During this period, Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening that is in some way similar to the Renaissance in Europe during the 16th century, although Europeans of that age were not confronted with the challenge and influence of alien colonialism. This movement questioned existing orthodoxies, particularly with respect to women, marriage, the dowry system, the caste system, and religion. One of the earliest social movements that emerged during this time was the Young Bengal movement, which espoused rationalism and atheism as the common denominators of civil conduct among upper caste educated Hindus. It played an important role in reawakening Indian minds and intellect across the sub-continent. COUNT 5
QSN1 What did the Bengali Renaissance resemble? ANS1 Renaissance in Europe QSN2 What did the Movement question? ANS2 existing orthodoxies QSN3 What early social movement occurred during this time of awakening? ANS3 Young Bengal QSN4 What factors did the Young Bengal movement  say were needed for civil conduct? ANS4 rationalism and atheism QSN5 What did the movements in Bengal serve to awaken in Indians? ANS5 minds and intellect