Question 4 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Modern
History

Question

Satya Shodhak Samaj organized

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra

Strategy: Recall key facts about the Satya Shodhak Samaj: its founder (Jyotirao Phule), primary objective (challenging caste hierarchies), and location (Maharashtra). Compare these facts against the provided options to eliminate incorrect choices and identify the one that aligns with the historical record.

Key Info: ### Satya Shodhak Samaj
- **Establishment:** Founded by Jyotirao Phule (also known as Mahatma Phule) on September 24, 1873, in Poona, Maharashtra.
- **Core Objective:** Literally meaning 'Truth-Seekers' Society,' its primary goal was to seek truth and fight for the rights of depressed classes, women, and the exploited. It was a significant anti-caste social reform movement.
- **Ideology:** It aimed to spread education, social rights, and political access for the Marathas, Malis, Kunbis, and other low-caste groups, particularly challenging the Brahminical dominance and the caste system.
- **Activities:** Phule and the Samaj advocated for education for girls and lower castes, established schools (e.g., for untouchables), and promoted rationalism and social equality. They opposed idolatry and the priestly class.
- **Prominent Members:** Jyotirao Phule served as its first president and treasurer. His wife, Savitribai Phule, was a pioneer in women's education and social reform, working alongside him.

### Jyotirao Phule
- **Background:** Born in 1827 in Maharashtra into a Mali (gardener) caste family, he was a prominent social reformer, thinker, and anti-caste activist.
- **Contributions:** Regarded as one of the most important figures in the social reform movement of the 19th century. He worked for the upliftment of women and lower castes, and for peasant rights. He is often credited with starting the first school for untouchables and girls in India.
- **Writings:** His notable works include 'Gulamgiri' (Slavery, 1873) and 'Shetkaryacha Asud' (Cultivator's Whipcord).

### Social Reform Movements in 19th-century India (Contextual)
- **Anti-Caste Movements:** Numerous movements emerged across India to challenge the rigid caste system and its associated discrimination. Examples include the Satya Shodhak Samaj (Maharashtra), SNDP Movement (Kerala by Sree Narayana Guru), and the Self-Respect Movement (Tamil Nadu by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy).
- **Tribal Movements:** These were often in response to exploitation by moneylenders, land alienation, and forest laws, e.g., Santhal Rebellion (1855-56), Munda Rebellion (1899-1900) led by Birsa Munda.
- **Temple-Entry Movements:** Focused on allowing lower castes access to temples, e.g., Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25) in Kerala, Guruvayoor Satyagraha (1931-32) in Kerala.
- **Peasant Movements:** Aimed at addressing agrarian distress, high taxes, and exploitation by landlords, e.g., Indigo Revolt (1859-60) in Bengal, Deccan Riots (1875) in Maharashtra, Eka Movement (1921-22) in Awadh.

Answer

Option A: a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar

Answer

Option B: a temple-entry movement in Gujarat

Answer

Option D: a peasant movement in Punjab