Major changes occured in indian society

The changes occured in Indian society due to education

1. Submitted by, ATHULYARAJ D S Roll No : 30 Physical Science Major Changes Occured in Indian Society

2. INTRODUCTION Society is never static. The dynamic nature of society brings about changes in social organizations, in the behaviour of groups and in the culture of people. These changes in the society are called social change. It is reflected in the laws, institutions, customs , modes and beliefs of people.

3. After independence, social changes are happening in India also. In the process of evolutionary progress of Indian society, education plays significant role. Education can fill the gap between real present and ideal future. To make this social change, education must make necessary adjustments in curriculum and methods

4. INDIAN SOCIETY BEFORE INDEPENDENCE In ancient India, during the Indo-Aryan days, the society was divided into four- Brahmans, Kshtriyas , Vaisiyas and Sudras . The caste system continued for a long period. Indian Society took a new turn with the advent of Buddhism. Buddha didn’t believed in caste system. Further, he wished to loosen family ties.

5. When the western came to India they didn’t take much interest in the social life of Indians in the beginning. Their main concern was with spices and commerce rather than with people and their culture. But when they turned their attention from spice to Christianity, they used education as an instrument of the social change .

6. MAJOR CHANGES OCCURRED IN INDIAN SOCIETY  

7. 1 .MODERNIZATION Nineteenth century has been described as the century of science and technology. The impact of science on Indian society began to be felt with the introduction of English education in India after Macaulay’s interpretation of Charter Act 1835 . Western science and literature began to be the content of Indian education since Macaulay’s minutes. Thus modernization in India may be viewed as the blending of East and West. Modernization has a civilizing effect on Indian society. The traditional conservatism, fatalism, superstition, priest craft etc. have given a place to an attitude based on rational thinking. A new thought has been created in India against irrational thoughts and beliefs. Another effect of modernization of India is development of spirit patriotism and democracy.  

8. 2 .URBANIZATION It is an another outcome of influence of science and technology on Indian life. People from villages migrated to towns for various reasons. The joint family system broke down. Small families came into existence. The spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that bound the members of joint family together gave place into competitions.

9. 3. AGRICULTURE India is a land of agricultural villages. In the past the traditional methods of agriculture were followed. As a result the yield was very poor. Farmers had to live a life of utter poverty. But the use of science and technology brought about drastic changes in agriculture. Better seeds, better fertilizers and better method of cultivation multiplied the yield many fold.

10. 4 .INDUSTRIALIZATION It is the most potent influence of education, science and technology on Indian society. Due to this the standard of Indian life improved and life style changed. Mode of travel and communication have been revolutionized. Rapid industrial growth has resulted in the expansion of infrastructural facilities. The development of modern industries has stimulated the growth of banking, insurance, commerce, shipping, air services etc.

11. 5 .DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN ART AND LITERATUE Development of modern art and literature is a major contribution of modernization. New literacy forms like novel , prose and prose-drama are the ultimate outcome of interaction between east and west. The invention and use of printing machine accelerated the production of these forms of literature in the native languages. In addition to this a new form of literature known as Indian writing in English also came into existence. Radio, TV, Cinema etc. provided new type of entertainment and experience for the people. Thus modernization developed a new culture.

12. 6.STATUS OF WOMEN Indian society is now undergoing major changes in its structure and status. Women have a right to vote and 30 % of seats in Panchayati Raj institutions are reserved for them. They are getting equal opportunities for education and employment. As a result there are lady engineers, doctors, teachers, administrators etc. in modern India. All these signs indicate the considerable change in the status of women. Women education has perhaps been instrument in bringing about such a change .

13. 7 .CASTE SYSTEM Social change is visible in the breaking down of rigidity of caste system. The backward classes are trying to go up in the society. The lower classes are tending to change their traditional occupations and are now on the move towards higher social strata. The Scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes are trying to get them rid of discrimination and exploitation by the upper castes. We have developed greater sensitivity to the needs of the under privileged and suppressed groups of the society. Education has helped them to develop socially and economically.

14. 8.POLITICS The other aspect of social change is visible in the country in the field of politics. The monarchies that existed in India prior to independence have gone and democracy has taken deep roots. There is greater participation of our people in political activities. Effective communication of ideas and better opportunity for mobility might have helped in creating such a sense of political awareness, but the role played by education in this regard has been the most crucial.

15. 9.SANSKRITISATION According to M.N.Sreenivas , “ Sanskritization refers to a process in which the lower castes tend to imitate the values, practices and other life style of some dominant upper castes .” Today the non-Brahmin castes are getting themselves more and more organised to challenge the supremacy of the Brahmins and to assert their rights.

16. The establishment of ‘ Satyashodhak Samaj ’ by Jyotirao Phooley in Poona in 1873 marked the beginning of such a non-Brahmin movement. These kind of movements are known as Backward Classes Movement. These movements brought pressure on political parties to create special opportunities for the lowest caste people enabling them to come up to the level of other higher castes. Due to this , Backward Classes Commissions were established at Central and State levels which recommended “reservation” for backward castes or classes.