ICSE Class 8 Answered

In the 18th century, the Indian society suffered from various evil practices such as sati system, purdah system, child marriage and female infanticide. People in the society believed in superstitions and religious dogmatism. The society was caste based where people belonging to lower castes were subjected to intense humiliation.

Various factors like the efforts of several reformers and the introduction of the Western education brought about a change in the Indian society. Various people also challenged the caste system in India and emphasized on women education. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a great social and religious reformer. He advocated female education and it was largely due to his efforts that the practice of sati was declared illegal. Jyotiba Phule challenged the caste system and advocated for the education of lower caste girls.