Socio-Religious Reform Movements

British rule in India was felt not just politically and economically; its social impact was deep as well. The constant drumming of the colonial ideology led to serious introspection about Indian culture among mainly the emerging middle class and the western-educated intellec­tuals. The result was that while some gained inspiration from the indigenous past, others held that modern western thought had to be imbibed to regenerate Indian society. The need for reform was, however, recognised unanimously.
In the 19th century Indian society was plagued by religious superstitions and social obscurantism. Hinduism had became narrow and sectarian owing to domination of priests and rituals. Social conditions were depressing, for evils such as rigid caste rules, untouchability, sati, infan­ticide and child marriage prevailed in the society. It was realised that unification of the nation would result only if the society were purged of the existent ills.