(a) a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar
(b) a temple-entry movement in Gujarat
(c) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra
(d) a peasant movement in Punjab
22. Answer: (c) Option (c) is correct:
Satya Shodhak Samaj was founded by Mahatma Jyotirao Govindrao Phule on 24 September 1873 with an objective to liberate the Shudras and Ati Shudras and to prevent their ‘exploitation’ by the upper caste like ruling caste Maratha. It was an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra. Satya Shodhak Samaj refused to regard the Vedas as sacrosanct, opposed idol worship, denounced the chaturvarnya system (the caste system) and rejected the need for a Brahman priestly class as educational and religious leaders. The existence of God was replaced by Nirmik. Deenbandhu was the name of the mouthpiece of the Satya Shodhak Samaj. Satya Shodhak Samaj wanted a Social Revolution and had encountered the masses quite deeply. A drum in the hand and Dhoti, Turban and blanket was the dress of the preachers of Satya Shodhak Samaj.
