Question

Which among the following is/are associated with Raja Ram Mohan Roy? i. Atmiya Sabha ii. Dharma Sabha iii. The Calcutta Unitarian Committee iv . Brahma Samaj

• A. Only i, iii & iv
• B. Only i, ii & iv
• C. Only i & iv
• D. All the above

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only i, iii & iv

Raja Ram Mohan Roy: A Pioneer Reformer

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) is widely regarded as the "Father of Indian Renaissance" and the "Prophet of Indian Nationalism".
• He was a profound scholar, social reformer, and a staunch advocate for modern education and rational thinking.
• The title 'Raja' was conferred upon him by the Mughal Emperor Akbar II, who sent him to England to represent his grievances before the British King.

Associations with Raja Ram Mohan Roy

1. Atmiya Sabha (Friendly Society)

   • Founded in 1815 in Calcutta (Kolkata).
   • It was a philosophical discussion circle aimed at promoting monotheism and combating idol worship and other social evils prevalent in Hindu society.
   • This organization was a significant precursor to the Brahmo Samaj.

2. The Calcutta Unitarian Committee

   • Established in 1823.
   • This committee aimed to propagate the principles of Unitarianism, which emphasizes the oneness of God and rejects the concept of the Holy Trinity.
   • Raja Ram Mohan Roy collaborated with Christian missionaries like William Adam in this endeavor.

3. Brahmo Samaj

   • Initially founded as Brahmo Sabha in 1828 and formally renamed Brahmo Samaj in 1830.
   • It was one of the most influential socio-religious reform movements in India.
   • Key objectives included:
     • Promotion of monotheism (worship of one God).
     • Opposition to idolatry, polytheism, and ritualism.
     • Denouncement of the caste system and untouchability.
     • Advocacy for women's rights, including abolition of Sati, child marriage, and promotion of widow remarriage and women's education.
     • Emphasis on reason and modern scientific knowledge.
   • After Raja Ram Mohan Roy's death, Debendranath Tagore (father of Rabindranath Tagore) and later Keshub Chandra Sen played crucial roles in its expansion and diversification.

Organization NOT associated with Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• Dharma Sabha

  • Founded in 1829 by Radhakanta Deb.
  • It was an orthodox Hindu organization formed primarily to counter the reformist movements and defend traditional Hindu practices, especially opposing the abolition of Sati.
  • It directly opposed the reforms advocated by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and the British government.

Other Significant Contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• Played a crucial role in the abolition of Sati in 1829 with the support of Governor-General Lord William Bentinck.
• Championed the cause of modern education in India, advocating for the study of English, Science, and Western subjects.
• He launched several newspapers and journals to spread his reformist ideas:
  • Sambad Kaumudi (a Bengali weekly, 1821)
  • Mirat-ul-Akhbar (a Persian weekly, 1822)
  • Brahmonical Magazine (English)
• He passed away in Bristol, England, in 1833.