“outlining perspectives on caste and gender that emerged in both Hinduism and Islam”

From the late 19th century, a number of European and Indian scholars started the study of ancient India’s history, philosophy, science, religious and literature. This growing knowledge of India’s past glory provided to the Indian people a sense of pride in their civilization. It also helped the reforms in their work of religious and social reform for their struggle against all type of inhuman practices, superstitions, etc. Since, they had become associated with religious beliefs. Therefore most of the movements of social reforms were of a religious character.

These social and religious reform movements arose among all communities of the Indian people. They attacked bigotry. Superstition and the hold of the priestly class. They worked for abolition of castes and untouchability, purdah system, sati, child marriage, social inequalities and illiteracy. Some of the reformers were supported directly or indirectly by the British officials and some of the reformers were supported reformative stops and regulations framed by the British Government. Read More…