Socio-Religious Reform Movement After 1857 – Free Modern History Notes for UPSC 2025

The Socio-Religious Reform Movement refers to a series of intellectual, social, and religious movements that emerged in various parts of the world, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These movements sought to challenge and reform traditional religious practices, social norms, and cultural structures, aiming to address prevalent inequalities, injustices, and outdated beliefs within society.

Many Indians understood that reforming society and religion was necessary for the country to develop in a modern way and for national unity to grow. Over time, these movements gained strength due to:

Rising nationalist feelings among people.
The rise of new economic powers.
More people getting educated.
Influence of Western ideas and culture.
Increased awareness about global events.

After 1858, the earlier efforts for reforming society were expanded and became stronger with these factors coming into play.

Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda

Ramakrishna Paramhansa, a saintly figure from 1834 to 1886, sought spiritual enlightenment through traditional practices like renunciation, meditation, and devotion. He explored various religious paths by living among mystics of different faiths, including Muslims and Christians. Ramakrishna emphasized the idea that there are many paths to achieving salvation and believed in serving humanity as a way to connect with God.
His disciple, Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902), popularized Ramakrishna’s teachings and adapted them to fit the needs of modern Indian society. Vivekananda emphasized the importance of social action and traveled extensively from 1893 to 1897, promoting Hindu spirituality in America and Europe. In 1897, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission to carry out humanitarian and social work.
Vivekananda opposed superstitions, caste discrimination, and religious decline, advocating for a revitalization of Hinduism. He believed in the superiority of Indian philosophy and subscribed to Vedanta, a rational system according to him. While promoting Indian spiritual values, he also acknowledged the need for India to learn organizational skills and technological advancements from the West.
Vivekananda emphasized the importance of liberty of thought, stating that it is essential for individual and societal growth and well-being. He worked towards establishing Hindu spiritual superiority while recognizing the importance of embracing modern advancements for India’s progress.

Veda Samaj (1864)

It was a significant social reform movement in Southern India, established in Madras by Sridharalu Naidu and Keshab Chandra Sen. Inspired by the Brahmo Samaj, it focused on theistic principles.
The movement viewed marriage and funeral rituals as routine practices rather than religiously significant events. It advocated for the elimination of sectarian beliefs, gradual eradication of caste distinctions, and tolerance towards differing viewpoints.
The Samaj opposed polygamy and child marriage, advocating instead for widow remarriage.

Arya Samaj (1875)

Arya Samaj was founded in Bombay by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, previously known as Mool Shankar. Its main goal was to reform Hinduism in North India and promote social change. Arya Samaj aimed to improve women’s conditions, fight untouchability, and challenge the rigid caste system.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati believed in the infallibility of the Vedas and rejected any religious ideas conflicting with them. He promoted the slogan “Back to the Vedas” and emphasized individual access to God. He also initiated the Shuddhi Movement to bring back Hindus who had converted to Islam or Christianity.
Dayanand Saraswati opposed idol worship, polytheism, and superstitions, advocating for female education and inter-caste marriages. However, his strong attachment to the Vedas gave his teachings a conservative tone.
His followers established schools and colleges across India, with figures like Lala Hansraj and Swami Shradhananda playing prominent roles. There were disagreements within Arya Samaj regarding educational approaches, leading to a division in 1893 between the DAV group focusing on Anglo-Vedic education and the Gurukul group promoting traditional ideals.
This division resulted in two distinct factions within Arya Samaj, each with its own educational philosophy.

Prarthana Samaj (1876)

Founded by Atmaram Pandurang and Mahadev Govind Ranade, this Socio-Religious Reform Movement aimed to modernize Hindu religious beliefs and practices.
The movement advocated for devotion to a single God and sought to diminish the influence of priests and caste traditions in religion. It opposed polytheism, idol worship, priestly dominance, and caste rigidities.
Drawing inspiration from Buddhism, Christianity, and various Hindu sects, the Samaj aimed to find truth in all religions. Mahadev Govind Ranade, inspired by Maratha Bhakti saints, aimed to establish the concept of a compassionate single God.
Notable leaders like R.G. Bhandarkar, a renowned Sanskrit scholar, played significant roles in the movement. The Brahmo Samaj also had a significant influence on its ideology.
The activities of the movement spread to South India due to the efforts of Telugu reformer Viresalingam.

Theosophical Society

The Theosophical Society, founded by Madame H.P. Blavatsky and Col. H.S. Olcott in the United States in 1875, had a significant impact on Indian society, religion, and culture.
When it came to India in 1879, its headquarters were established near Madras in 1886. Under the leadership of Annie Besant, the society played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. Besant and her associates advocated for reviving ancient religions like Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Buddhism. They promoted ideas like the transmigration of the soul and the universal brotherhood of humanity. Their efforts instilled a sense of national pride among educated Indians.
Westerners who supported Indian religious and philosophical traditions were key figures in Annie Besant’s movement, which helped Indians regain their confidence. Despite not being widely popular, the Theosophical Movement contributed significantly to awakening Indian society. The society also worked to advance women’s rights and combat untouchability.
Annie Besant devoted her life to improving Indian society, aiming to strengthen ancient religions. Branches of the Theosophical Society were established throughout India, and its journal, Theosophist, reached a wide audience. Besant’s efforts included founding the Central Hindu School in Benaras, later transformed into the Benaras Hindu University by Madan Mohan Malaviya.

Deccan Education Society (1884)

The Deccan Education Society was a significant organization in Pune, Maharashtra, known for its social reform and political activities.
It was founded by Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, following the establishment of the New English School in Pune. This was notable because before this, mass education was mainly handled by government institutions and Christian missionaries.
Agarkar was particularly passionate about social reform, while Tilak believed that social reforms should be implemented once political freedom was achieved.
Other prominent leaders of the Society included Vishnushastri Chiplunkar, Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, Mahadev Ballal, Namjoshi, V S Apte, V B Kelkar, M S Gole, and N K Dharap.
The Society’s most significant achievement was the establishment of Fergusson College, Pune’s first higher education institution.

Dev Samaj (1887)

Founded by Pandit Shiv Narayan Agnihotri in Lahore, Dev Samaj rejected contemporary Hinduism and instead worshipped the true ‘guru’, Dev Bhagvan Atma, replacing rituals and deities.
The society rejected all caste restrictions, promoting inter-dining and inter-caste marriage among its members. It emphasized education for both men and women, establishing coeducational and girls’ schools like the Dev Samaj High School and Dev Samaj Balika Vidyalaya.
Dev Samaj emphasized moral values, prohibiting actions like lying, theft, cheating, bribery, and gambling.
Initially influenced by the Brahmo Samaj’s reformist ideology, Agnihotri advocated for marriage reform, opposed child marriage, and supported vegetarianism. However, factional strife led Agnihotri to part ways with the Brahmo Samaj and establish Dev Samaj, which centered around the principle of guru-ship.

Veeresalingam

In the Southern region of India, Kandukuri Veeresalingam was a prominent figure in the Socio-Religious Reform Movement during its early stages.
He worked as a school teacher and was known for his proficiency in writing. Veeresalingam authored many writings in Telugu, making him recognized as the father of modern Telugu prose literature.
Veeresalingam emerged as a leading advocate for social reform, particularly in issues such as widow remarriage, female education, women’s advancement, and eradicating social vices. He started a school in Dowlaiswaram in 1874.
His efforts in social reform led to comparisons with Raja Rammohun Roy in Andhra Pradesh. Veeresalingam’s significant contribution includes the establishment of the “Brahmo Mandir” in Rajahmundry in 1887.

Also read about Socio Religious Reform Movement before 1857.