12 Questions
What was the primary motivation for Rammohan Roy's social and religious reforms?
To oppose meaningless religious ceremonies and pernicious social customs
Which of the following languages was Rammohan Roy not proficient in?
Hindi
What was Rammohan Roy's approach to social and religious reforms?
He wanted to preserve continuity with the past while opposing meaningless rituals and pernicious social customs
Which of the following social practices did Rammohan Roy oppose?
All of the above
What was the primary focus of Rammohan Roy's religious reforms?
Opposing idolatry, rituals, and superstitious beliefs
How did Rammohan Roy's approach to social and religious reforms differ from that of other reformers of his time?
He wanted to preserve continuity with the past while opposing meaningless rituals and pernicious social customs
What was Rammohan Roy's stance on the prevailing social customs of sati, child marriage, and polygamy?
He published tracts against these customs and petitioned the government to legislate against them.
What was Rammohan Roy's stance on the rights of widows to remarry?
He advocated for the rights of widows to remarry and opposed the prevailing social norms that prevented it.
What was Rammohan Roy's stance on the subjugation of women and the idea that women were inferior to men?
He strongly advocated for the rights of women and condemned the subjugation of women and the prevailing ideas of female inferiority.
What was Rammohan Roy's stance on education for women?
He strongly advocated for education for women and believed it was essential for their empowerment.
What were the key features of the Brahmo Samaj founded by Rammohan Roy?
The Brahmo Samaj was a strictly monotheistic organization that forbade idol-worship and condemned meaningless religious rites and ceremonies.
What was the impact of the Brahmo Samaj on the culture of modern Bengal and its middle class?
The Brahmo Samaj had a significant and lasting impact on the culture of modern Bengal and its middle class.
Study Notes
Raja Rammohan Roy and Brahmo Samaj
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Rammohan Roy (1772-1833) was a scholar and reformer influenced by Western ideas, proficient in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, English, and Bengali.
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He opposed meaningless religious ceremonies and social customs, aiming to preserve continuity with the past while promoting a monotheistic and anti-idolatry outlook.
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Roy argued that ancient Hindu texts, like the Upanishads, preached monotheism or the worship of one God.
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He campaigned against social evils like sati, child marriage, and polygamy, petitioning the government to legislate against them.
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Roy advocated for widows' rights to remarry and the abolition of polygamy, appealing to reason, humanity, and compassion.
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His efforts contributed to the 1829 legislation abolishing sati, under Governor-General William Bentinck.
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Roy supported education for women and the introduction of the English language and Western sciences in Indian schools and colleges.
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He founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828, establishing a temple in Calcutta without idols, where all religions were respected.
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The Brahmo Samaj prohibited idol-worship, condemned meaningless religious rites, and ceremonies, but its appeal remained limited to intellectuals and enlightened Bengalis.
Maharishi Debendranath Tagore
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After Rammohan Roy's death in 1833, Maharishi Debendranath Tagore (1817-1905), father of poet Rabindranath Tagore, continued the work.
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Tagore formulated four articles of faith for the Brahmo Samaj:
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The Supreme Being created the Universe and is the only God of Truth, Infinite Wisdom, Goodness, and Power.
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Our salvation depends on believing in Him and His worship in this world and the next.
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Belief consists in loving Him and doing His will.
Test your knowledge on Raja Rammohan Roy, a prominent reformer in 19th century British India influenced by Western ideas. Learn about his contributions to social and religious reforms, including opposition to practices like sati and slavery.
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