DID THE EFFORTS OF THE SOCIAL REFORMERS BEAR FRUIT?

Efforts at social reform had already begun in the 18th century. Though slow in effect, the efforts of the social reformers did bear fruit. In the early stages of the social reform movement, the reformers sought to bring about changes and reforms through the laws and decrees of the colonial government. However, after the experience of 1857, the government began to restrict its interference with local customs and traditions, especially with regards to caste and gender. Dsepite this, several laws were passed by the British government to bring about an end to evil practices in Indian society. Subsequently, as wider sections of the Indian society began to be assimilated in the public mainstream, and later in the national movement, social reform issues too found a place in the nationalist rhetoric. This finally culminated in a slew of social reforms both before and especially after independence.