Given below are two statements. Read them carefully and choose the correct answer with the help of given options.
Statement (I): The National Social Conference as an adjunct body to the National Congress was created in 1887.
Statement (II): The reform movement essentially attempted to bring changes in Hindu social organisation and practice from within.

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (D) Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
Explanation:
→ Statement (I) is true: The National Social Conference was established in 1887 as a supplementary body to the Indian National Congress (INC). Its purpose was to focus on social reform, particularly in relation to issues like caste, marriage, and the status of women.
→ Statement (II) is also true: The reform movement aimed at bringing about changes within Hindu social organization and practices, rather than calling for radical external interventions. Key reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and others focused on reforming Hindu society from within, addressing issues like Sati, child marriage, and caste discrimination.
→ Both statements accurately describe the historical context and objectives of the Indian reform movement during the 19th century.
Information Booster:
→ The National Social Conference was an important part of the social reform movement, which worked alongside the INC to bring about changes in Indian society.
→ The Indian reform movement, led by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, emphasized education, social equality, and the protection of women’s rights.
→ The movement sought to address social issues without undermining the traditional structure of Indian society, aiming for gradual change rather than revolutionary transformation.
→ The reformers worked within the Hindu religion to challenge regressive practices, leading to legislative changes such as the abolition of Sati in 1829 and the promotion of widow remarriage.
→ The Indian National Congress, while primarily focused on political independence, also supported these social reforms, recognizing their importance for the broader progress of Indian society.
→ The combination of political and social reform efforts in the 19th century laid the groundwork for future movements in India, including the Indian independence struggle.