The 'Seva Samiti' at Allahabad, focused on organizing disaster relief and education, was founded by?
- Hridayanath Kunzru
- GK Gokhale
- NM Joshi
- Annie Besant
Explanation: Pandit Hridayanath Kunzru founded the Seva Samiti in 1914 to organize social service during natural disasters and religious fairs.
Who published the journal 'Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq' (Social Reformer) to awaken Muslims?
- Abul Kalam Azad
- Syed Ahmed Khan
- Muhammad Iqbal
- Badruddin Tyabji
Explanation: Syed Ahmed Khan published this journal to promote modern thinking and social reforms among the Indian Muslim community.
Who founded the 'Servants of India Society' to train national missionaries?
- BG Tilak
- Mahatma Gandhi
- GK Gokhale
- Annie Besant
Explanation: Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in 1905 to train individuals to devote their lives to the cause of the country.
Who authored the text 'Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidin' (A Gift to Monotheists)?
- Syed Ahmed Khan
- Ram Mohan Roy
- Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
- Haji Shariatullah
Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy wrote this Persian treatise in 1803 to argue against the corruption of original religious texts and to promote monotheism.
The 'Tattvabodhini Sabha', which later merged with the Brahmo Samaj, was established by?
- Keshub Chandra Sen
- Ram Mohan Roy
- Ishwar Chandra
- Debendranath Tagore
Explanation: Debendranath Tagore founded the Tattvabodhini Sabha in 1839 to systematically study India's past and propagate Ram Mohan's ideas.
The 'Namdhari Movement', which boycotted British goods and institutions, was also known as?
- Akali Movement
- Singh Sabha
- Kuka Movement
- Khalsa Panth
Explanation: Founded by Baba Ram Singh, the Namdhari movement was also called the Kuka movement due to the followers' unique style of reciting hymns.
Which movement was launched in 1873 in Punjab to counter Christian missionary activities?
- Akali Movement
- Singh Sabha
- Nirankari Movement
- Kuka Movement
Explanation: The Singh Sabha movement was initiated in Amritsar to restore Sikhism to its past purity and counter proselytization by Christians, Hindus, and Muslims.
The 'Rahnumai Mazdayasan Sabha' was a reform movement associated with which community?
- Parsi community
- Sikh community
- Muslim community
- Jain community
Explanation: Founded in 1851 by Naoroji Furdonji and others, it aimed to restore the purity of the Zoroastrian religion and reform Parsi social customs.
Which reformer wrote the influential anti-caste text 'Gulamgiri' in 1873?
- BR Ambedkar
- MG Ranade
- EV Ramasamy
- Jyotirao Phule
Explanation: Jyotirao Phule wrote 'Gulamgiri' (Slavery) and dedicated it to the American abolitionist movement, drawing parallels with the Indian caste system.
Which orthodox Hindu organization was founded to counter the Brahmo Samaj's reformist agenda?
- Tattvabodhini Sabha
- Arya Samaj
- Dharma Sabha
- Prarthana Samaj
Explanation: Radhakant Deb founded the Dharma Sabha in 1830 to protect orthodox Hindu practices, specifically opposing the abolition of Sati.
Who founded the 'Sadharan Brahmo Samaj' in 1878 following a schism?
- Debendranath Tagore
- Anand Mohan Bose
- Keshub Chandra Sen
- Raja Ram Mohan
Explanation: Anand Mohan Bose, along with Shibnath Shastri and others, founded the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj after breaking away from Keshub Chandra Sen.
Consider: 1. Faraizi movement was active in Punjab. 2. It was a Hindu reformist group.
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both correct
- None correct
Explanation: The Faraizi movement, founded by Haji Shariatullah, was an Islamic revivalist and agrarian movement active in Eastern Bengal.
The 'Radhaswami Movement', emphasizing a formless God and the role of the Guru, was founded by?
- Baba Dayal Das
- Shiv Dayal Saheb
- Ram Singh
- Baba Balak Singh
Explanation: Tulsi Ram, known as Shiv Dayal Saheb, founded the Radhaswami Satsang in 1861 in Agra.
Which of these Acts officially legalized Hindu widow remarriage in India?
- Act of 1829
- Act of 1872
- Act of 1856
- Act of 1891
Explanation: The Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act, 1856, drafted by Lord Dalhousie and passed by Lord Canning, legalized the remarriage of Hindu widows.
The Ahmadiyya Movement, which emphasized universal religion, was founded in 1889 by whom?
- Syed Ahmed Khan
- Haji Shariatullah
- Rashid Ahmad Gangohi
- Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
Explanation: Mirza Ghulam Ahmad founded the Ahmadiyya movement to defend Islam against Christian missionaries and Arya Samaj polemics.
Who was the main inspiration behind the radical 'Young Bengal Movement'?
- Ishwar Chandra
- Henry Derozio
- David Hare
- Ram Mohan Roy
Explanation: Henry Vivian Derozio, a young teacher at Hindu College, inspired his students to think freely and question all authority, sparking the Young Bengal Movement.
The 'Aravippuram Movement' (1888) involved defying Brahmin monopoly by consecrating a Shiva idol. Who led it?
- EV Ramasamy
- Sri Narayana Guru
- TK Madhavan
- Dr Palpu
Explanation: Sri Narayana Guru, belonging to the Ezhava caste, consecrated the idol at Aravippuram to prove that God is not the monopoly of Brahmins.
Who led the 'Mahad Satyagraha' in 1927 to assert the right of untouchables to draw water?
- Jyotirao Phule
- BR Ambedkar
- Mahatma Gandhi
- EV Ramasamy
Explanation: Ambedkar led thousands to the Chavadar tank in Mahad, Maharashtra, and drank water from it to challenge untouchability directly.
Who founded the 'All India Harijan Sevak Sangh' in 1932 to combat untouchability?
- Mahatma Gandhi
- BR Ambedkar
- Jyotirao Phule
- Jagjivan Ram
Explanation: Following the Poona Pact, Gandhi founded this organization to dedicate efforts towards the upliftment of the Depressed Classes.
Consider: 1. Deoband opposed the Aligarh movement. 2. It promoted Western education heavily.
- Both correct
- Only 2
- Only 1
- None correct
Explanation: The Deoband school was an orthodox Islamic revivalist movement that strongly opposed Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's Aligarh movement and Western education.
The 'Native Marriage Act' of 1872, which banned child marriage and polygamy, is also known as?
- Hindu Marriage Act
- Civil Marriage Act
- Special Marriage Act
- Sarda Act
Explanation: Pushed forward largely by Keshub Chandra Sen, the act formalized civil marriages and set minimum ages for brides and grooms.
The 'Deoband Movement' was founded in 1866 by Muhammad Qasim Nanautavi and...?
- Rashid Ahmad Gangohi
- Syed Ahmed Khan
- Shibli Nomani
- Mahmud al Hasan
Explanation: Rashid Ahmad Gangohi and Muhammad Qasim Nanautavi founded the Darul Uloom at Deoband to preserve traditional Islamic teachings.
Consider: 1. Wahabi Movement was a reformist movement. 2. It supported Western education.
- Both correct
- Only 1
- Only 2
- None correct
Explanation: The Wahabi Movement was a revivalist (not reformist) movement that sought to return to pure Islam and vehemently opposed Western influences and British rule.
The passing of the 'Age of Consent Act' of 1891 was primarily championed by?
- MG Ranade
- BG Tilak
- Behramji Malabari
- DK Karve
Explanation: Behramji Malabari's relentless campaigning led to the passing of the Act, which raised the age of consent for girls from 10 to 12 years.
The 'Seva Sadan' in Bombay, dealing with the welfare of exploited women, was founded by?
- Behramji Malabari
- MG Ranade
- Pandita Ramabai
- DK Karve
Explanation: Behramji M. Malabari, a Parsi social reformer, founded the Seva Sadan in 1885 to care for and educate marginalized women.
Who was the primary initiator of the 'Vaikom Satyagraha' (1924) for temple street entry?
- K Kelappan
- TK Madhavan
- Sri Narayana Guru
- EV Ramasamy
Explanation: T.K. Madhavan presented the resolution seeking entry for lower castes to the Vaikom temple roads, sparking the famous Satyagraha.
Consider: 1. Theosophical Society was founded in India. 2. It promoted the study of ancient religions.
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both correct
- None correct
Explanation: The Theosophical Society was founded in New York in 1875 by Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott. It later shifted its headquarters to Adyar, India.
Who established the 'Social Service League' in Bombay to improve conditions of the masses?
- MG Ranade
- NM Joshi
- GK Gokhale
- BG Tilak
Explanation: Narayan Malhar Joshi founded the Social Service League in 1911 to secure better working and living conditions for the masses.
Who founded the 'All India Depressed Classes League' in 1935 to secure equality for untouchables?
- BR Ambedkar
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Jagjivan Ram
- Jyotirao Phule
Explanation: Babu Jagjivan Ram founded the League to advocate for the rights and political representation of the depressed classes.
Which social reformer established the 'Satyashodhak Samaj' in 1873?
- Jyotirao Phule
- BR Ambedkar
- EV Ramasamy
- MG Ranade
Explanation: Jyotirao Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth Seekers' Society) to liberate the lower castes from Brahminical oppression.
The 'Darul Uloom' at Deoband was primarily what kind of institution?
- Islamic seminary
- Western university
- Hindu gurukul
- Medical college
Explanation: It was established as a traditional Islamic seminary to teach pure Islamic jurisprudence and theology.
Who authored the book 'Gita Rahasya' while in prison, emphasizing the philosophy of Karma Yoga?
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Swami Vivekananda
- BG Tilak
- Aurobindo Ghosh
Explanation: Bal Gangadhar Tilak wrote 'Gita Rahasya' during his imprisonment in Mandalay, arguing that the Gita primarily teaches selfless action.
Which social reformer from Maharashtra was popularly known by the pen name 'Lokahitawadi'?
- MG Ranade
- Jyotirao Phule
- BG Tilak
- Gopal Hari Deshmukh
Explanation: Gopal Hari Deshmukh wrote articles in Marathi under the pen name Lokahitawadi, attacking Hindu orthodoxy and promoting social reform.
Who established the 'Bhil Seva Mandal' in 1922 to uplift the tribal communities of Gujarat?
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Amritlal Thakkar
- BR Ambedkar
- Vinoba Bhave
Explanation: Amritlal V. Thakkar, popularly known as Thakkar Bapa, founded the Mandal to work for the welfare and education of the Bhil tribes.
The 'Aligarh Movement' aimed at reforming Muslim society was pioneered by?
- Muhammad Iqbal
- Badruddin Tyabji
- Syed Ahmed Khan
- Abul Kalam Azad
Explanation: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan initiated the Aligarh Movement to impart modern Western education among Indian Muslims without compromising Islamic values.
Who was instrumental in establishing the 'Deccan Education Society'?
- MG Ranade
- GK Gokhale
- BG Tilak
- Jyotirao Phule
Explanation: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, along with G.G. Agarkar and V.K. Chiplunkar, founded the Deccan Education Society in 1884 to promote modern education.
Consider: 1. Prarthana Samaj was founded in Bengal. 2. It opposed the Bhakti movement.
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both correct
- None correct
Explanation: The Prarthana Samaj was founded in Bombay (not Bengal) and drew heavy inspiration from the Marathi Bhakti saints like Namdev and Tukaram.
Who founded the 'Ramakrishna Mission' to carry out humanitarian relief and social work?
- Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
- Dayananda Saraswati
- Swami Vivekananda
- Aurobindo Ghosh
Explanation: Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 to propagate the teachings of his guru and engage in philanthropic activities.
Consider: 1. Justice Party supported Brahmin dominance. 2. It was active in Madras.
- Only 2
- Both correct
- Only 1
- None correct
Explanation: The Justice Party was explicitly an anti-Brahmin political organization founded in the Madras Presidency to secure representation for non-Brahmins.
Who wrote the famous socio-religious book 'Satyarth Prakash'?
- Dayananda Saraswati
- Raja Ram Mohan
- Jyotirao Phule
- Annie Besant
Explanation: Swami Dayananda Saraswati authored 'Satyarth Prakash' (The Light of Meaning of the Truth) to outline the core philosophies of the Arya Samaj.
Who authored the pioneering feminist text 'Stri Purush Tulana' in 1882?
- Tarabai Shinde
- Pandita Ramabai
- Savitribai Phule
- Annie Besant
Explanation: Tarabai Shinde wrote 'Stri Purush Tulana' (A Comparison Between Women and Men), critiquing the patriarchal double standards of society.
Who championed the cause of widow remarriage most prominently in Bengal?
- Swami Vivekananda
- Ishwar Chandra
- Ram Mohan Roy
- Debendranath Tagore
Explanation: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar led the campaign for widow remarriage in Bengal, culminating in the passing of the 1856 Act.
The 'SNDP Yogam' in Kerala was primarily founded to uplift the socio-economic status of which caste?
- Mahar caste
- Ezhava caste
- Nadar caste
- Pulaya caste
Explanation: The Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam was formed in 1903 to represent and uplift the marginalized Ezhava community.
Who launched the anti-caste 'Self-Respect Movement' in Tamil Nadu?
- C.N. Annadurai
- EV Ramasamy
- K. Kamaraj
- C. Rajagopalachari
Explanation: E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (Periyar) launched the Self-Respect Movement in 1925 to fight for the dignity of non-Brahmins and dismantle caste hierarchy.
The 'Deva Samaj', which emphasized the eternity of the soul and a high moral code, was founded by?
- Shiv N Agnihotri
- Swami Dayananda
- Keshub Chandra Sen
- MG Ranade
Explanation: Shiv Narayan Agnihotri founded the Deva Samaj in 1887 in Lahore, combining elements of Brahmoism with an emphasis on the guru.
Consider: 1. Arya Samaj opposed idolatry. 2. It rejected Vedic authority completely.
- Both correct
- Only 2
- Only 1
- None correct
Explanation: Arya Samaj strictly opposed idolatry but considered the Vedas as infallible and the ultimate source of truth, giving the slogan 'Go back to the Vedas'.
Consider: 1. Veda Samaj was founded in Madras. 2. It was heavily inspired by Arya Samaj.
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both correct
- None correct
Explanation: The Veda Samaj was established in Madras (Chennai) in 1864, but it was inspired by the Brahmo Samaj, not the Arya Samaj.
Which reformer founded the 'Rajahmundry Social Reform Association' to promote widow remarriage?
- Tarabai Shinde
- Pandita Ramabai
- MG Ranade
- Kandukuri Veerasalingam
Explanation: Veerasalingam Pantulu was a pioneer of social reform in Andhra, establishing this association in 1878 to advocate for widow remarriage.
Who founded the 'Nirankari Movement' to purify Sikhism of Hindu practices?
- Baba Dayal Das
- Baba Ram Singh
- Ranjit Singh
- Guru Gobind
Explanation: Baba Dayal Das founded the Nirankari movement in the 1840s, emphasizing the worship of God as formless (Nirankar).
Which socio-religious movement used the famous slogan 'One Religion, One Caste, One God for Mankind'?
- Arya Samaj
- Brahmo Samaj
- Ramakrishna Mission
- SNDP Yogam
Explanation: This profound slogan was coined by Sri Narayana Guru, the spiritual force behind the SNDP Yogam in Kerala.
Who founded the 'Widow Remarriage Association' in the 1850s in Maharashtra?
- MG Ranade
- DK Karve
- Veerasalingam Pantulu
- Vishnu Shastri Pandit
Explanation: Vishnu Shastri Pandit founded the Widow Remarriage Association in 1853 and translated Vidyasagar's book on the subject into Marathi.
The 'Shuddhi Movement', aimed at reconverting individuals back to Hinduism, was initiated by?
- Brahmo Samaj
- Prarthana Samaj
- Ramakrishna Mission
- Arya Samaj
Explanation: The Arya Samaj initiated the Shuddhi (purification) movement to bring back to the Hindu fold those who had converted to Islam or Christianity.
Which act passed in 1850 protected the inheritance rights of religious converts?
- Native Marriage Act
- Lex Loci Act
- Sarda Act
- Ilbert Bill
Explanation: The Caste Disabilities Removal Act (Lex Loci Act) of 1850 ensured that individuals converting to Christianity would not lose their ancestral property.
The 'Paramahansa Mandali' was founded in 1849 as a secret society in which city?
- Calcutta
- Bombay
- Madras
- Poona
Explanation: Founded by Dadoba Pandurang and Mehtaji Durgaram in Bombay, it was a secret socio-religious group aimed at abolishing caste discrimination.
The 'Indian Social Conference', which served as the social reform wing of the Congress, was founded by?
- BG Tilak
- GK Gokhale
- MG Ranade
- DK Karve
Explanation: M.G. Ranade and Raghunath Rao founded the Indian Social Conference in 1887 to focus on social issues that the INC initially avoided.
Consider: 1. Titu Mir was a Sikh reformer. 2. He led peasant uprisings in Bengal.
- Both correct
- Only 1
- Only 2
- None correct
Explanation: Titu Mir was a Muslim religious reformer and peasant leader (not Sikh) who led the Tariqah-i-Muhammadiya against oppressive landlords in Bengal.
Which legislative act raised the minimum marriageable age of girls to 14 in 1929?
- Lex Loci Act
- Native Marriage Act
- Sarda Act
- Age of Consent
Explanation: The Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 is popularly known as the Sarda Act, named after its sponsor Harbilas Sarda.
The 'Gyan Prasarak Mandali' (Knowledge Providing Society) was formed in Bombay to educate which community?
- Parsi community
- Hindu community
- Muslim community
- Sikh community
Explanation: Founded by Dadabhai Naoroji and others, it aimed at educating the Parsi community and discussing social and scientific subjects.
Who established the 'Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha' in 1924 to promote education among untouchables?
- Mahatma Gandhi
- EV Ramasamy
- BR Ambedkar
- Jyotirao Phule
Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar founded this central institution in Bombay to promote the educational and socio-economic upliftment of the depressed classes.
Consider: 1. Brahmo Samaj of India was led by Tagore. 2. It campaigned against child marriage.
- Only 1
- Both correct
- Only 2
- None correct
Explanation: The Brahmo Samaj split in 1866; the 'Brahmo Samaj of India' was led by Keshub Chandra Sen, not Debendranath Tagore. It actively campaigned against child marriage.