Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c59.s4.8

v4.c59.s4.8

As surely as the Renaissance in Europe was followed by the Reformation, so too, in India a modification of our social relations, our general outlook upon life, and our religious doctrines and practices was bound to result from our English education. Attempts at social reform began to take shape from 1855 under our own leaders. And the movement gained great impetus from the extensive legislative powers given to the people in the 20th century. Under British rule it was possible for an Indian to be in a minority of one, in his opinions and practices, and yet remain in society. In Mughal and Hindu times, such a free-thinker had to turn a homeless monk or the founder of a new outcaste sect, if he was not beheaded as a ‘public enemy.’ (Raghuvamsam, xv. 51.);—there was no place for him in the community.