CBSE 8 History | 7. Women, Caste and Reform by Pavan | Learn Smarter
K12 Students

Academics

AI-Powered learning for Grades 8–12, aligned with major Indian and international curricula.

Professionals

Professional Courses

Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design to help professionals and graduates upskill for real-world careers.

Games

Interactive Games

Fun, engaging games to boost memory, math fluency, typing speed, and English skills—perfect for learners of all ages.

Typing
Memory
Math
English Adventures
Knowledge
7. Women, Caste and Reform

The chapter discusses the significant changes in women's rights and caste reform in India over the last two centuries. It highlights the role of social reformers like Rammohun Roy and Jyotirao Phule, who advocated for women's education, widow remarriage, and the abolition of caste discrimination. Additionally, the chapter examines the struggles faced by various groups and the gradual shifts in societal attitudes towards these issues.

Enroll to start learning

You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.

Sections

  • 7

    Women, Caste And Reform

    This section highlights the historical changes in women's rights and caste reform in India, focusing on key reformers and movements that shaped societal changes.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1

    Working Towards Change

    The section focuses on the transformative social changes in the 19th and 20th centuries in India, particularly surrounding women's rights, caste reform, and educational access.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.1

    Changing The Lives Of Widows

    This section discusses the efforts of reformers like Rammohun Roy to improve the lives of widows in India, highlighting the abolishment of the sati practice and the introduction of widow remarriage.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.2

    Girls Begin Going To School

    The section discusses the historical context of girls' education in India, the challenges faced, and the reforms brought about by various reformers aimed at improving women's status in society.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.3

    Women Write About Women

    The section discusses the historical evolution of women's roles in society, highlighting the importance of education, reform movements, and women's own writings to advocate for their rights.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.4

    Law Against Child Marriage

    The section discusses the passing of the Child Marriage Restraint Act in 1929, which aimed to prevent child marriages in India.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2

    Caste And Social Reform

    This section discusses the various social reforms aimed at addressing caste inequalities in India, highlighting the roles played by key reformers and movements.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.1

    Demands For Equality And Justice

    This section addresses the historical context of demands for equality and justice in Indian society concerning women's rights and caste discrimination.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.2

    Gulamgiri

    Gulamgiri discusses the contributions of Jyotirao Phule in challenging the caste system in India, emphasizing the need for equality and addressing the injustices faced by lower castes.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.3

    Who Could Enter Temples?

    This section addresses caste discrimination in India, particularly focusing on who was forbidden from entering temples.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.4

    The Non-Brahman Movement

    The Non-Brahman movement arose in response to the dominance of Brahmanical culture and aimed at achieving social equality for lower castes.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3

    Organising For Reform

    This section discusses the various reform movements in India during the 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on the abolition of social customs and improved rights for women and marginalized communities.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3.1

    The Brahmo Samaj

    The Brahmo Samaj was a reform movement founded in the 19th century aimed at promoting social change, challenging idolatry, and advocating for women's rights and education.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3.2

    Derozio And Young Bengal

    The Young Bengal movement, led by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, challenged traditional norms and promoted new ideas such as women's education and freedom of expression.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3.3

    The Ramakrishna Mission And Swami Vivekananda

    This section discusses the Ramakrishna Mission and Swami Vivekananda's emphasis on social service alongside spiritual beliefs, highlighting their contributions to social reform and nationalism in India.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3.4

    The Prarthana Samaj

    The Prarthana Samaj was a significant reform movement in 19th century India that aimed to eliminate caste restrictions, promote women's education, and support widow remarriage.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3.5

    The Veda Samaj

    The Veda Samaj was a reformist organization in India that aimed to abolish caste distinctions, promote widow remarriage, and support women's education.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3.6

    The Aligarh Movement

    The Aligarh Movement aimed to reform Muslim society through modern education and intellectual awakening.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3.7

    The Singh Sabha Movement

    The Singh Sabha Movement sought to eliminate superstitions and caste distinctions within Sikhism while promoting education and modern instruction.

    Learning Practice

References

NCERT Study Material

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Social and cultural norms s...
  • Women began to gain access ...
  • The caste system faced crit...

Final Test

Revision Tests

Chapter FAQs