Question

Identify the Indian social reformer of the nineteenth century with the help of the following information and choose the correct option :
• Opposed child marriage
• Advocated for social justice
• Campaigned for reform of Hinduism
• Known for Vedantic theory

• A. Jyotiba Phule
• B. Swami Vivekananda
• C. M.G. Ranade
• D. Gopal Hari Deshmukh

Hint:

Begin with the most distinctive clue rather than the general reform activities. Ask which listed reformer is especially associated with Neo-Vedanta and Practical Vedanta.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The nineteenth century in India witnessed a powerful intellectual wave known as the Indian Renaissance. Several thinkers sought to cleanse Hindu society of obsolete superstitions and degrading customs while drawing spiritual rejuvenation from ancient scriptures. Step 1: Correlating the attributes to the correct reformer

• Opposed child marriage and advocated social justice: The reformer actively fought against retrograde patriarchal practices, working to uplift marginalized sections and women.
• Campigned for reform of Hinduism: He highlighted that real Hinduism does not support untouchability or empty rituals, but emphasizes inner spiritual strength and service to humanity (\textit{"Daridra Narayana"}).
• Known for Vedantic theory: This is the definitive clue. Swami Vivekananda championed **Neo-Vedanta** (Practical Vedanta), presenting the ancient Advaita Vedanta philosophy in a modern, rational form at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago.

Step 2: Checking other reformers

• Jyotiba Phule: Famously founded Satyashodhak Samaj; worked for lower-caste education, but did not operate within Vedantic philosophy frameworks.
• M.G. Ranade: Connected with Prarthana Samaj, worked heavily on economic nationalism and social reform, but is not primarily identified with Vedantic philosophy.
• Gopal Hari Deshmukh ("Lokhitwadi"): Wrote critical essays against orthodox traditions, but did not focus on Vedantic revival.

Thus, Swami Vivekananda is the correct match.

Answer 2

Concept:

• Use the most distinctive clue first, then check whether the remaining clues fit the same person.
• Vedantic theory is more specific than the general social-reform activities shared by several nineteenth-century leaders.

Step 1: Use the Vedanta clue.
Swami Vivekananda is closely identified with Neo-Vedanta and Practical Vedanta. He presented Vedantic ideas in a modern form and linked spirituality with service to humanity.

Step 2: Check the social-reform clues.
He criticised harmful customs, opposed child marriage, supported social uplift, and argued for reform within Hindu society. These clues agree with the identification.

Step 3: Eliminate the alternatives.
Jyotiba Phule, M. G. Ranade, and Gopal Hari Deshmukh were major reformers, but Vedantic theory is not their defining intellectual association.

Final Answer: Swami Vivekananda, option B.