International Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Research and Developmental Studies
E-ISSN: 2469-7811 • Impact Factor - 9.587

BRITISH COLONIALISM AND RELIGIOUS CHANGE IN INDIA

Abstract

British colonialism fundamentally reshaped India’s religious and social landscape through institutional interventions, missionary expansion, and the codification of traditions. [1, 2] Key Drivers of Religious and Social Change • Missionary Expansion: The Charter Act of 1813 legally opened India to Christian missionaries, shifting initial East India Company neutrality toward active educational, medical, and social outreach. [1, 2] • Socio-Religious Reform Movements: Western ideals of rationalism, liberty, and human rights inspired native reformers—such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy (founder of the Brahmo Samaj) and Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar—to challenge traditional practices like sati, child marriage, and idolatry. [1, 2] • Codification and Categorization: The colonial state cataloged castes, faiths, and personal laws, which rigidified fluid traditional identities and institutionalized distinct communal boundaries. [1, 2, 3] • Revivalist Backlash: Unabashed conversion efforts and cultural shifts sparked defensive and assertive responses, leading to the rise of organizations like the Arya Samaj and various indigenous cultural revival movements. [1, 2]

Keywords: British Colonialism, religious, social change, India, reform

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