India’s journey towards independence was not just about political liberation; it was also a struggle to eradicate the deep-rooted social evils that had plagued the subcontinent for centuries. These deplorable practices, sanctioned by centuries of custom and tradition, created a society where the weak and marginalized were trampled underfoot.

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Caste System: A Hierarchy of Injustice

The caste system, a rigid division of society into hereditary classes, fostered discrimination and inequality. Caste determined every aspect of an individual’s life, from where they could live to who they could marry. Outcastes, known as “untouchables,” were relegated to the lowest stratum, perpetually subjected to disdain and prohibition from basic amenities and fundamental rights.

Sati: The Horrifying Ritual

Prevalent in Hindu society, sati was a barbaric practice where widows were burned alive on the funeral pyre of their dead husbands. Widows, deemed no longer worthy of a fulfilling life, were sacrificed in the name of tradition. The sheer brutality and violation of a woman’s basic dignity appalled countless hearts.

Child Marriage: Robbing Childhood

Child marriage, a shameful custom in many regions, deprived young girls of their childhood and subjected them to the responsibilities of early motherhood. With their educational opportunities and physical development stunted, these young victims faced a lifetime of compromised health and lost potential.

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Female Infanticide: The Gender Bias

The societal preference for male children led to a heinous practice: female infanticide. Newborn girls were smothered or drowned, an abhorrent act that skewed the population towards males and robbed countless families of their daughters. This gender discrimination persisted, resulting in a deep-seated devaluation of women in society.

Debts and Bondage: Chains of Misery

Poverty and desperation forced many Indians into debt bondage. When unable to repay, they were thrown into virtual slavery, inherited from generation to generation, with their lives determined by merciless moneylenders. This system perpetuated poverty and inequality, creating a vicious cycle that trapped countless souls.

Untouchability and Segregation: Social Outcasts

“Untouchables” faced severe discrimination and untouchability was rigidly enforced. They were forbidden from using public spaces, touching or consuming food from others, and disallowed from pursuing certain professions. This social outcasting created a perpetual cycle of humiliation and abuse.

Concubinage and Polygamy: Exploitation in Family

Married men kept concubines, further suppressing women and jeopardizing the welfare of families. Polygamy added an element of gender and social inequality, with women in polygamous marriages facing subjugation and diminished status.

Dowry: A Dangerous Demand

The practice of paying a hefty dowry from the bride’s family, prevalent in many regions, put an immense financial burden on brides and their families. It perpetuated economic hardship and enabled families to profit from daughters’ marriages, often leading to dowry-related violence or harassment.

Indigenous Exploitation: Dividing Land

The British colonial government exploited indigenous communities, seizing their traditional lands and displacing them from their ancestral homes. These displaced communities were forced to live in poverty and disrepair, with their cultural practices undermined.

Missionaries and Social Reform (Actionable Tips)

Through the arduous struggles and unwavering determination of social reformers and visionaries, social evils began to be confronted. With support from enlightened spiritual leaders, educated women, progressive thinkers, and Christian missionaries who denounced these practices, a slow but steady movement gained momentum.

The dedicated efforts of social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Jyotiba Phule challenged prevalent dogma. They campaigned relentlessly for female education, the abolition of sati, and inter-caste marriage. Christian missionaries also played a key role in spreading Western education and social ideas, challenging traditional norms and advocating for equality.

Missionaries tirelessly defended the rights of the marginalized, providing education and vocational opportunities for girls and outcastes. They established orphanages and institutions to protect the vulnerable, and denounced the injustices perpetrated against them.

What Were The Social Evils Prevalent In India Before Independence

Towards a Brighter Future

While progress had been made by the end of colonial rule, much remained to be done to truly eradicate the remnants of these social evils. The fight for justice extended far beyond independence and persevered through the decades that followed.

The transformative vision of our national leaders and the tireless dedication of countless individuals have shaped India’s growth into a society where equality and dignity are fundamental. The legacy of these social evils serves as a constant reminder that we must remain vigilant against discrimination and injustice, and strive for a just and equitable society for all.