Raja Ram Mohan Roy and His Efforts for Social and Religious Reforms

Introduction

• Timeframe: 19th century (1801-1901)
• Context: Indian society faced cultural decline and rigid social structures.
• Key Figure: Raja Ram Mohan Roy, termed as the father of modern India.
• Objective: To eradicate social prejudices and superstitions, and improve intellectual conditions.
• Approach: Integration of Western modernity and Eastern spirituality.

Key Concepts

• Monotheism: Strong belief in the worship of a single God.
• Rationality and Questioning: Encouraged rational thinking and questioning of religious practices.

Major Works and Initiatives

Gift to Monotheists (1809)

• Written in Persian, advocating for monotheism.
• Translated key principles into Bengali for wider reach.

Atmiya Sabha (1814)

• Purpose: Promote rational thinking and monotheistic principles.
• Activities: Opposed idol worship, caste rigidity, meaningless rituals, and social evils.

The Precepts of Jesus (1820)

• Separated moral and philosophical teachings of Jesus from miraculous stories.

Brahmo Samaj (1828)

• Original Name: Brahma Sabha
• Mission: Propagate rationalism and progressive ideologies.
• Opposition: Faced resistance from orthodox elements.
• Counter-Movement: Dharma Sabha by Raja Radhakant Deb.

Social Reform Efforts

Opposition to Sati Pratha

• Started campaigning against Sati in 1818.
• Outcome: Sati abolished by Government Regulation in 1829 under Lord William Bentinck.

Women’s Rights

• Fought against polygamy and mistreatment of widows.
• Advocated for inheritance rights for women.

Promotion of Modern Education

• Supported David Hare’s efforts leading to the establishment of Hindu College in 1817.
• Operated an English school teaching science and Western thought.
• Founded Vedanta College in 1825 offering both Western and Indian learning.

Opposition to British Policies

• Opposed Zamindars' exploitation and permanent settlement policies.
• Campaigned for reduction in export duty on Indian goods.
• Advocated for the Indianization of civil services and separation of judiciary and executive.
• Used journals in multiple languages to raise awareness.

Legacy and Continuation

Post-Death Impact

• Death: 1833, leading to a significant setback for Brahmo Samaj.
• Continuation: Devendranath Tagore rejuvenated Brahmo Samaj in 1842, merging it with Tattvabodhini Sabha.
• Further Reforms: Supported widow remarriage, women’s education, and improvements in agrarian conditions.
• Keshab Chandra Sen’s Influence: Expanded Brahmo Samaj beyond Bengal but led to internal divisions.

Other Reform Movements

Prarthana Samaj

• Founders: Atmaram Pandurang and supported by Keshab Chandra Sen in 1867.
• Focus: Social reforms over religious reforms, promoting widow remarriage, female education, and opposition to caste system.

Young Bengal Movement

• Leader: Henry Vivian Derozio
• Period: 1820-1830s
• Goal: Social and religious reform inspired by radical thinking and the French Revolution.
• Issues: Failed due to a disconnect with peasants and the early death of Derozio (1831).

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

• Contribution: Bridged radical and conservative ideologies, promoted rationalism, and social reforms.
• Efforts: Supported widow remarriage, opposed child marriage and polygamy, improved women’s education.

Jyotiba Phule

• Focus: Anti-caste system and women's rights.
• Initiatives: Established schools for girls, author of