Pandita Ramabai on critique of orthodox beliefs and traditions.

 Pandita Ramabai was a prominent Indian scholar, social reformer, and women's rights activist who challenged the orthodox practices of Hindu society in India which can be analyzed through her writings and speeches. "The High Caste Hindu Woman" book where she critiqued the oppressive practices of orthodox Hinduism towards women. In her critique of orthodoxy, Ramabai challenged the traditional practices and beliefs of both Hinduism and Christianity.

Ramabai critique of orthodoxy was based on her own experiences as a woman who had broken away from traditional norms and practices. She was born into a Brahmin family and was trained in Sanskrit and the Vedas. However, she was also exposed to the harsh realities of Indian society, including the poverty and oppression of women and lower castes. Ramabai’s own journey of self-discovery and education led her to reject many of the orthodox beliefs and practices of her upbringing.

She criticized the orthodox practices in the following ways:

Challenging Child Marriage:  Child marriage which was common in many parts of India at that time. She argued that child marriage was a cruel and harmful practice that robbed young girls of their childhood and condemned them to a life of servitude and oppression. She called for an end to this practice and for the establishment of laws to protect the rights of girls and women.

Condemning Caste System: According to her caste system leads to inequality and discrimination and prevented people from realizing their full potential. She called for an end to the caste system and for the establishment of a more egalitarian and just society.

Promoting Women's Rights: Ramabai was a strong advocate of women's rights and believed that traditional beliefs and practices often discriminated against women. She worked tirelessly to promote women's education and empowerment and called for an end to practices such as sati and purdah, which confined women to the domestic sphere.

Advocating Scientific Temperament: Ramabai believed that many traditional beliefs and practices were based on superstition and ignorance and hindered the development of science and technology. She called for a more rational and scientific approach to knowledge and learning and advocated for the adoption of modern methods and technologies.

Ramabai’s critique of orthodoxy was not limited to issues of social justice, however she also argued that orthodoxy was a barrier to scientific and technological progress in India. She pointed out that many traditional beliefs and practices were based on superstition and ignorance, and that they hindered the development of science and technology. She called for a more rational and scientific approach to knowledge and learning, and for the adoption of modern methods and technologies.

Ramabai's critique of orthodoxy also extended to its treatment of women who were made subordinate to men in Hindu society. She believed that women should have equal rights and opportunities as men, and that they should be allowed to participate fully in all aspects of social and political life. Ramabai highlighted the limited access to education and economic opportunities for women, which were the main reasons for their subjugation to men

Ramabai also criticized the narrow interpretation of Hindu scriptures that reinforced gender inequality and the caste system.

At the same time, Ramabai was also critical of the Christian missionary movement in India, which she saw as promoting a narrow, Westernized version of Christianity that was often dismissive of Indian culture and traditions. She argued that Christianity needed to be adapted to the needs and perspectives of local communities in order to be effective in promoting social justice and reform.

Finally, Ramabai called for a reform of Hinduism that would prioritize equality, justice, and human dignity. She believed that the caste system needed to be abolished and that a more inclusive and egalitarian society was necessary for India's progress and development.

While Ramabai's work has been widely praised but there have many criticisms too. They are:

Criticism from conservative and orthodox groups: Ramabai's criticism of traditional beliefs and practices was seen as a threat to the established social order by conservative and orthodox groups. They accused her of being a "modern" and "Westernized" woman who was out of touch with traditional Indian culture and values.

Accusations of being anti-Hindu: Ramabai's criticism of certain aspects of Hinduism, such as the caste system and child marriage, led some to accuse her of being anti-Hindu. However, Ramabai was a devout Hindu herself and believed that the true essence of Hinduism was inclusive and tolerant.

Accusations of being influenced by Western ideas: Ramabai's advocacy for women's rights, education, and empowerment was seen by some as being influenced by Western ideas and values. However, Ramabai argued that these were universal values that were essential for the progress and development of all societies.

Criticism from male-dominated institutions: Ramabai faced criticism from male-dominated institutions such as the Indian National Congress and the orthodox Hindu establishment. She was often excluded from important decision-making processes and denied access to resources and support.

Despite these criticisms, Ramabai remained committed to her mission of promoting social reform and empowering marginalized communities in India. She continued to challenge orthodoxies and advocate for progressive social change until her death in 1922. Today, she is celebrated as a pioneering feminist and social reformer who fought for the rights of women and oppressed communities