Socio-Religious Reform Movements in Western India: Key Figures and Their Impact

Reformist movements in western India took shape during the early 19th century through two distinct avenues. The first approach, known as Orientalism, involved the exploration and translation of ancient Sanskrit texts to rekindle an appreciation for India’s rich civilization. Prominent scholar-reformers engaged in this endeavor included K.T. Telang, V.N. Mandalik, and, notably, Professor R.G. Bhandarkar. The second trend in reformism pursued more direct means, challenging institutions like the caste system and advocating for widow remarriage. 

Influential People and Radical Movements

Various individuals, such as Mehtaji Durgaram Mancharam, Karsondas Mulji, and Dadoba Pandurang, played crucial roles in organizations like the Manav Dharma Sabha, established in 1844, and the Paramhansa Mandali, founded in 1849. The latter group followed an iconoclastic and radical tradition, similar to the Derozians in Bengal. To avoid direct confrontation with the broader community, they operated covertly as a secret society. Unfortunately, the revelation of their membership in 1860 led to their swift demise, with little to show for their efforts.

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Prarthna Samaj

The Brahmo ideas gained traction in Maharashtra with the establishment of the Paramahansa Sabha in 1849, this sabha was the precursor to the Prarthana Samaj. Under the guidance of Keshab Chandra Sen, the Prarthana Samaj (Prayer Congregation) was founded by Atmaram Pandurang in Bombay in 1867. It was viewed as a reform effort within Hinduism. Mahadeo Govind Ranade (1842-1901) joined the Samaj in 1870, and society gained much popularity due to his efforts.

• Approach in Western India: The emphasis of the Prarthana Samaj has primarily been on social reform, prioritizing actions over mere faith. 
  • They believed that true devotion to God could be demonstrated through service to God’s children. 
  • Their approach to reform did not involve direct confrontation with Hindu orthodoxy but rather relied on education and persuasion.
• The social reform objectives of the Prarthana Samaj focused on four key areas: 

• Disapproval of the caste system 
• Advocating for higher marriageable ages for both males and females
• Promoting widow remarriage
• Encouraging women’s education.

• Prominent Leaders of Prarthana Samaj: Prominent leaders of the Prarthana Samaj included Justice Mahadev Govinda Ranade (1842-1901), R.G. Bhandarker (1837-1925), and N.G. Chandavarkar (1855-1923). 
  • Additionally, organizations such as the Depressed Classes Mission, the Social Service League, and the Deccan Education Society played significant roles in driving social and educational reforms.

Bal Shastri Jambekar

Balshastri Jambhekar (1812-1846) was a pioneering figure in social reform through journalism in Bombay. He vigorously criticized Brahmanical orthodoxy and worked towards reforming popular Hindu practices. 

• Founding of Darpan: In 1832, he established the newspaper Darpan, which played a crucial role in awakening social consciousness. 
  • Jambhekar, often referred to as the father of Marathi journalism, used Darpan to promote social reforms such as advocating for widow remarriage and encouraging a more scientific approach to life. 
  • In 1840, he initiated Digdarshan, a publication that featured articles on scientific topics and history.
  • Jambhekar’s contributions extended beyond journalism. 
• Promoting Knowledge and Education: He founded the Bombay Native General Library and established the Native Improvement Society, which led to the creation of the Students Literary and Scientific Library. 
• Academic and Scientific Contributions: He also held the distinction of being the first professor of Hindi at Elphinstone College and served as a director at the Colaba Observatory. 
  • Jambhekar’s multifaceted efforts significantly influenced social awareness and reforms in the region.

Paramhansa Mandali

The Paramahansa Mandali was established in 1849 in Maharashtra with founders such as Dadoba Pandurang and Mehtaji Durgaram. 

• Origins and Alignment: Initially, it operated as a covert society dedicated to reforming Hindu religion and society as a whole. The group’s beliefs were closely aligned with those of the Manav Dharma Sabha. 
• Core Beliefs: They emphasized the worship of a single god and regarded genuine religion as rooted in love and ethical behaviour. 
  • The society encouraged freedom of thought and rationality. 
• Challenging Caste Restrictions: One of the primary objectives of the founders was to challenge caste restrictions. 
  • During their gatherings, members consumed food prepared by individuals from lower castes. 
• Advocacy for Social Reforms: The Paramahansa Mandali also advocated for practices like widow remarriage and women’s education. 
  • Branches of the organization were established in various towns in Maharashtra, including Poona and Satara.

Satyashodhak Samaj and Jyotiba Phule

Jyotiba Phule (1827-1890) was a prominent social reformer from Satara, Maharashtra, who belonged to the mali (gardener) community. He spearheaded a powerful movement against the dominance of upper castes and the supremacy of Brahmins. 

• Formation and Objectives: In 1873, Phule established the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth Seekers’ Society), led by members of the backward classes including malis, telis, kunbis, saris, and dhangars. 
  • The movement’s primary objectives were focused on social service and the promotion of education among women and lower caste individuals.
• Phule’s literary works, such as “Sarvajanik Satyadharma” written in 1889, and “Gulamgiri” written in 1873, served as sources of inspiration for the masses. He adopted the symbol of Rajah Bali in contrast to the Brahmins’ veneration of Rama. 
• Phule advocated for the complete abolition of the caste system and sought to eradicate socio-economic disparities. 
• Opposition to Sanskritic Hinduism: He strongly opposed Sanskritic Hinduism and worked to provide a sense of identity to oppressed communities, uniting them against Brahmins who exploited blind religious beliefs for personal gain.
• Gender Equality and Women’s Education: Phule was a fervent advocate of gender equality and played a pioneering role in women’s education. Alongside his wife, Savitribai, he established a girls’ school in Poona. 
  • Additionally, Phule championed the movement for widow remarriage in Maharashtra and founded a home for widows in 1854. 
  • For his extensive work in social reform, Phule was honoured with the title ‘Mahatma.’

Gopalhari Deshmukh ‘Lokahitawadi’

Gopalhari Deshmukh, known by his pen name ‘Lokahitawadi’, was a prominent social reformer and rationalist from Maharashtra, active during the 19th century. Despite holding a position as a judge under British rule, he used his platform to write for the weekly publication Prabhakar. Under the pseudonym ‘Lokahitawadi’, he focused on various social reform issues.

• Advocacy for Rational and Secular Reforms: Lokahitawadi advocated for the reorganization of Indian society based on rational, modern, and humanistic principles, emphasizing secular values. 
  • He staunchly criticized Hindu orthodoxy and stood in support of social and religious equality. 
• He strongly condemned the caste system, asserting that if religion did not endorse social reform, then the religion itself should be changed.
• Gopal Hari Deshmukh’s Writings: In addition to his writings for Prabhakar, Gopal Hari Deshmukh started his weekly publication called ‘Hitechhu‘. 
  • Furthermore, he played a significant role in the establishment of periodicals like ‘Gyan Prakash’, ‘Indu Prakash’, and ‘Lokahitawadi’. 
  • His contributions to social reform and rational thought left a lasting impact on the cultural and intellectual landscape of Maharashtra.

Gopal Ganesh Agarkar 

Gopal Ganesh Agarkar (1856-1895) was a prominent educationist and social reformer hailing from Maharashtra. He was known for his strong advocacy of the power of human reason and his criticism of blind adherence to tradition and unwarranted glorification of the past.

• Agarkar played a pivotal role in the establishment of several educational institutions in Maharashtra. 
• He co-founded the New English School, the Deccan Education Society, and Fergusson College, where he also served as the principal. 
• He served as the inaugural editor of ‘Kesari’, a journal initiated by Lokmanya Tilak. 
• He went on to start his periodical called ‘Sudharak’, which actively addressed issues related to untouchability and the caste system. 
• Gopal Ganesh Agarkar’s contributions significantly influenced the realms of education and social reform in Maharashtra during his time.

Servants of India Society and Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866-1915) was a prominent liberal leader associated with the Indian National Congress. In 1905, he, along with M.G. Ranade, established the Servants of India Society. 

• Mission and Objectives: The society’s primary objectives were to train national missionaries for the service of India, advocate for the genuine interests of the Indian people through constitutional means, and cultivate a dedicated group of selfless workers who would devote their lives to the country in a spirit of religious devotion.
• Role of the Hitavada: The Hitavada, a newspaper, began publication in 1911 to promote the views of the society. 
  • The Servants of India Society chose to maintain a distance from direct political involvement and organizations like the Indian National Congress.
• Leadership Transition: Following Gokhale’s passing in 1915, Srinivasa Shastri assumed the role of president. The society, though on a smaller scale, continues its operations in various parts of India. 
  • It focuses on educational initiatives, including the establishment of residential schools for tribal girls and balwadis (nursery schools) in multiple locations.

Social Service League

Narayan Malhar Joshi, a disciple of Gopal Krishna Gokhale, established the Social Service League in Bombay in 1911. 

• • Prominent leaders of Social Service League:  Mr. Lallubhai Samaldas, Mr. Vaikunth L. Mehta, Mr. Kanji Cursondas, Mr. Vithaldas Thackeray, Mr. B.N. Motivala.

• Objective of League: 
  • The league aimed to advocate for improved and fair living and working conditions for the masses. They initiated various projects such as schools, libraries, reading rooms, day nurseries, and cooperative societies. 
  • Their activities also encompassed services like legal aid and advice for the poor and uneducated, acting as agents in police courts, organizing excursions for slum residents, providing facilities for gyms and theatrical performances, engaging in sanitary work, offering medical assistance, and forming boys’ clubs and scout corps. 
  • Additionally, Joshi played a key role in founding the All India Trade Union Congress in 1920.

National Social Conference

The Indian Social Conference was established by M.G. Ranade and Raghunath Rao in Bombay in 1887. 

• Formation of the National Social Conference: The National Social Conference was formed because the Indian National Congress did not want to include social reforms in its deliberations and decided to form a separate body for such a purpose. 
• Inaugural Session: In the same year it convened its inaugural session in Madras in 1887, coinciding with the Indian National Congress meetings in both timing and location. 
  • The conference prioritized critical social issues, essentially functioning as the social reform wing of the Indian National Congress. 

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• Social Reform Initiatives: It promoted inter-caste marriages, opposed practices like polygamy and kulinism, and initiated the ‘Pledge Movement’ to encourage people to commit to combating child marriage. 

Conclusion

The social and religious reform movements in Western India in the 1800s show a strong dedication to advancing social change and modernizing society. These movements, ranging from Orientalism in academia to radical groups like Paramahansa Mandali and Satyashodhak Samaj, had a profound influence on societal norms. Jyotiba Phule and Gopal Ganesh Agarkar were important figures in supporting education, gender equality, and ending caste discrimination, paving the way for a more progressive future.

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