Page 65 - SST Class 08

5. Savitribai was the social reformer in Maharashtra.
6. B.R. Ambedkar called the untouchables as the children of God.

D. Answer in one word or phrase :
1. Name any form of major social ills women suffered during the 19th century.
2. When was Sati banned?

3. Who was Mahadev Govind Ranade?
4. Which reformer’s articles were published in the ‘The Times’?
5. Who was the most prominent Muslim reformer?
6. Who started the Temple Entry Movement?

E. Answer the questions in brief :
1. What was the Sati system?
2. What were the hardships that a widow in the 19th century was subjected to?
3. What were the demerits of child marriage?

4. Who was Sir Syed Khan? What did he do for Muslim women?
5. Who was Ramabai Ranade? What were her contributions in women reforms?
6. List the movement started by B.R. Ambedkar.

F. Answer the questions in detail :
1. Describe the contributions of Bengal to the uplift of women.
2. Explain the reforms under taken by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
3. What were the arguments against caste system?

4. Write a short note on Jotiba’s contribution to social reforms.
5. What were Gandhiji’s views on untouchability?
6. Write about B.R. Ambedkar’s efforts to improve the condition of the depressed classes.

1. After so many years of independence and the work done by the reformers, we are still in the
clutches of the caste system. What are your suggestions for its eradication?
2. Imagine you are an individual in favour of social reformers during the 19th century. What steps
would you take to help in improving the life of the untouchables?

Indian Constitution and Caste System
The Constitution laid down certain provisions to abolish untouchability.
Article 15, a fundamental right in the Indian Constitution prohibits the discrimination by the state
against any citizen on grounds only of caste, religion, sex, race and place of birth.
Article 17 of the Indian Constitution is a legislation that abolishes practice of untouchability, in any
form. According to the provision of Article 17, ‘enforcement of any disability arising out of
untouchability’ is a punishable offence in accordance with law.

Social Awakening in India
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