18 Questions
Which groups were considered 'upper castes' in most regions?
Brahmans and Kshatriyas
What was the status of the groups at the lowest rung of the caste system?
Treated as 'untouchables' and inferior human beings
What restrictions were placed on the 'untouchables' by the upper castes?
Restricted from entering temples and using common water sources
What new forms of communication emerged in the early nineteenth century?
Books, newspapers, magazines, leaflets, pamphlets
Why did debates about social customs and practices take on a new character in the early nineteenth century?
Development of new forms of communication
What contributed to the slow change in social norms and perceptions over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries?
Development of new communication methods
What was the main goal of the Paramhans Mandali founded in Bombay in 1840?
Advocating for the abolition of caste
What approach did some reformers take to challenge caste prejudices during secret meetings?
Violating caste taboos on food and touch
How did Christian missionaries contribute to challenging the caste system in the 19th century?
By setting up schools for tribal and lower-caste children
Why did some poor individuals leave their villages to seek opportunities in cities during the 19th century?
To find jobs in factories and municipalities
What types of labor were in demand due to urban development during the 19th century?
Coolies, bricklayers, sewage cleaners, and sweepers
How did some reformers challenge caste norms through their actions in the 19th century?
By violating caste taboos on food and touch in secret meetings
What was the main objective of the associations like Sanatan Dharma Sabhas and Bharat Dharma Mahamandal?
To uphold caste distinctions as fundamental in Hinduism
Why does caste continue to be a contentious issue even today?
Because it is considered a fundamental aspect of Hinduism
Which movement emerged as one of the most significant challenges to caste during the colonial era?
The Brahmo Samaj
What was the stance of the Brahmo Samaj regarding criticizing other religious practices?
Prohibited its members from criticizing other religious practices
How did Periyar view the impact of Sanskrit association on women in his writings?
As resulting in women becoming subservient and controlled by men
What was a core belief of the Brahmo Samaj regarding religious practices?
Prohibiting all forms of idolatry and sacrifice
Test your knowledge on the social hierarchies in ancient societies, focusing on the divisions along caste lines such as Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Explore how people were categorized based on their occupations and societal status.
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