Understanding Dharma with a Special Context and Philosophical Assessment during the Indian Renaissance

There have been always changes in social life, as they are demanded either by the time or by the external challenges emerging out of circumstances. In the case of Indian society, there have been significant changes in the 19th century with the advent of the European invasions in different forms ultimately boiling down to political slavery of our society. In a reaction to this phenomenon the society arose with modernity and westernization. The changing face of the Indian Society particularly in the Maharashtra, there have been remarkable social and religious movements as a group taking place during this period. This chapter consists of two sections. In the first section the Indian Renaissance is discussed and the second section deals with the nature and the role of religion in the social life.