Author: Tapanjyoti Malakar
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04010031
Abstract: The second phase of social reform in colonial Bengal, primarily spanning the mid-19th to the early 20th century, represents a critical transition from elite-led intellectual monotheism to a more structured, massoriented “cultural synthesis.” The movement sought to address deep-rooted social issues by promoting rational thought, ethical reform, and social justice. Central to this reform phase were ideas of humanism, liberalism, and reinterpretation of religious traditions, which encouraged critical engagement with orthodox practices. A major focus of the reform movement was the improvement of women’s status, particularly through initiatives related to education, widow remarriage, and opposition to child marriage. Through legislative measures, public debates, and reformist advocacy, the second phase of social reform played a crucial role in reshaping societal attitudes toward women and laying the foundation for their increased participation in social and public life. The study highlights the historical background, key reformist ideas, and the social impact of this movement, contributing to a nuanced understanding of Bengal’s social transformation during the colonial period.. Ultimately, this research posits that the social awakening of this period provided the moral and psychological framework necessary for the transition from social correction to the political struggle for national sovereignty.
Keywords: Second Social Reform Movement, Colonial Bengal, Social Awakening, Women’s Status, Reformist Ideologies.
Page No: 231-238