UPSC Prelims 2016 Q58: Modern History – Social & Religious Reform Movements
Satya Shodhak Samaj organized
- (a) a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar
- (b) a temple - entry movement in Gujarat
- (c) an anti - caste movement in Maharashtra
- (d) a peasant movement in Punjab
Answer: (c) an anti - caste movement in Maharashtra
Explanation
Satya Shodhak Samaj
Founded by Jyotiba Phule in Pune in 1873.
The name means 'Society of Seekers of Truth'.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Aim | An anti-caste movement; against Brahmanical dominance |
| For whom | Shudras and Ati-Shudras (lower and untouchable castes) |
| Methods | Education, marriages without Brahmin priests |
| Phule's book | Gulamgiri (Slavery), 1873 |
| With him | Savitribai Phule, pioneer of girls' education |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) Upliftment of tribals in Bihar | Incorrect |
| (b) Temple-entry movement in Gujarat | Incorrect |
| (c) Anti-caste movement in Maharashtra | Correct |
| (d) Peasant movement in Punjab | Incorrect |
Answer: (c) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It did not work for the upliftment of tribals in Bihar.
- (b) Incorrect. It was not a temple-entry movement in Gujarat.
- (c) CORRECT. Satya Shodhak Samaj organized an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra.
- (d) Incorrect. It was not a peasant movement in Punjab.
Key point
Satya Shodhak Samaj (1873, Pune): founded by Jyotiba Phule; anti-caste movement in Maharashtra; Phule wrote Gulamgiri.
Remember
Satya Shodhak Samaj = Jyotiba Phule, 1873, anti-caste.
Common mistakes
- Confusing it with temple-entry movements such as Vaikom in Kerala.
- Mixing up Phule (Satya Shodhak Samaj) with Ranade (Prarthana Samaj).
- Forgetting the role of Savitribai Phule in the movement.
Exam tip
Phule = Pune = anti-caste. Three P's and a C.
Sources
- NCERT Class VIII — Our Pasts III (Women, Caste and Reform)
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Socio-Religious Reform Movements)