AWilliam Carey
BNathaniel Forsyth
CA. Duff
DMarshman
Answer:
B. Nathaniel Forsyth
Read Explanation:
London Missionary Society (LMS) and its Pioneering Work in India
Formation and Objectives:
The London Missionary Society (LMS) was established in 1795 by a group of evangelical Anglicans and Nonconformists in England.
Its core mission was to propagate Christianity globally, with a significant focus on regions including Asia, Africa, and the Pacific islands.
Nathaniel Forsyth: The First LMS Missionary to India:
Nathaniel Forsyth holds the distinction of being the first missionary dispatched by the London Missionary Society to India.
He arrived in Calcutta (present-day Kolkata) in 1798, initiating LMS's evangelical efforts on the subcontinent.
At this time, the British East India Company maintained a cautious stance on missionary activities, often imposing restrictions to avoid disturbing local religious and social structures.
Early Operations and Key Areas of Influence:
Despite initial regulatory challenges from the East India Company, LMS successfully established significant mission stations in India.
Their prominent areas of operation included various parts of South India, such as Travancore, Quilon, Nagercoil, and Bangalore, as well as regions within Bengal.
The LMS missionaries made substantial contributions to the local languages by translating religious texts and producing educational materials.
Significant Contributions and Impact (for Competitive Exams):
LMS played a pivotal role in promoting Western education across India, establishing numerous schools and colleges that introduced modern curricula.
They were also instrumental in providing medical services and actively participated in social reform movements, advocating against practices such as Sati and child marriage.
Notable LMS missionaries in South India include Rev. William Tobias Ringeltaube, who arrived in Travancore in 1806 and significantly contributed to educational and social development there.
Broader Missionary Context in Colonial India
Other Prominent Missionary Societies:
While LMS was a key player, other influential missionary organizations also operated in India, such as the Baptist Missionary Society, known for the Serampore Mission (founded in 1793 by William Carey, Joshua Marshman, and William Ward).
The Church Missionary Society (CMS), established in 1799, also had a widespread and impactful presence across different parts of India.
Overall Impact on Indian Society:
Missionary activities, though sometimes viewed with skepticism or resistance, contributed to the introduction of modern education, healthcare systems, and printing technology.
Their efforts to highlight social injustices indirectly spurred indigenous social reform movements, leading to significant societal changes.
However, their proselytizing activities also sometimes led to cultural conflicts and contributed to communal tensions, shaping the socio-religious landscape of colonial India.