Detailed Summary
This section explores the calls for equality and justice in 19th-century India, focusing on social reformers' efforts to change oppressive practices related to gender and caste. In contrast to the rigid societal norms of the past, where women had limited rights and were often married as children, the reform movements of the era began to advocate for women's education, widow remarriage, and the abolition of sati. Notable figures like Rammohun Roy initiated significant campaigns against practices like sati and promoted women's rights. The introduction of prints and newspapers helped spread these reformist ideas, fostering discussions about social norms among broader audiences.
Similarly, the latter part of the 19th century saw caste-based movements led by reformers like Jyotirao Phule, who questioned the Brahmanical hierarchy and advocated for the rights of lower castes. The section highlights various initiatives aimed at improving the status of women and challenging the caste system, enriching the understanding of social dynamics in pre-colonial India and laying a foundation for further advancements in equality and justice in Indian society.