The nineteenth century witnessed significant social, religious, and economic changes in India. While social and religious reform movements sought to eliminate social evils and modernize Indian society, peasant movements emerged as reactions against colonial exploitation and agrarian distress. Among the most influential reform organizations were the Arya Samaj and the Prarthana Samaj, both of which played important roles in shaping modern Indian society.
NDA & CDS 2 2026 Exam GK – Modern History – Class 2
Arya Samaj
Foundation and Founder
Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati on 10 April 1875 in Bombay (Mumbai). The movement aimed to revive the teachings of the Vedas and reform Hindu society by removing social evils and superstitions.
Main Principles
- The Vedas are the ultimate source of knowledge and truth.
- Belief in one God and rejection of idol worship.
- Promotion of equality among all human beings.
- Opposition to caste discrimination based on birth.
- Support for women’s education and widow remarriage.
- Emphasis on education and social reform.
Contributions
- Established educational institutions such as the DAV (Dayanand Anglo-Vedic) schools and colleges.
- Promoted the Shuddhi Movement to reconvert those who had left Hinduism.
- Encouraged nationalism and self-reliance.
- Worked for the upliftment of women and marginalized communities.
Significance
Arya Samaj played a crucial role in awakening social consciousness and strengthening the spirit of nationalism among Indians.
Prarthana Samaj
Foundation and Founder
Prarthana Samaj was founded in 1867 in Bombay by Atmaram Pandurang. The movement was greatly influenced by Keshab Chandra Sen of the Brahmo Samaj.
Objectives
- Promotion of monotheism (belief in one God).
- Opposition to caste discrimination.
- Encouragement of widow remarriage.
- Promotion of female education.
- Elimination of child marriage and social inequalities.
Important Leaders
- Mahadev Govind Ranade
- R. G. Bhandarkar
- N. G. Chandavarkar
Contributions
- Advocated social reforms through peaceful and gradual means.
- Worked for women’s rights and education.
- Promoted social equality and religious tolerance.
- Influenced the growth of modern reformist thought in western India.
Significance
Prarthana Samaj helped modernize Indian society by encouraging progressive social reforms while maintaining respect for Indian cultural traditions.
Peasant Movements in India
Introduction
Peasant movements emerged during British rule as farmers faced high taxes, oppressive landlords, indebtedness, and exploitation by moneylenders. These movements reflected the growing resistance of rural India against colonial policies.
1. Indigo Revolt (1859–60)
Causes
- Forced cultivation of indigo by European planters.
- Low prices paid to farmers.
- Harsh treatment of peasants.
Outcome
- Farmers refused to cultivate indigo.
- The government appointed the Indigo Commission, which supported many peasant grievances.
2. Pabna Agrarian Movement (1873–76)
Location
Eastern Bengal (present-day Bangladesh).
Causes
- Excessive rents imposed by zamindars.
- Illegal exactions from peasants.
Outcome
- Organized peaceful resistance.
- Led to greater awareness of tenant rights.
3. Deccan Riots (1875)
Location
Maharashtra.
Causes
- Heavy indebtedness of peasants.
- Exploitation by moneylenders.
Outcome
- Attacks on moneylenders’ records and property.
- Resulted in the Deccan Agriculturists Relief Act of 1879.
4. Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
Leader
Mahatma Gandhi
Causes
- Forced indigo cultivation under the Tinkathia system.
Outcome
- British authorities accepted many peasant demands.
- Marked Gandhi’s first successful satyagraha in India.
5. Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)
Leader
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Causes
- Increase in land revenue by the British government.
Outcome
- Government withdrew the revenue hike.
- Patel earned the title “Sardar.”
Impact of Peasant Movements
- Increased political awareness among farmers.
- Exposed the exploitative nature of colonial policies.
- Strengthened the Indian National Movement.
- Led to reforms in land revenue and tenancy laws.
- Encouraged organized resistance against injustice.
Conclusion
Arya Samaj and Prarthana Samaj were pioneering socio-religious reform movements that sought to remove social evils and promote education, equality, and modernization. At the same time, peasant movements highlighted the economic hardships faced by farmers under colonial rule and became an important component of India’s freedom struggle. Together, these movements contributed significantly to India’s social awakening and the growth of national consciousness.
