Assignment of EDU 01 on the topic "Major Changes Occurred in Indian Society"

1. ASSIGNMENT
EDU 01
Major Changes Occured in
Indian Society
Submitted by,
ATHULYARAJ D S
Roll No : 30
Physical Science

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 changes. It is reflected
in the laws, institutions, customs , modes and beliefs of
people. 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.
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. The wheel of 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. 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

3. culture. But when they turned their attention from spice to
Christianity, they used education as an instrument of the
social change.
MAJOR CHANGES OCCURRED IN INDIAN SOCIETY
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. 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.

4. 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.
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.
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

5. revolutionized. Rapid industrial growth has resulted in the
expansion of infrastructural facilities. The development of
modern industries has stimulated the groeth of banking,
insurance, commerce, shipping air services etc.
5.DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN ART AND
LITERATUE
Development of modern art and literature is
a major contribution of modernization. New literacy forms
lole 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.
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

6. 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.
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
grester sensitivity to the needs of the under privileged and
suppressed groups of the society. Education has helped them
to develop socially and economically.
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

7. 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.
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. 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.