The correct option is A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
Explanation
The association of prominent Indian social reformers with the institutions or movements they established to address social evils such as caste discrimination and the plight of widows.
- A. Pandita Ramabai (4): She was a pioneer in women's education and emancipation. She founded the Arya Mahila Samaj in Pune in 1881. Later, in 1889, she established the Sharada Sadan (Home of Learning) in Bombay, which was subsequently shifted to Poona. This institution functioned as a widows' home, specifically dedicated to supporting high-caste Hindu widows.
- B. Swami Dayanand Saraswati (3): He was a revivalist reformer who founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 in Bombay (now Mumbai). His movement emphasized the authority of the Vedas ("Go back to the Vedas") and opposed idol worship, caste rigidities, and rituals.
- C. Jyotirao Phule (1): A crusader against the caste system and untouchability, Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth Seekers' Society) in 1873 in Pune. The organization aimed to liberate the lower castes (Shudras and Ati-Shudras) from the exploitation of the priestly class.
- D. Periyar E.V. Ramasamy (2): A prominent leader of the Dravidian movement, he started the Self Respect Movement in 1925 in Tamil Nadu. The movement advocated for rationalism, women's rights, and the eradication of caste-based discrimination, promoting self-respect among non-Brahmins.
Conclusion:
- A matches with 4
- B matches with 3
- C matches with 1
- D matches with 2
Key Takeaway: Pandita Ramabai is associated with the welfare of widows (Sharada Sadan), Swami Dayanand with Vedic revivalism (Arya Samaj), Jyotirao Phule with anti-caste activism (Satyashodhak Samaj), and Periyar with the Dravidian identity and rationalism (Self Respect Movement).