Description: The 19th century in Bengal was a period of intense social and religious reform movements that aimed to address various societal ills and modernize traditional practices. This discussion briefly and contextually examines the activities of the Brahma Samaj and its different denominations, the Anti-Sati Movement, the ‘Young Bengal’ movement, and the Widow Remarriage Movement.

1. Activities of Brahma Samaj and its Different Denominations

The Brahma Samaj, founded by Raja Rammohan Roy in 1828, was a significant socio-religious reform movement that sought to purify Hinduism and promote rationalism and social reform.

• Context: The early 19th century Bengal was marked by various social and religious malpractices, including idolatry, polytheism, rigid caste system, and the subjugation of women. Rammohan Roy, deeply influenced by Western liberal thought and a critical understanding of Hindu scriptures, aimed to address these issues.
• Key Activities: The Brahma Samaj advocated for monotheism, the rejection of idol worship, and the importance of reason and conscience in religious matters. It actively campaigned against sati (widow immolation), child marriage, and the rigidities of the caste system. It also promoted education, particularly for women.
• Different Denominations: After Rammohan Roy’s death, the Brahma Samaj underwent divisions. Debendranath Tagore emphasized the Indian roots of the movement and focused on a more philosophical and spiritual interpretation of its principles. Later, Keshub Chandra Sen introduced more radical social reforms and a universalist approach, leading to further schisms and the formation of different denominations like the Brahmo Samaj of India and the Adi Brahmo Samaj. These different branches, while having variations in their approaches, continued to contribute to social and religious reform in Bengal.

2. Anti-Sati Movement

The practice of Sati, the immolation of a widow on her husband’s funeral pyre, was a deeply entrenched and brutal social custom prevalent in some parts of India, including Bengal. The Anti-Sati Movement aimed to abolish this inhumane practice.

• Context: While opposition to Sati existed earlier, the 19th century saw a more organized and sustained campaign against it, largely spearheaded by Raja Rammohan Roy. He meticulously researched Hindu scriptures to demonstrate that Sati was not sanctioned by true religious texts and used rational arguments to highlight its cruelty and injustice.
• Key Activities: Rammohan Roy tirelessly petitioned the British government, wrote extensively against Sati in his publications, and mobilized public opinion against it. Progressive individuals and reform-minded British officials also supported the movement.
• Impact: The relentless efforts of the Anti-Sati Movement culminated in the abolition of Sati by Lord William Bentinck, the Governor-General of India, in 1829, through a legal decree. This was a landmark victory for social reform and a testament to the power of reasoned advocacy and collaboration between Indian reformers and sympathetic colonial administrators.

3. ‘Young Bengal’

‘Young Bengal’ was a radical intellectual movement that emerged in the 1820s and 1830s, primarily among the students of Hindu College in Calcutta. They were heavily influenced by Western liberal and rationalist ideas.

• Context: The introduction of Western education exposed a section of young Bengali intellectuals to Enlightenment ideals of reason, individualism, and freedom. Led by their charismatic teacher Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, they questioned traditional social norms and religious beliefs.
• Key Activities: The Young Bengal movement advocated for social reforms like women’s education, the abolition of caste distinctions, and the promotion of rational thinking. They challenged religious orthodoxy, criticized idolatry and superstitions, and championed freedom of thought and expression through debates, discussions, and their writings in journals and newspapers.
• Impact: While the direct social impact of the Young Bengal movement was limited due to its relatively small size and radical views that alienated mainstream society, it played a crucial role in introducing modern, progressive ideas into Bengali intellectual discourse. It fostered a spirit of critical inquiry and challenged traditional authority, laying the groundwork for future reform movements.

4. Widow Remarriage Movement

The plight of widows in 19th century Bengal was dire. They faced severe social restrictions, economic hardship, and were often ostracized. The Widow Remarriage Movement aimed to alleviate their suffering by advocating for the social and legal acceptance of widow remarriage.

• Context: Hindu tradition generally prohibited the remarriage of widows, condemning them to a life of austerity and social isolation. Reformers argued that this practice was unjust and inhumane, causing immense suffering, especially to child widows.
• Key Activities: Iswarchandra Vidyasagar emerged as the most prominent and influential advocate for widow remarriage. He marshaled evidence from Hindu scriptures to prove that widow remarriage was sanctioned by ancient texts. He wrote extensively, organized public campaigns, and tirelessly lobbied the British government for legal reform.
• Impact: Vidyasagar’s relentless efforts led to the passage of the Widow Remarriage Act in 1856, which legally sanctioned the remarriage of Hindu widows. While social acceptance was slow and faced considerable resistance from conservative elements, this legal reform was a significant step towards improving the lives and status of widows in Bengal. The movement highlighted the power of intellectual reasoning and persistent social advocacy in bringing about legal and social change.