Which of the following associations were formed by orthodox Hindu society in reaction to the reform movements? 1. Sanatan Dharma Sabhas 2. Bharat Dharma Mahamandal 3. Brahman Sabha Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is (d) 1, 2 and 3. Explanation During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the rise of reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj challenged traditional Hindu practices such as idolatry, caste restrictions, and the monopoly of scriptures by the priestly class. In response, orthodox sections of Hindu society organized themselves into various associations to defend the traditional interpretation of scriptures (Sanatan Dharma) and preserve established social hierarchies. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Sanatan Dharma Sabhas were established in the late 19th century, particularly in Punjab and North India. Their primary objective was to counter the teachings of the Arya Samaj and other reformist groups. They advocated for the preservation of idol worship, traditional rituals, and the caste system, which were being critiqued by reformers. - Statement 2 is Correct: The Bharat Dharma Mahamandal was formed in 1902 in Varanasi. It served as an all-India organization that sought to bring together various local orthodox bodies, including the Sanatan Dharma Sabhas. Its founders, such as Pandit Din Dayal Sharma, aimed to coordinate the efforts of orthodox Hindus to protect their religion and culture from the influence of Western education and reformist movements. - Statement 3 is Correct: The Brahman Sabha was founded in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1888. It was established specifically to defend the interests of orthodox Brahmins and to resist social reforms that threatened their traditional status and authority within the Hindu social structure. Key Takeaway Sanatan Dharma Sabhas, the Bharat Dharma Mahamandal, and the Brahman Sabha were reactionary organizations formed by orthodox Hindus to counter the rationalist and modernizing agenda of socio-religious reform movements in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

NCERT Class 8 History — Chapter 6: Women, Caste and Reform

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Which of the following associations were formed by orthodox Hindu society in reaction to the reform movements?

Sanatan Dharma Sabhas
Bharat Dharma Mahamandal
Brahman Sabha

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (d) 1, 2 and 3.

Explanation

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the rise of reformist organizations like the Brahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj challenged traditional Hindu practices such as idolatry, caste restrictions, and the monopoly of scriptures by the priestly class. In response, orthodox sections of Hindu society organized themselves into various associations to defend the traditional interpretation of scriptures (Sanatan Dharma) and preserve established social hierarchies.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Sanatan Dharma Sabhas were established in the late 19th century, particularly in Punjab and North India. Their primary objective was to counter the teachings of the Arya Samaj and other reformist groups. They advocated for the preservation of idol worship, traditional rituals, and the caste system, which were being critiqued by reformers.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Bharat Dharma Mahamandal was formed in 1902 in Varanasi. It served as an all-India organization that sought to bring together various local orthodox bodies, including the Sanatan Dharma Sabhas. Its founders, such as Pandit Din Dayal Sharma, aimed to coordinate the efforts of orthodox Hindus to protect their religion and culture from the influence of Western education and reformist movements.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Brahman Sabha was founded in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1888. It was established specifically to defend the interests of orthodox Brahmins and to resist social reforms that threatened their traditional status and authority within the Hindu social structure.

Key Takeaway

Sanatan Dharma Sabhas, the Bharat Dharma Mahamandal, and the Brahman Sabha were reactionary organizations formed by orthodox Hindus to counter the rationalist and modernizing agenda of socio-religious reform movements in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Your note

More from Chapter 6: Women, Caste and Reform

With reference to the social reforms initiated by Raja Rammohun Roy, consider the following statements: 1. He founded the Brahmo Sabha in Calcutta, which was later known as the Brahmo Samaj. 2. He relied exclusively on Western rationalist thought and rejected all ancient Indian texts to prove his arguments. 3. He led a campaign against the practice of Sati, which was banned in 1829. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the movement for widow remarriage in the nineteenth century: 1. Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar used ancient texts to suggest that widows could remarry. 2. The British officials opposed Vidyasagar’s suggestion and refused to pass any law permitting widow remarriage. 3. Veerasalingam Pantulu formed an association for widow remarriage in the Telugu-speaking areas of the Madras Presidency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the spread of education among women in the nineteenth century, consider the following statements: 1. The Arya Samaj established schools for girls in Maharashtra, while Jyotirao Phule established them in Punjab. 2. In aristocratic Muslim households in North India, women were taught the Koran in Arabic by women who came home to teach. 3. The first Urdu novels were written to encourage women to read about religion and domestic management. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding women’s writings and organizations in the early twentieth century: 1. The Begums of Bhopal founded a primary school for girls at Aligarh. 2. Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain started schools for Muslim girls in Patna and Calcutta. 3. Pandita Ramabai wrote the book Stripurushtulna to criticize the social differences between men and women. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, consider the following statements: 1. It was passed after bitter debates and struggles similar to earlier social reform laws. 2. According to the Act, no man below the age of 18 and woman below the age of 16 could marry. 3. The age limits were subsequently raised to 21 for men and 18 for women. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (d) 1, 2 and 3.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Sanatan Dharma Sabhas were established in the late 19th century, particularly in Punjab and North India. Their primary objective was to counter the teachings of the Arya Samaj and other reformist groups. They advocated for the preservation of idol worship, traditional rituals, and the caste system, which were being critiqued by reformers.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Bharat Dharma Mahamandal was formed in 1902 in Varanasi. It served as an all-India organization that sought to bring together various local orthodox bodies, including the Sanatan Dharma Sabhas. Its founders, such as Pandit Din Dayal Sharma, aimed to coordinate the efforts of orthodox Hindus to protect their religion and culture from the influence of Western education and reformist movements.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Brahman Sabha was founded in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1888. It was established specifically to defend the interests of orthodox Brahmins and to resist social reforms that threatened their traditional status and authority within the Hindu social structure.