Unit-4 Rights Notes | Rammohan Roy Tarabai Shinde | BA HONS POLITICAL SCIENCE SEMESTER 5
- Krati Sahu
- Dec 18, 2024
- 7 min read
Introduction
Ram Mohan Roy and Tarabai Shinde were pivotal reformers in 19th-century India who made significant contributions to social justice.
Ram Mohan Roy is renowned for opposing sati, child marriage, and other harmful practices, advocating for a rational interpretation of Hinduism and promoting educational and social reforms.
Tarabai Shinde was a strong advocate for women’s rights, challenging patriarchal norms and highlighting the oppression women faced.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833)
Titles and Legacy
Raja Ram Mohan Roy is honored with titles such as the ‘Father of Modern India,’ ‘Father of Bengal Renaissance,’ and ‘Father of Indian Renaissance’ for his key role in India’s social reforms during the 18th and 19th centuries.
He was the founder of Brahmo Samaj and played a pioneering role in the Indian Renaissance, combining Eastern and Western philosophies to bring about modernity in religion and society.
Biography
Birth and Early Life: Born on 22 May 1772 in Radhanagar village, Bengal Presidency, to Ramakant Roy and Tarini Devi, who were from a religious and prosperous Brahmin family.
Early Education and Talents: Ram Mohan Roy exhibited remarkable intellectual abilities, mastering languages such as Bengali, Sanskrit, Persian, Tibetan, Greek, Latin, and 17 other languages, which gave him a wide cultural, philosophical, and religious understanding.
He was also well-versed in Islamic studies, which contributed to his broad religious and social perspectives.
Social Reforms and Achievements
Roy is best known for his efforts to abolish the practice of Sati, where widows were forced to self-immolate on their husbands' pyres. His advocacy in 1818 led to a revolutionary movement against this social evil.
Roy worked tirelessly against idol worship and polytheism, advocating for a more rational and humanistic approach to religion.
He worked at the East India Company, but left the job in 1814 and relocated to Kolkata in 1815, where he became actively involved in social and religious reforms.
One of his most notable achievements was the founding of Brahmo Samaj on 20 August 1828, a religious and social reform movement that promoted a universal religion and sought to bring about a transformation in Indian society.
Dialogue with Western Thinkers: Roy also engaged in important discussions with English philosopher Bentham, further shaping his progressive views on social reformath: Raja Ram Mohan Roy passed away on 27 September 1833.
Social Reform Works by Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Raja Ram Mohan Roy made significant contributions to social reform in 19th-century India, combining religious, social, and political progress. His approach was built on the idea that political development cannot be meaningful without religious and social reform. His reforms aimed to create a free, equal, and fraternal society, based on respect, tolerance, and rationality.
1. Abolition of Sati Custom
Sati was a custom where a widow was forced to self-immolate on her husband's funeral pyre. Ram Mohan Roy was the first Indian to actively campaign against this inhuman practice.
Argument: Roy argued that the practice of Sati was not supported by Shastras and was a distorted custom.
In 1818, he wrote an article stating that a woman's life should not be ended with her husband's death, equating Sati to murder.
His advocacy led to the abolition of Sati in 1829, with Lord William Bentinck passing the law to prohibit it.
2. Opposition to Idol Worship
Belief: Roy opposed idol worship, which he saw as a practice leading to divisions within Hindu society.
At the age of 16, he wrote Tuthfat-ul-Guwahidin, questioning the validity of idol worship.
Roy believed that idol worship was not supported by ancient Upanishads and caused social division, contributing to caste distinctions.
His opposition was based on the principle of monism, which he saw as the true essence of Hindu philosophy.
3. Opposition to the Caste System
Caste System: Roy strongly opposed the caste system, viewing it as a cause of social inequality and discrimination.
He advocated for inter-caste marriages and supported the Saivite marriage system, where caste, lineage, and age were irrelevant.
According to Roy, the caste system undermined the unity of Indian society and needed to be dismantled.
4. Support for Women’s Rights and Education
Roy was a staunch advocate for women's rights in India.
Issues Addressed: He fought against polygamy, advocated for widow remarriage, and demanded property rights for women.
In 1822, he wrote the book "Brief Remarks Regarding Modern Encroachments on the Ancient Rights of Women", arguing that women had the right to inherit property, a right that was taken away by modern lawmakers.
His Brahmo Samaj was dedicated to women’s education, working to improve their social status and rights.
5. Educational Reforms
Roy emphasized the need for rational and scientific education in India. He supported the introduction of Western science in the Indian education system.
Key Contributions:
In 1817, he co-founded the Hindu College (now Presidency College) with David Hare, aiming to introduce modern education.
He later founded the Anglo-Vedic School and Vedanta College.
Roy's efforts contributed to the promotion of subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry, alongside traditional studies.
6. Brahmo Samaj
In 1828, Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj, which became India's first Hindu religious reform movement.
The Brahmo Samaj aimed to promote monotheism, rationalism, and enlightenment while opposing practices like Sati, child marriage, casteism, idol worship, and untouchability.
The movement focused on religious and social equality, promoting brotherhood, morality, charity, and philanthropy.
The Brahmo Samaj also played a key role in the development of Indian nationalism and social reforms.
Importance of Roy’s Ideas in Modern India
Social Reform:
Roy fought against social evils like Sati, child marriage, and casteism. His efforts led to the legal ban on Sati in 1829.
His reformist approach is still relevant today as we continue to battle issues like dowry and caste discrimination.
Education and Knowledge:
Roy promoted the inclusion of Western science and rational thinking in the Indian education system, laying the foundation for modern educational reforms.
His establishment of Hindu College influenced the scientific outlook in education.
Religious Reform:
Roy fought against idol worship, advocating for monotheism and promoting religious tolerance.
His establishment of the Brahmo Samaj contributed significantly to religious reform and social justice.
Women’s Rights:
Roy’s support for women’s education and their rights was groundbreaking. His ideas on women’s empowerment remain relevant in the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
Freedom and Nationalism:
Roy’s advocacy for freedom and nationalism helped ignite a spirit of Indian nationalism and inspired the fight against British colonial rule.
His thoughts on democracy and freedom continue to inspire modern India to protect its rights and freedom.
Conclusion
Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s social reform movements and ideas laid the foundation for modern Indian society. His contributions to education, religious reform, social justice, and women’s rights continue to influence the values of equality and justice in contemporary India. His work in promoting rational thinking and social harmony remains a beacon for ongoing reforms.
Tarabai Shinde (1850–1910)
Early Life and Education
Born: 1850, in a Maratha family.
Education: Learned Marathi, Sanskrit, and English.
Social Activism and Ideals
Challenged societal norms that oppressed women.
Work with Satyashodhak Samaj: Collaborated with Jyotirao Phule to fight casteism and gender inequality.
Focused on improving women's education, rights, and social status.
Landmark Contribution
Stri-Purush Tulana (1882): Her influential work critiquing gender inequality, questioning why women were considered inferior to men and exposing societal double standards.
Reform Efforts
Spoke out against child marriage, sati, and widowhood.
Worked towards empowering women through education and social reforms.
Feminist Consciousness and Social Impact
Raised awareness about women's issues and advocated for gender equality during a time of significant social and political change.
Her writings and activism continue to inspire modern feminist movements and social justice.
Legacy
Her work laid the foundation for gender equality discussions and is an important reference in India’s feminist history.
Tarabai’s ideas continue to motivate women to challenge societal norms and fight for equality.
Reaction and Legacy of Tarabai Shinde
1. Reactions to Her Ideas
Her book Stri-Purush Tulana was praised by enlightened sections of society for exposing gender discrimination.
Conservative and traditional sectors rejected her ideas, claiming they were influenced by Western ideology and contrary to Indian culture.
Despite facing strong opposition, Tarabai Shinde remained firm and continued advocating for women's rights.
Legacy
Her writings inspired not only her contemporaries but also future generations to challenge social injustices.
Her ideas promoted self-realization and self-respect among women.
Tarabai’s struggles continue to influence the feminist movement and have contributed to improving the status of women in India.
Importance of Tarabai Shinde’s Thoughts in Modern India
Inspiration for Gender Equality
Tarabai’s work Stri-Purush Tulana highlighted the gender inequality prevalent in society, urging the fight for equality, which is still relevant in areas like the workplace, education, and politics.
Focus on Education and Empowerment
Emphasized women’s education and the need for social change. Challenges such as poor educational opportunities for girls and barriers to women's education persist, and Tarabai’s thoughts inspire ongoing efforts to empower women through education.
Advocacy for Social Justice and Equality
Fought against casteism, gender discrimination, and social evils. Her thoughts inspire the ongoing battle against these inequalities, advocating for a just society.
Direction for the Feminist Movement
Her contributions gave a new direction to the feminist movement in India. Although progress has been made, issues like violence, harassment, and gender inequality persist, and Tarabai’s ideas continue to inspire awareness and activism.
Leadership and Activism
Tarabai led by example through her activism, working with the Satyashodhak Samaj for social reforms. Her life serves as an inspiration for women to take leadership roles and bring about social change.
Literature and Ideology
Her writings not only strengthened feminist ideology but also contributed to the understanding of sociology. Her work is an important reference for students and researchers of literature and sociology.
Criticism of Patriarchal Family and Social Structure
Advocated for the independent existence and rights of women, challenging patriarchal family structures. Her thoughts continue to inspire change in family and societal structures in modern India.
Conclusion
Tarabai Shinde, along with Raja Ram Mohan Roy, played a pivotal role in driving social reforms in India. While Roy focused on religious and social evils, Shinde championed gender equality and women’s rights. Both reformers’ courage and determination to reform society continue to inspire modern India, teaching us the importance of fighting for social justice, equality, and human rights. Their legacy urges us to strive for a just and equitable society where everyone has equal opportunities and rights.
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