Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The debates over widow immolation, monotheism, and idolatry in Bengal were political because they challenged colonial authority and involved power struggles between reformers and the orthodox establishment.

Print became a political tool in these controversies:

• Rammohun Roy published Sambad Kaumudi (1821) to spread reformist ideas challenging orthodox Hindu practices.
• The Hindu orthodoxy responded by commissioning Samachar Chandrika to counter his views.
• Ideas were printed in everyday spoken language to reach wider audiences, mobilising public opinion.

This created organised rival groups using print to gain followers and influence society, making the debates not merely religious but battles over social and political power within colonial Bengal.

Source: Chapter 5, Section 7 – Religious Reform and Public Debates

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Examiners expect you to:

1. State the political dimension briefly (not just religious — it was about power and authority).
2. Give specific examples: Sambad Kaumudi vs. Samachar Chandrika.
3. Explain how print made it political — wider participation, rival camps, mobilisation of public opinion.

Avoid writing vaguely about "print spreading ideas." Link it specifically to the Bengal debate and named publications. Three named points = 3 marks.