1

UPPSC 2025
DAILY
CLASS NOTES
Modern History

Lecture – 18
Indian Renaissance
 2

Indian Renaissance
Factors Contributing to the Desire for Socio-Religious Reform in 19th Century India
The 19th century marked a significant period in Indian history, characterized by a growing desire for socio-
religious reform among certain sections of society. Several factors contributed to this awakening:
❖ Intellectual Awakening: Exposure to Western ideas through education and travel led to a re-evaluation of
traditional practices and beliefs.
❖ Social Inequality: The caste system, prevalent in Indian society, perpetuated discrimination and inequality,
prompting calls for social reform.
❖ Economic Exploitation: Colonial rule and economic exploitation created a sense of discontent and a desire
for social and economic justice.
❖ Religious Dogmatism: The rigid adherence to religious rituals and practices, often hindering social
progress, fueled calls for reform.
❖ Nationalism: The growing sense of nationalism and the desire for a strong, independent India led to a re-
examination of traditional values and practices.
❖ Renaissance: The reawakening process, often referred to as the ‘Renaissance,’ did not always permeate
daily life across the entire Indian subcontinent.
➢ The benefits of these reform movements were not uniformly experienced by all.
➢ The Renaissance occasionally deviated from its intended path, leading to some undesirable outcomes
that have also become part of the historical narrative.
Impact of British Rule on Indian Society and Culture
❖ The colonial government in India played a complex and decisive role during a crucial phase of modern
Indian history.
❖ The impact of British rule on Indian society and culture was markedly different from previous influences.
❖ Earlier invaders who came to India often settled within its borders, were absorbed by its superior culture.
❖ The British conquest was distinct, occurring at a time when India appeared as a stagnant civilization and a
static, decadent society, in contrast to the enlightened and scientifically advanced Europe of the 18th
century.
Social conditions which created the background for reform
Religious and Social Ills
❖ In the 19th century, Indian society was entangled in religious superstitions and social obscurantism.
❖ Hinduism had become deeply rooted in magic and superstition.
❖ Priests held overwhelming and unhealthy influence over the people.
❖ Idolatry and polytheism reinforced the priests’ positions, and their monopoly on scriptural knowledge gave a
deceptive character to religious systems.
Depressing Position of Women
❖ Social conditions for women were particularly distressing.
❖ Female foeticide was common.
❖ Child marriage was a prevalent societal issue.
❖ Polygamy was practiced, and in Bengal, under Kulinism, even elderly men married very young girls.
 3

❖ The married life of women was very pitiable and full of struggle. If a woman's husband died, she was
forcibly stopped from burning herself on her husband's funeral pyre. This was known as 'Sati Pratha'. Raja
Ram Mohan Roy called it 'murder under the pretext of scriptures'.
❖ Women who escaped sati faced a life of misery and humiliation.
The problem of caste discrimination -
❖ The caste system was a significant debilitating factor, enforcing segregation based on ritual status.
❖ Untouchables, or scheduled castes, were at the bottom of the hierarchy and faced severe disabilities and
restrictions.
❖ The caste system fragmented society into numerous groups, hindering the growth of a united national feeling
and the spread of democracy.
❖ Caste consciousness, particularly regarding marriage, was also present among Muslims, Christians, and
Sikhs, who practiced untouchability in a less severe form.
❖ The rigid caste system restricted social mobility, increased social divisions, and stifled individual initiative.
❖ This evil practice was a shameful blot on human civilization and dignity.
New Awareness among Enlightened Indians
❖ Impact of Western Culture: Exposure to modern Western ideas and culture led to a re-evaluation of Indian
society and culture.
❖ Recognition of Weaknesses: The defeat by foreign powers highlighted the internal weaknesses of Indian
society and culture.
➢ Some English-educated Bengali youth developed a revulsion for Hindu religion and culture,
abandoning old religious ideas and traditions, and adopting practices offensive to Hindu sentiments,
such as drinking wine and eating beef.
❖ Diverse Reactions: The realization of India's backwardness led to a variety of responses, including rejection
of traditional practices and beliefs.
❖ Shared Conviction: Despite diverse reactions, the need for social and religious reform was a common
ground.
❖ Rising Nationalism:
➢ In the last decades of the 19th century, the rising tide of nationalism and democracy manifested in
movements aimed at reforming and democratizing social institutions and religious outlooks.
➢ Factors such as the growth of nationalist sentiments, emergence of new economic forces, spread of
education, impact of modern Western ideas and culture, and increased global awareness strengthened
the resolve to reform.
❖ Colonial Presence: The process of socio-religious reforms that began in India in the 19th century was an
effect of the presence of colonial rule, but nowhere was it initiated by the colonial rulers.

PW Web/App: https://smart.link/7wwosivoicgd4
 1

UPPSC 2025
Modern History DMP–12

Indian Renaissance – Practice Questions

1. Discuss the factors that contributed to the growing spirit of socio-religious reform in 19th century
India.
(12 Marks, 200 Words)
How to approach the question:
❖ Introduction: Give a brief introduction of the socio religious reform movement in 20-30 words.
❖ Body: Discuss in detail in 130-140 words about the various factors that contributed to the socio
religious reforms in India.
❖ Conclusion: Write a conclusion in 20-30 words highlighting the impact of these reforms in
modernising Indian society.
Answer:
Introduction:
The 19th century witnessed a significant surge in socio-religious reform movements in India. This period
marked a critical juncture in Indian history, characterized by a growing awareness of social and religious ills
and a desire for change. Several factors, both internal and external, contributed to this awakening. The
colonial presence, while complex and multifaceted, played a pivotal role in shaping the course of these reform
movements.
Main Body:
Intellectual Awakening
❖ Exposure to Western Ideas: The introduction of Western education and literature led to a re-evaluation
of traditional Indian practices and beliefs.
❖ Modern Science and Rationalism: The doctrines of reason and humanism impressed many Indians,
prompting them to seek reforms based on rational and scientific principles.
Social Inequality
❖ Caste System: The rigid caste system perpetuated discrimination and social inequality, leading to calls
for its abolition.
❖ Untouchability: The severe disabilities and restrictions faced by untouchables highlighted the need for
social reform.
Economic Exploitation
❖ Colonial Rule: The economic policies of the British led to widespread discontent, creating a desire for
social and economic justice.
❖ Emergence of New Economic Forces: The rise of new social groups, such as the capitalist class and
the working class, demanded modernization and reform.
 2

Religious Dogmatism
❖ Superstitions and Obscurantism: Indian society was entangled in religious superstitions and social
obscurantism, which hindered progress.
❖ Priestly Dominance: The overwhelming influence of priests and their monopoly on scriptural
knowledge reinforced idolatry and polytheism.
Depressing Position of Women
❖ Female Infanticide and Child Marriage: Practices like female infanticide and child marriage were
prevalent, highlighting the need for reform.
❖ Sati system and the pitiable condition of widows: The practice of sati and the miserable conditions of
widows called for urgent social changes.
Rising Nationalism
❖ Nationalist Sentiments: The growth of nationalist sentiments and the desire for a strong, independent
India led to a re-examination of traditional values and practices.
❖ Movements for Reform: The rising tide of nationalism and democracy manifested in movements aimed
at reforming and democratizing social institutions and religious outlooks.
Colonial Influence
❖ Catalyst for Change: The British colonial government, while introducing Western ideas and
institutions, also created conditions that fostered a sense of discontent and resistance among Indians.
➢ The economic exploitation, cultural domination, and political subjugation under colonial rule
fueled a desire for change and self-determination.
❖ Western Ideas: Exposure to Western ideas of liberty, equality, and individual rights inspired Indians to
question their own social and religious practices.
❖ Freedom of Press: British rule created conditions favorable to intellectual growth, such as the freedom
of the press, which helped educate society about social evils.
❖ Legislative Reforms: The British introduced legislative measures that supported social reforms, such
as the abolition of sati.
Conclusion:
The growing desire for socio-religious reform in 19th century India was a complex interplay of internal and
external factors. While the colonial presence played a significant role in shaping the course of these
movements, it was not the sole determinant. The internal factors of intellectual awakening, social inequality,
religious superstitions, and the plight of women were equally important in driving the desire for change.
These factors collectively contributed to the emergence of reform movements that sought to modernize and
transform Indian society.
