First, this article gives you 20 original MCQs on socio-religious reform movements in India. Moreover, the questions cover leaders, organisations, laws, and key dates from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In addition, each answer comes with extra information that builds your exam knowledge. Therefore, students who prepare for RRB NTPC, SSC exams, and UPSC at a moderate level can benefit most. Also, teachers and self-study learners can use the set for quick revision. Next, try each question without looking at the answer. Then, check the correct answer and read the extra facts carefully. As a result, you will remember the reformers and their movements much longer.
Early Reform Movements in Bengal MCQs
Q1
Who started the Brahmo Sabha in 1828, which later became the Brahmo Samaj?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: B) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
First, Raja Ram Mohan Roy started the Atmiya Sabha in 1815. Moreover, he opposed idol worship and urged people to believe in one God. As a result, his Brahmo Sabha of 1828 grew into the Brahmo Samaj. However, Roy also supported modern education and a free press. Finally, the Mughal emperor Akbar II gave him the title Raja.
Q2
Which Governor-General made sati illegal through Regulation XVII of 1829?
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Answer: C) Lord William Bentinck
Also, Regulation XVII of 1829 made sati illegal in Bengal. In addition, Raja Ram Mohan Roy backed Bentinck with strong public campaigns. Therefore, the government extended the ban to Madras and Bombay in 1830. For example, Bentinck also promoted English education in India. Overall, the law marked a major step in social reform.
Q3
Which teacher inspired the Young Bengal group at the Hindu College in Calcutta?
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Answer: A) Henry Louis Vivian Derozio
In fact, Derozio taught at the Hindu College in Calcutta from 1826. Besides, his students formed a group called Young Bengal. Because of this, they questioned old customs and blind faith. However, orthodox leaders forced him to leave the college in 1831. Finally, Derozio died of cholera that same year at age 22.
Q4
Who founded the Brahmo Samaj of India in 1866?
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Answer: D) Keshab Chandra Sen
First, Keshab Chandra Sen joined the Brahmo Samaj in 1857. Then, he split from Debendranath Tagore’s group in 1866. As a result, Tagore’s group became the Adi Brahmo Samaj. Still, Keshab’s own group split again in 1878. Thus, the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj began after that second split.
Q5
Which reformer led the campaign for the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act of 1856?
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Answer: B) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Also, the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act became law in 1856. For example, Vidyasagar used ancient texts to support his case. As a result, widows gained the legal right to remarry. However, many orthodox groups opposed him strongly. Finally, he served as principal of Sanskrit College in Calcutta.
Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission and Theosophical Society MCQs
Q6
Who founded the Arya Samaj in Bombay in 1875?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: D) Dayanand Saraswati
First, Dayanand Saraswati wrote the book Satyarth Prakash. In addition, he gave the call to return to the Vedas. Therefore, he rejected idol worship and many costly rituals. However, he strongly supported women’s education and opposed child marriage. In short, the Arya Samaj became very strong in Punjab.
Q7
Which Arya Samaj programme aimed to bring converts back to Hinduism?
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Answer: A) Shuddhi
In fact, Arya Samaj members launched this programme in the late nineteenth century. Next, they opened many schools under the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic name. For instance, the first DAV school opened in Lahore in 1886. As a result, the Arya Samaj gained a strong base in education. Overall, the group shaped social life in north India.
Q8
In which year did Swami Vivekananda found the Ramakrishna Mission?
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Answer: C) 1897
First, Vivekananda named the mission after his teacher, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. In addition, the mission set up schools, hospitals, and relief centres. Because of this, it earned a strong name for public service. However, Vivekananda also taught that serving people means serving God. Finally, the mission’s headquarters stands at Belur Math near Kolkata.
Q9
In which city did Vivekananda speak at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in 1893?
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Answer: B) Chicago
Also, Vivekananda spoke there in September 1893. Moreover, his opening words were “Sisters and brothers of America.” As a result, Western audiences learned about Vedanta. In contrast, many people abroad knew little about Indian thought before this. Overall, his talk raised India’s cultural image across the world.
Q10
Where does the international headquarters of the Theosophical Society stand in India?
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Answer: A) Adyar in Chennai
In fact, Madame H. P. Blavatsky and Colonel H. S. Olcott founded the society in New York in 1875. Then, they moved its headquarters to Adyar near Madras in 1882. Later, Annie Besant became its president in 1907. For example, Besant launched the Home Rule League in 1916. Thus, the society influenced both education and politics in India.
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Reform Movements in Maharashtra and South India MCQs
Q11
In which city did reformers found the Prarthana Samaj in 1867?
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Answer: C) Bombay
First, Atmaram Pandurang started the Prarthana Samaj with Keshab Chandra Sen’s inspiration. In addition, M. G. Ranade and R. G. Bhandarkar later guided the group. Therefore, the group focused on social reform more than ritual. However, it did not create a new sect. Finally, it worked against child marriage and supported widow remarriage.
Q12
Who founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873?
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Answer: D) Jyotirao Phule
First, the word Satyashodhak means truth seeker. Also, Phule fought caste discrimination and backed education for women and marginalised communities. For example, he wrote the book Gulamgiri in 1873. As a result, the society challenged priestly control over rituals. Thus, Phule became a leading voice for social justice in Maharashtra.
Q13
In which city did Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule open a girls’ school in 1848?
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Answer: B) Pune
In fact, Jyotirao and Savitribai opened the school at Bhide Wada in 1848. Moreover, Savitribai taught there and became a pioneer woman teacher. As a result, more girls gained a chance to study. However, critics often harassed her on her way to school. Later, the couple also opened a care home for newborns in 1863.
Q14
Which reformer gave the message “One caste, one religion, one God for humankind”?
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Answer: A) Sree Narayana Guru
First, he built a Shiva temple at Aruvippuram in 1888 for all people. Next, he founded the SNDP Yogam in 1903. Because of this, many people from marginalised communities gained dignity. For example, he urged people to spend money on schools instead of costly rituals. Overall, his message shaped modern Kerala.
Q15
Who started the Self-Respect Movement in 1925?
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Answer: C) E. V. Ramasamy (Periyar)
Also, Periyar left the Indian National Congress in 1925 and began the movement. In addition, he opposed caste hierarchy and supported women’s rights. For instance, he promoted self-respect marriages without priests. As a result, Tamil Nadu legalised such marriages in 1967. In short, the movement left a lasting mark on Tamil society.
Muslim, Sikh, Parsi and Social Service Reform MCQs
Q16
Who founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh in 1875?
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Answer: D) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
First, the college later became Aligarh Muslim University in 1920. Moreover, Sir Syed urged Muslims to learn modern science and English. For example, he founded the Scientific Society in 1864. In addition, he edited the journal Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq. Finally, his Aligarh Movement inspired modern education across India.
Q17
In which city did leaders start the first Singh Sabha in 1873?
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Answer: A) Amritsar
In fact, the Singh Sabha Movement aimed to revive Sikh teachings and spread modern education. Then, it opened Khalsa College in Amritsar in 1892. Later, the Sikh community formed the Chief Khalsa Diwan in 1902. For example, its leaders promoted Punjabi books and newspapers. Overall, the movement strengthened Sikh identity and education.
Q18
Which community did the Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha of 1851 aim to reform?
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Answer: B) Parsi
First, Naoroji Furdunji, Dadabhai Naoroji, and others set up the sabha in 1851. Also, the group promoted women’s education among Parsis. In addition, it urged people to simplify marriage and funeral customs. However, many orthodox members resisted these changes. Thus, the Rast Goftar newspaper helped spread its ideas.
Q19
Who founded the Servants of India Society in 1905?
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Answer: C) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
In fact, Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in Pune in 1905. Next, he trained young people to serve the nation without personal gain. Because of this, members took vows of simple living. For example, Gokhale guided Mahatma Gandhi as a political mentor. Finally, the society worked on education, health, and relief for poor communities.
Q20
Which reformer campaigned for the Age of Consent Act of 1891?
Show Answer & Explanation
Answer: D) Behramji Malabari
Also, the Age of Consent Act of 1891 raised the age of consent for girls to 12 years. Earlier, Malabari wrote Notes on Infant Marriage and Enforced Widowhood in 1884. As a result, public debate on child marriage grew strongly. However, some leaders opposed the law at that time. Thus, the Act became an early step toward later marriage laws.
Final Thoughts on Socio-Religious Reform Movements MCQs
Overall, these MCQs cover the key facts about socio-religious reform movements in India. First, you studied early leaders such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Next, you reviewed groups like the Arya Samaj, the Ramakrishna Mission, and the Theosophical Society. Moreover, you met reformers from Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, and from Muslim, Sikh, and Parsi communities. Therefore, you now see how reform ideas spread across regions and communities. To revise well, practise the MCQs again, review the Extra Information, and take timed tests. Also, make short notes on founders, years, and places, because exams often ask these facts. Finally, keep practising for RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC, and enjoy your progress.