Prominent reform movements of the 19th century are:
1. Brahmo Samaj
2. Aiya Samaj
3. Ramakrishna Mission
4. Prathna Samaj in Maharashtra
Factors responsible for the reform movements:
1. Energence of Evils in the Indian Society: Till the beginning of the 19th century, many evils had developed in’ the Indian society. Afraid of these social evils the people had started drifting away from the Hindu religion. The social and religious life of Indians had reached the peak of degradation and the whole country was feeling under the darkness of superstitions and conservatism.
2. Propagation of Christianity: The Hindus realised that the Christian missionaries were propagating Christianity and if that was allowed to be continued, the existence of the Hindu society would be in danger.
3. Spread of English Education and Literature: The progressive Indian intellectuals became familiar with the western literature and they were imbibed with the feeling of patriotism. Wilkinson, an European, translated Gita in 1785. Karl Brook published an authentic description of Vedas in 1805. Max Muller and Schelegal highlighted the gloiy of the Vedas and the upanishadas. These literary works developed in the Indians the spirit of reverence for their own culture as well as sense of self dignity.
4. Renaissance in the 19th century: It sent a wave of fresh energy among Indians and motivated them to establish an advanced, progressive and glorious society.
5. Birth and Rise of the prominent reformers in the 19th century: Prominent among these reformers were Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Ramakrishna Paranihansa and Swami Vivekanand. They brought to light the prevalent evils and superstitions in the Indian society. They gave a message to build a progressive, strong and glorious nation. They gave lead to the Hindu society to introduce reforms in the society and the religion. Thus, the above mentioned factors have been responsible for ameliorating evils prevailing in India.