(Abolition of Sati, widow remarriage, women’s rights, Establishment of Brahmo Samaj: principles and influence, Educational and journalistic activism, Interactions with British liberals and missionaries, Role in Indian renaissance)
| This topic holds strong relevance across the UPSC syllabus. In Prelims, it covers key facts related to reformers, legislation (like Sati abolition), and institutions. For GS Paper I (Mains), it aligns with themes of modern Indian history, social reform, and women’s rights. GS Paper II links it to the historical evolution of social justice and rights-based policies. It’s highly useful for the Essay paper, offering insights into themes of tradition vs. modernity and individual reformers as agents of change. In History and Sociology Optionals, it supports discussions on religious reform, Western influence, and societal transformation in colonial India. |
Introduction
The 19th century in India marked the beginning of a profound socio-cultural transformation often referred to as the Indian Renaissance. At the heart of this transformation was Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a visionary thinker and reformer, who laid the intellectual foundation for modern India. His role in establishing the Brahmo Samaj and pioneering social reforms such as the abolition of Sati, promotion of widow remarriage, and advocacy for women’s rights, reflect the evolving interface between Indian tradition and Western liberal ideas.
1. Raja Ram Mohan Roy: The Father of Indian Renaissance
Born in 1772 in Bengal, Roy was deeply influenced by rationalism, Vedanta, Islamic monotheism, and Western Enlightenment thought. His reformist zeal stemmed from both his deep knowledge of Indian scriptures and his exposure to Western education and philosophy.
Key contributions:
- Fought for abolition of Sati (culminating in Regulation XVII of 1829 under Lord William Bentinck).
- Advocated for widow remarriage, women’s education, and property rights.
- Strongly opposed caste rigidity, idolatry, and superstition.
2. The Brahmo Samaj: Foundation and Principles
Established in 1828 by Roy, the Brahmo Samaj became the vanguard of socio-religious reform in India.
Core Principles:
- Monotheism: Belief in one formless God.
- Rationality: Rejection of idolatry and ritualism.
- Social Equality: Opposition to caste discrimination and promotion of women’s upliftment.
- Universalism: Emphasis on moral conduct over dogma.
Impact:
- Inspired later reform movements like Prarthana Samaj and Arya Samaj.
- Influenced thinkers such as Keshab Chandra Sen and Debendranath Tagore.
- Helped shape the modern Hindu consciousness and ethical worldview.
3. Social Reforms: Focus on Women’s Rights
Raja Ram Mohan Roy understood that the upliftment of women was essential for national progress.
Notable Achievements:
- Led the movement against Sati, terming it inhuman and anti-scriptural.
- Advocated education for girls, establishing schools for female education.
- Championed widow remarriage and opposed polygamy and child marriage.
These reforms reflected a combination of scriptural reinterpretation and modern liberal values, laying the groundwork for future feminist thought in India.
4. Educational and Journalistic Activism
Roy believed that education was the most powerful tool for social change.
Initiatives:
- Established institutions like the Hindu College and Vedanta College.
- Emphasized teaching of Western science, mathematics, and philosophy alongside Indian classics.
Started journals such as:
- Sambad Kaumudi (in Bengali) – for social reform awareness.
- Mirat-ul-Akhbar (in Persian) – to engage the Muslim intelligentsia.
This print culture not only democratized knowledge but also created an informed public sphere crucial for India’s socio-political awakening.
5. Interaction with British Liberals and Missionaries
Roy’s reform agenda was deeply influenced by his dialogue with British liberals and Christian missionaries.
- Collaborated with Christian reformers like William Carey.
- Advocated constitutional reforms and freedom of the press.
- Engaged with British Parliamentarians for the cause of Indian rights.
This interaction was not one-sided; while he admired the rationality of the West, he was critical of colonial policies that hindered India’s progress. He balanced universal values of humanism with Indian cultural pride.
6. Raja Ram Mohan Roy and the Indian Renaissance
Roy’s work is often seen as initiating the Indian Renaissance, a term used to describe the cultural and intellectual awakening in 19th-century India.
Key Characteristics:
- Emphasis on reason over tradition.
- Synthesis of Eastern spirituality and Western rationalism.
- Promotion of reformist nationalism that influenced early nationalists.
He laid the foundation for a modern civil society in India and inspired subsequent leaders such as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Swami Vivekananda, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Conclusion
Raja Ram Mohan Roy and the Brahmo Samaj heralded a new age of rational inquiry, religious reform, and social activism. Their influence permeated not only the social fabric of 19th-century India but also the intellectual underpinnings of India’s freedom struggle.
| For UPSC aspirants, studying Roy’s life is critical not only for Prelims (Factual aspects like date of Sati abolition) but also for Mains, where themes of reform, renaissance, and colonial modernity are deeply interlinked with the evolution of modern India. |
MCQ
1. Which social evil did Raja Ram Mohan Roy strongly oppose, leading to its abolition in 1829?
A) Child Marriage
B) Sati
C) Caste System
D) Polygamy
Answer: B
Explanation: Roy campaigned against Sati, which led to the Sati Regulation Act of 1829.
2. The Brahmo Samaj was founded in which year?
A) 1818
B) 1828
C) 1838
D) 1848
Answer: B
Explanation: Brahmo Samaj was established by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828.
3. Which of the following was NOT a principle of the Brahmo Samaj?
A) Monotheism
B) Rejection of idol worship
C) Promotion of caste hierarchy
D) Emphasis on rationality
Answer: C
Explanation: Brahmo Samaj opposed caste discrimination and promoted social equality.
4. Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s journal Sambad Kaumudi was published in which language?
A) English
B) Persian
C) Bengali
D) Hindi
Answer: C
Explanation: Sambad Kaumudi was a Bengali weekly started to spread social reform awareness.
5. Assertion (A): Raja Ram Mohan Roy supported widow remarriage.
Reason (R): He believed it was against Indian tradition and should be banned.
A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, R is false
D) A is false, R is true
Answer: C
Explanation: Roy supported widow remarriage as part of social reform; R is false because he did not oppose it.
6. Who among the following was a prominent leader influenced by Brahmo Samaj?
A) Swami Vivekananda
B) Keshab Chandra Sen
C) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
D) Raja Ravi Varma
Answer: B
Explanation: Keshab Chandra Sen was a key Brahmo Samaj leader and reformer.
7. Which British official passed the Sati Abolition Act in 1829?
A) Lord Cornwallis
B) Lord William Bentinck
C) Lord Curzon
D) Lord Dalhousie
Answer: B
Explanation: Lord William Bentinck enacted the law banning Sati due to reformers’ pressure.
8. The educational institutions started by Raja Ram Mohan Roy included:
A) Hindu College and Vedanta College
B) Aligarh Muslim University
C) Banaras Hindu University
D) Serampore College
Answer: A
Explanation: Roy helped establish Hindu College and Vedanta College to promote modern education.
9. Assertion (A): Brahmo Samaj opposed ritualistic practices and idol worship.
Reason (R): Brahmo Samaj believed in one formless God and moral values.
A) Both A and R are true, and R explains A
B) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
C) A is true, R is false
D) A is false, R is true
Answer: A
Explanation: The rejection of idolatry and belief in one God were core Brahmo Samaj principles.
10. Raja Ram Mohan Roy collaborated with which Christian missionary for social reforms?
A) William Carey
B) Alexander Duff
C) Robert Clive
D) Charles Grant
Answer: A
Explanation: Roy worked with missionary William Carey, especially on educational and social reforms.
11. Which of the following reforms was NOT promoted by Raja Ram Mohan Roy?
A) Women’s education
B) Widow remarriage
C) Abolition of child labor
D) Abolition of Sati
Answer: C
Explanation: While Roy focused on women’s rights and Sati abolition, child labor reform was not his primary concern.
12. Which print journal was started by Raja Ram Mohan Roy to engage the Muslim community?
A) Sambad Kaumudi
B) Mirat-ul-Akhbar
C) The Hindu
D) Indian Mirror
Answer: B
Explanation: Mirat-ul-Akhbar was a Persian journal aimed at the Muslim intelligentsia.
13. Assertion (A): Raja Ram Mohan Roy supported British colonial rule unconditionally.
Reason (R): He believed British rule was necessary for social reforms in India.
A) Both A and R are true, and R explains A
B) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
C) A is true, R is false
D) Both A and R are false
Answer: D
Explanation: Roy was critical of British policies harmful to India but welcomed reforms that helped Indian society.
14. The Brahmo Samaj influenced which later reform movements?
A) Arya Samaj and Prarthana Samaj
B) Theosophical Society
C) Deoband Movement
D) Swadeshi Movement
Answer: A
Explanation: Brahmo Samaj inspired other socio-religious reform movements like Arya and Prarthana Samaj.
15. Which of the following was a key aspect of the Indian Renaissance initiated by Raja Ram Mohan Roy?
A) Revival of idol worship
B) Emphasis on reason and rationality
C) Strict adherence to caste rules
D) Promotion of feudal customs
Answer: B
Explanation: Roy emphasized reason, rationality, and a synthesis of Indian and Western thought.
