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HISTORY, CHAPTER - 9, , WOMEN, CASTE AND REFORM, , 1.How did the knowledge of ancient texts help the reformers promote new laws?, Answer., , Ram Mohan Roy was well versed in Sanskrit, Persian and several other Indian and, European languages. He tried to show through his writings that the practice of, widow burning had no sanction in ancient texts. The strategy adopted by Ram, Mohan Roy was used by later reformers as well. Whenever they wished to, challenge a practice that seemed harmful, they tried to find a verse or sentence in, the ancient sacred texts that supported their point of view. They then suggested, that the practice, as it existed at present, was against early tradition., , 2.Why were Christian missionaries attacked by many people in the country?, Would some people have supported them too? If so, for what reasons?, , Answer., , The Christian missionaries were attacked by the people, as they were involved in, the religious conversion of poor and tribal people that is, converting a Hindu into, a Christian. These missionaries had also set up schools for tribal and poor kids to, learn. However, the larger section of people who looked down upon the poor, people and tribal people did not like the idea of exposing tribal people to, education. Hence, the attacks on Christian missionaries started., , 3.In the British period, what new opportunities opened up for people who, came from castes that were regarded as “low” ?, , Answer., , The poor from the villages and small towns, many of them from low castes,, began moving to the cities where there was a new demand for labour. The, poor and the people from low castes saw this as an opportunity to get away, , from the oppressive hold that upper-caste landowners exercised over their, lives and the daily humiliation they suffered.