Which of the following is not an impact of 19th century socio-religious reform movements?

Correct option is D

Improvement of the social status of elderly people

The 19th-century socio-religious reform movements in India aimed at reforming society and religious practices, focusing on removing social evils and promoting progressive values. These movements, led by reformers such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Jyotirao Phule, and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, contributed to various social changes but did not specifically focus on improving the social status of elderly people.

The key impacts of these movements included:

• National awakening among Indians, leading to political consciousness and the growth of nationalist sentiments.
• Revival of Hinduism in a more rational, tolerant, and inclusive manner to counter colonial criticism.
• Attack on the caste system, particularly against its rigid hereditary nature and social discrimination.

However, there was no direct focus on improving the social status of elderly people, making option (d) incorrect in this context.

Information Booster:

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy played a crucial role in the abolition of Sati Pratha and supported widow remarriage.
• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar advocated for women’s education and was instrumental in the Widow Remarriage Act (1856).
• Jyotirao Phule fought against Brahminical dominance and caste oppression and promoted education for the lower castes.
• Swami Vivekananda emphasized rational and universal aspects of Hinduism, inspiring a national awakening.
• Swami Dayananda Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj, advocating for a return to the Vedic way of life and rejecting caste discrimination.
• These movements influenced India’s struggle for independence, shaping modern Indian society by promoting social justice and rational thought.

Additional Information on Other Options:

• (a) The creation of national awakening among the masses:

  • Correct. The reform movements inspired national consciousness, contributing to political and social awakening in colonial India.

• (b) The revival of Hinduism as a tolerant and rational religion:

  • Correct. Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and Dayananda Saraswati sought to reinterpret Hinduism in a progressive and rational manner.

• (c) An attack on the hereditary character and rigidity of the caste system:

  • Correct. Reformers like Jyotirao Phule and Periyar challenged caste-based discrimination and promoted social equality.