Do You Think That the Indian Saints have Brought About Social Reforms and Awareness in Indian Society? Explain.
(Paper: 2, Section: A, Year 2019, Unit 11: Indian Society: Structure and Change, Impact of Colonial Rule on Indian Society)
Do you think that the Indian saints have brought about social reforms and awareness in Indian society? Explain.
(10 Marks)
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Introduction: With Reference to G.S. Ghurye Indian Sadhus Main Body: Promotion of Social Reforms and Social Awareness and Change Various Dimensions Exploration Conclusion: On the Lines of Saints Conduits for Transmitting Knowledge and Interpreting it to Suit Specific Contexts |
Introduction
- Indian social tradition has long drawn upon the teachings and philosophies of prominent saints. Significance of saints in reforms and educating Indian society was recognised by sociologists like GS Ghurye in his book INDIAN SADHUS.
- The saints in social reforms and awareness has been evident in Indian society since ancient times, including the likes of Mahavira in Jainism and Gautama Buddha in Buddhism and Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya in Hinduism. This continued into medieval India through the Bhakti traditions of Sikhism and Lingayats.
Main Body
Promotion of Social Reforms:
- Abolition of Social Evils: Indian saints have historically been at the forefront of campaigns against social evils such as untouchability, caste discrimination, and the mistreatment of women. They used their spiritual authority to challenge these practices and promote equality.
- Advocacy for Education: Many Indian saints, like Swami Vivekananda and Raja Ram Mohan Roy, emphasized the importance of education. They established schools and educational institutions to spread knowledge, particularly among marginalized communities.
- Promotion of Non-violence: They, advocated for non-violence and peaceful resistance during the Indian independence movement. His principles of non-violence had a profound impact on the freedom struggle.
- Women’s Rights: Saints like Swami Dayananda Saraswati and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa challenged prevailing norms related to the treatment of women. They advocated for women’s education and empowerment.
- Arbiters In Religious Disputes: Indian Sadhus have played diverse roles in society, acting as arbiters in religious disputes, patrons of scriptural learning, and defenders of their religion against external challenges.
Social Awareness and Change:
- Raising Consciousness: Indian saints have used their spiritual teachings and sermons to raise awareness about social issues. Through their discourses, they have encouraged people to think critically about societal norms and practices.
- Role in Struggle Against Britishers: the revolts like Sanyasi Revolt highlights the role of saints in Indian freedom struggle and highlighting exploitative policies of colonial rulers, even Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Swami Viveknanda led the path of nationalism.
- Inspiration for Social Activism: Saints like Vinoba Bhave and Baba Amte were not only spiritual leaders but also social activists. They inspired and mobilized individuals to engage in grassroots social reform movements.
- Represent A Microcosm of India: Sadhus, who participate in large-scale gatherings like the Kumbh Mela, represent a microcosm of India itself. They come from various regions, speak different languages, yet share common religious orders. Ghurye argues that asceticism is not a relic of the past but a vital aspect of contemporary Hindu practices.
- Bridge Between Communities: Saints often serve as bridges between different communities and castes. Their teachings promote unity and harmony, transcending divisions that have plagued Indian society.
- Strengthen And Improve Hinduism: Vivekananda, Dayanand Saraswati, and Sri Aurobindo have actively worked to strengthen and improve Hinduism. Their endeavors demonstrate that the tradition of renunciation, symbolized by Sadhus, continues to be a dynamic and vital force in shaping the religious and social landscape of India.
Dysfunctional analysis:
- Sometimes increased focus on Suddhi Movements and revivalist tendencies have created communal strife also and anomies in society.
- Some revivalist adventures of saints have supported social evils too in pursuit of glorification of past.
Conclusion
Apart from these criticisms Saints in Indian society have consistently contributed to awareness and social reforms. They have served as conduits for transmitting knowledge and interpreting it to suit specific contexts. Their roles, spanning from nationalist ideals to global integration, have played a pivotal role in shaping social systems over time.
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META TAGS:
Indian Saints, Social Reforms, Social Awareness, G.S. Ghurye, Indian Sadhus, Spiritual Leaders, Women’s Rights, Education, Non-violence, Nationalism, Social Activism, Hinduism, Unity, Harmony, Indian Saints, Social Reforms, Social Awareness, G.S. Ghurye, Indian Sadhus
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