Reform Movements Among Sikhs and Parsis

The period in India between the 19th and early 20th centuries saw a rise in socio-religious reform movements that targeted the modernization of society and the tackling of injustices. The Singh Sabha Movement aimed to modernize Sikh education and combat religious conversion efforts, while the Akali Movement focused on reclaiming Sikh gurdwaras from unethical practices. At the same time, Parsis reinvigorated Zoroastrianism by establishing the Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha. These actions sought to harmonize old beliefs with new principles, addressing social and religious injustices simultaneously.

Singh Sabha Movement

Establishment and Objectives of the Amritsar Sabha: It was established in Amritsar in 1873, and had a dual purpose. 

• Firstly, it aimed to provide modern Western education to the Sikhs, and secondly, it sought to counter the efforts of Christian missionaries as well as groups like the Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, and Muslim maulvis who were engaged in proselytising. 

• Educational and Religious Reforms: To achieve the first goal, the Sabha set up a network of Khalsa schools across Punjab. 
  • In pursuit of the second objective, anything deemed contrary to the teachings of the Gurus was rejected, and the movement sought to establish customs and rituals in line with Sikh doctrine. 

This movement played a significant role in promoting rationalist and progressive ideas within the Sikh community during the 19th century.

Akali movement

It stemmed from the Singh Sabha movement, and aimed to free Sikh gurdwaras (temples) from the control of corrupt mahants who were supported by the government. 

• In 1921, the Akalis initiated a non-violent, non-cooperation satyagraha against the mahants. 
  • Despite government repression, they had to yield to public pressure, leading to the passage of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act in 1922, later amended in 1925. 
• While the Akali movement had regional and sectarian roots, it wasn’t a communal movement. 
• Akali leaders also played a noteworthy role in the broader national liberation struggle, although there were occasional dissenting voices within their ranks.

Reform Movements of Parsis

Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha

• Formation of the Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha: The Parsi community underwent significant changes influenced by the broader transformations in India. 
  • In 1851, a group of English-educated Parsis established the Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha, also known as the Religious Reform Association, with the goal of revitalising the social conditions of the Parsis and restoring Zoroastrianism to its original purity. 
• Leadership and Advocacy: Prominent figures like Naroaj Furdonji, Dadabhai Naoroji, and K.R. Cama led this movement. 
  • The newspaper Rast-Gofter played a crucial role in disseminating the Association’s message.
• Reforms in Religious Practices: Reforms were introduced in Parsi religious rituals and practices, and the Parsi creed was redefined. 
  • In the realm of social reform, particular attention was given to improving the status of Parsi women, including the abolition of the purdah system, raising the age of marriage, and promoting the education of women. 

Over time, the Parsis emerged as one of the most westernised segments of Indian society.

 Socio-Religious Movements in 19th-20th Centuries

Features of Reform Movements

Opposition to Reform Movements: The reform movements of the time faced significant opposition from the orthodox segments of society, who were resistant to the scientific and ideological challenges presented by the socio-religious reformers. 

• Persecution and Resistance: This led to instances of abuse, persecution, issuance of fatwas, and even assassination attempts against the reformers by reactionary elements. 
  • However, despite these obstacles, the reform movements played a crucial role in liberating individuals from the shackles of blind conformity and from the exploitation perpetuated by priests and other privileged classes. 

Positive Features

• Simplification and Individualisation of rituals: The translation of religious texts into vernacular languages, the emphasis on an individual’s right to interpret scriptures, and the simplification of rituals all contributed to making worship a more personal and meaningful experience for individuals. 
  • This marked a shift towards a more individualised approach to religion.
• Promotion of Critical Thinking: These movements underscored the human intellect’s capacity for critical thinking and reasoning, encouraging individuals to question and analyse established beliefs.
• Purging Corrupt Elements: By identifying and removing corrupt elements within religious beliefs and practices, the reformers empowered their followers to counter the perception that their religions and society were in decline.
• Providing Cultural Roots: They provided the emerging middle classes with a sense of cultural identity and heritage, helping to alleviate the sense of humiliation brought about by foreign conquest.
• Embracing Modernity: The reform movements recognized the specific needs of modern times, particularly in terms of scientific knowledge. 
  • They fostered a modern, secular, rational outlook, reflecting a shift away from traditional notions of ‘pollution and purity.’
• Balancing Modernization and Westernization: While they critiqued traditional values and customs, the reformers aimed for modernization rather than blind imitation of Western culture. 
  • They sought to create a favourable social environment for modernization without entirely abandoning Indian cultural values.
• Ending Cultural Isolation: The reform movements played a crucial role in breaking India’s cultural and intellectual isolation from the rest of the world. 
  • They argued that modern ideas and culture could be best integrated into Indian cultural traditions.

Negative Features

• Ignoring the needs of the marginalised: The reform movements primarily drew support from the educated and urban middle classes, leaving out the vast majority of the population, including peasants and urban poor. 
  • This resulted in a neglect of the pressing needs of these marginalised groups. 
• Mysticism and glorification: The reformers’ tendency to appeal to the authority of scriptures and glorify the past sometimes led to the emergence of mysticism in new forms and the promotion of pseudo-scientific ideas, which hindered the full acceptance of a modern scientific outlook.
• Creation of divisions: These movements, to some extent, contributed to the compartmentalization of various religious communities like Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Parsis. 
  • They also created divisions between high caste and low caste Hindus. The emphasis on religious and philosophical aspects of cultural heritage overshadowed other important dimensions such as art, architecture, literature, music, science, and technology.
• Uncritical praise of the ancient past: The Hindu reformers tended to glorify the ancient period of Indian history while viewing the mediaeval period as a time of decline. 
  • This dichotomy reinforced the notion of two distinct groups within the Indian populace. 
  • This uncritical praise of the past did not resonate with the low caste sections of society, who had suffered from religiously sanctioned exploitation during ancient times. 
• Communal feelings ignited: The emergence of communal consciousness, alongside national consciousness, marked a significant shift in the evolution of India’s cultural landscape. 
  • This development was partly influenced by the nature of religious reform movements in modern times. 

Conclusion

The reform movements in India during the 19th and early 20th centuries played a crucial role in changing societal norms and religious practices. Their goal was to update the education system, tackle social inequalities, and harmonize old beliefs with current principles. Despite encountering strong opposition, these movements promoted a more logical and forward-looking perspective, promoted analytical thinking, and enhanced a more inclusive cultural identity. Even with their constraints, they established the foundation for a society that is more diverse and vibrant.

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