UPSC Prelims 2001 Q81: Modern History – Social & Religious Reform Movements
Consider the following statements:
I. Arya Samaj was founded in 1835.
II. Lala Lajpat Rai opposed the appeal of Arya Samaj to the authority of Vedas in support of its
social reform programmes.
III. Under Keshab Chandra Sen, the Brahmo Samaj campaigned for women’s education.
IV. Vinoba Bhave founded the Sarvodaya Samaj to work among refugees.
Which of these statements are correct?
- (a) I and II
- (b) II and III
- (c) II and IV
- (d) III and IV
Answer: (d) III and IV
Explanation
Statements on reform movements and Samajs
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| I. Arya Samaj founded in 1835 | Wrong — founded by Dayanand Saraswati in 1875 (Bombay) |
| II. Lala Lajpat Rai opposed the Arya Samaj's appeal to the Vedas | Wrong — he was a leading Arya Samajist (DAV movement) |
| III. Under Keshab Chandra Sen the Brahmo Samaj campaigned for women's education | Correct |
| IV. Vinoba Bhave founded the Sarvodaya Samaj to work among refugees | Correct — set up in 1948 after Gandhi's death |
Statements III and IV are correct. Keshab Chandra Sen took the Brahmo Samaj into women's education and other reforms, and Vinoba Bhave formed the Sarvodaya Samaj in 1948, working among refugees after Partition. The Arya Samaj dates from 1875, and Lajpat Rai was one of its strongest supporters.
Answer: (d) III and IV.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Both I and II are wrong.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement II is wrong; Lajpat Rai supported the Arya Samaj.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement II is wrong.
- (d) CORRECT. Statements III and IV are correct.
Key point
Brahmo Samaj split: Adi Brahmo Samaj (Debendranath Tagore) and Brahmo Samaj of India (Keshab, 1866); Sadharan Brahmo Samaj (1878).
Remember
Arya Samaj 1875; Keshab — women's education; Sarvodaya Samaj 1948.
Common mistakes
- Accepting 1835 without noticing it is 40 years too early.
- Thinking Lajpat Rai opposed the Arya Samaj.
- Not knowing that the Sarvodaya Samaj came after Gandhi's death.
Exam tip
Check dates first: 1875 Arya Samaj, 1828 Brahmo Sabha.
Sources
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India, chapter 'Religious and Social Reform Movements'
- Bipan Chandra — History of Modern India, chapter on social and cultural awakening