Indian Renaissance - Introduction and concept

Question 1

What were the 3 types of response to british reforms?

Answer 1

1. Orthodox Indians - they held onto the traditional way of thinking and resisted the social changes
2. Liberal Indians - they accepted the new ideas of progress and welcomed changed initiated by the British
3. Balanced Indians - these people held on to their traditions while accepting western cultures

Question 2

How did the new Indian middle class develop?

Answer 2

1. The new western education allowed several Indians to study in India and even in England
2. New professions developed like teachers, lawyers, journalists, doctors and many more
3. They formed a new middle social class known as the urban Middle Class
4. They were influenced by the scientific and rational European way of thinking
5. They developed the ability to think scientifically and rationally and criticized the age-old beliefs that existed in society, which, they felt had to be changed

Question 3

What do you mean by the term ‘Indian Renaissance’

Answer 3

1. The word ‘Renaissance’ stands for rebirth and ‘Indian renaissance’ refers to the period which was marked with social and cultural revival. It began in Bengal.
2. The Indian Renaissance marked the start of a new era of socio-spiritual consciousness, influenced by reformers and the spontaneous participation of native intellectuals, resulting in a new awakening.

Question 4

What were the causes behind the Indian Renaissance?

Answer 4

1. Western education helped to spread scientific and rational ideas
2. Educated Indians realised that some existing social customs were unacceptable
3. The new educated middle class had the ability to organise protests and demands reforms
4. There was growing awareness and sense of pride in the past achievements of the Indian civilzation.