise and verifiable as a core characteristic or impact.
The Theosophical Society established its international headquarters in Adyar, Madras (Chennai), India, in 1882 and played a role in the Indian Renaissance and nationalist movement, particularly under the leadership of Annie Besant.

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18. Which of the following ideas was/were shared by Raja Rammohan Roy and

Which of the following ideas was/were shared by Raja Rammohan Roy and Rabindranath Tagore ?

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Internationalism
Opposition to idol worship
Faith in rational and scientific approach
All the above
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Raja Rammohan Roy and Rabindranath Tagore, both towering figures of the Bengal Renaissance, shared several key ideas. Raja Rammohan Roy was a pioneer of modern Indian thought, advocating for reason, science, monotheism, and universalism (proto-internationalism). Rabindranath Tagore, while rooted in Indian tradition, also embraced universalism, founded Visva-Bharati (a university promoting global cultural exchange), and strongly advocated for rationality and a scientific temper. Both opposed traditional idol worship and ritualism, although their specific approaches and expressions differed. Tagore, in his poetry and philosophy, focused more on an immanent, universal divine than Rammohan Roy’s strict Brahmo Samaj monotheism, but neither endorsed polytheistic idol worship in the traditional sense. Given their shared emphasis on universalism (Internationalism), rejection of traditional idol worship, and faith in reason and science, ‘All the above’ is the correct answer.
– Both reformers were influenced by Western thought but also rooted in Indian philosophy.
– They advocated for social reform, education, and a modern, rational outlook.
– Their vision extended beyond national boundaries to embrace universal human values and understanding.
Raja Rammohan Roy (1772-1833) is considered the ‘Father of Modern India’. Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was a polymath who reshaped Bengali literature and music and was the first non-European Nobel laureate in Literature. Their ideas represent a continuum of modern Indian intellectual and cultural development.

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19. Which Reformer does the following passage relate to ? “He insisted on

Which Reformer does the following passage relate to ?
“He insisted on the cooperation of the Muslims with the British Government and looked at all political movements with distrust. Thus, when the Indian National Congress was formed, he opposed it. He regarded education and education alone as the means of national progress.”
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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Keshab Chandra Sen
Lord Macaulay
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
Badruddin Tyabji
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The passage accurately describes the views and actions of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. He was a strong advocate for modern education among Muslims and believed that cooperating with the British Government, rather than engaging in political agitation like the Indian National Congress, was the path to progress for the Muslim community. He viewed the Congress with suspicion and advised Muslims to stay away from it.
– Sir Syed Ahmad Khan founded the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College (later Aligarh Muslim University) specifically to promote modern education among Muslims.
– He believed that political confrontation with the British would be detrimental to Muslim interests and advocated for loyalty and cooperation.
– He was a prominent opponent of the Indian National Congress from its inception, fearing it would lead to Hindu dominance and marginalize Muslims.
Keshab Chandra Sen was a leader of the Brahmo Samaj and a social reformer, not known for advocating cooperation with the British to the exclusion of political movements like the INC (though his relationship with the Brahmo Samaj and political movements evolved over time). Lord Macaulay is associated with the introduction of English education but was not an Indian reformer with these specific views on political movements. Badruddin Tyabji was one of the early presidents of the Indian National Congress, directly contradicting the description.

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20. The founders of the Paramhansa Mandali founded in Maharashtra believed

The founders of the Paramhansa Mandali founded in Maharashtra believed in which one of the following?

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Social distancing along caste lines
Glorification of caste system
Forbidding widow remarriage
One God and in breaking caste rules
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The Paramhansa Mandali was a secret society founded in 1849 in Maharashtra. Its founders were influenced by the Derozians and believed in monotheism and were primarily concerned with the abolition of caste.
Paramhansa Mandali focused on religious and social reform, particularly challenging the caste system.
Members of the Mandali took food cooked by people of lower castes in their meetings to signify their commitment to breaking caste rules. They also advocated for widow remarriage and education for women, going against orthodox Hindu practices.

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