Discover the contributions of Brahmo Samaj and Prarthana Samaj to social reforms, women's rights, and education in 19th-century India.
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Significance of the Brahmo Samaj and Prarthana Samaj
Significance of the Brahmo Samaj
Social Reform: The Brahmo Samaj played a critical role in social reform, challenging various dogmas and superstitions in Hindu society. It condemned the prevailing Hindu prejudice against traveling abroad.
Women's Rights: It worked towards improving the status of women, denouncing the practice of sati, pushing for the abolition of the purdah system, discouraging child marriage and polygamy, and supporting widow remarriage and educational opportunities for women.
Casteism and Untouchability: Although the Brahmo Samaj attacked casteism and untouchability, it had only limited success in these areas.
Limited Influence: The influence of the Brahmo Samaj did not extend far beyond Calcutta and Bengal, and its overall impact was not enduring.
Prarthana Samaj
Establishment: The Prarthana Samaj was established in 1867 in Bombay with the help of Keshab Chandra Sen and was influenced by Brahmo ideas that had spread to Maharashtra.
Paramahansa Sabha: The precursor to the Prarthana Samaj was the Paramahansa Sabha, a secret society aimed at spreading liberal ideas and breaking down caste and communal barriers.
Key Figures: Mahadeo Govind Ranade, R.G. Bhandarkar, and N.G. Chandavarkar were instrumental in the Samaj's work, with Ranade’s efforts giving it a pan-India character.
Social Reform Focus: While the Prarthana Samaj emphasized monotheism, it was more focused on social reforms, including the disapproval of the caste system, promotion of women’s education, support for widow remarriage, and raising the age of marriage for both males and females.
Educational Initiatives: The Samaj relied on education and persuasion, rather than confrontation, to advance its reformist agenda.
Widows’ Home Association: Dhondo Keshav Karve and Vishnu Shastri, along with Ranade, founded the Widow Remarriage Movement and the Widows’ Home Association, aiming to provide education and training to widows for their self-sufficiency.
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