During the late 18th century (what was known as the Dark Age), the Society in Bengal was burdened with a host of evil customs and regulations. Elaborate rituals and strict moral codes were enforced which were largely modified, and badly interpreted ancient traditions. Practices like child marriage (Gouridaan), polygamy and Sati were prevalent that affected Women in the society. The most brutal among these customs was the Sati Pratha. The custom involved self-immolation of widows at their husband’s funeral pyre. While the custom in its original form gave choice to the women to do so, it gradually evolved to be a mandatory custom especially for Brahmin and higher caste families. Young girls were married to much older men, in return for dowry, so that these men could have the supposed karmic benefits from their wives’ sacrifice as Sati. More often than not the women did not volunteer for such brutality and had to be forced or even drugged to comply.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was abhorred by this cruel practice and he raised his voice against it. He spoke freely and took his views to the higher ups in the East India Company. His passionate reasoning and calm perseverance filtered through the ranks and ultimately reached the Governor General Lord William Bentinck. Lord Bentinck sympathised with Roy’s sentiments and intentions and amid much outcry from the orthodox religious community, the Bengal Sati Regulation or Regulation XVII, A. D. 1829 of the Bengal Code was passed. The act prohibited the practice of Sati Daha in Bengal Province, and any individual caught practicing it would face prosecution. Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s name is thus etched forever as a true benefactor of women not just for helping abolish the custom of Sati, but also raising his voice against child marriage and polygamy, while demanding equal inheritance rights for women. He was also a great opponent of the rigid caste divisions of his time.
Ram Mohan Roy vehemently opposed the unnecessary ceremonialism and the idolatry advocate by priests. He had studied religious scriptures of different religions and advocated the fact that Hindu Scriptures like Upanishads upheld the concept of monotheism. This began his quest for a religious revolution to introduce the doctrines of ancient Vedic scriptures true to their essence. He founded the Atmiya Sabha in 1928, and the first meeting of this new-found religion as held on August 20 that year. The Atmiya Sabha reorganised itself into the Brahma Sabha, a precursor organisation of the Brahmo Samaj. The primary facets of this new movement were monotheism, independence from the scriptures and renouncing the caste system. Brahmo religious practices were stripped bare of the Hindu ceremonialism and were set up following the Christian or Islamic prayer practices. With time, the Brahma Samaj became a strong progressive force to drive social reforms in Bengal, especially women Education.
Ram Mohan viewed education as a medium to implement social reforms so he came to Calcutta in 1815 and the very next year, started an English College by putting his own Savings. He wanted the students to learn the English language and scientific subjects and criticized the government’s policy of opening only Sanskrit schools. According to him, Indians would lag behind if they do not get to study modern subjects like Mathematics, Geography and Latin. Government accepted this idea of Ram Mohan and also implemented it but not before his death. Ram Mohan was also the first to give importance to the development of the mother tongue. His ‘Gaudiya Byakaran’ in Bengali is the best of his prose works. Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra also followed the footsteps of Ram Mohan Roy.
The most famous disciple of Ramakrishna was Nerendranath Dutta. Who became renowned as Swami Vivekananda. After the death of Ramakrishna in 1866 Vivekananda came forward to fulfil his mission. Vivekananda was born in Calcutta in 1863 in a Kayasta family. He was well educated in school and college. First he was attracted towards Brahmo Samaj and then drank deeply into the philosophy of John Stuart Mill, Hume and Herbert Spencer. Then he was persuaded to visit Ramakrishna.
Vivekananda realized the value of Western materialism. The scientific achievements and the material happiness of the West impressed him deeply. He desired for the combination of Indian spiritualism and Western materialism for a happier life of a man. He then made it a mission of his life to awaken the Indians from the slumber to a new life. He believed that man had divinity and the spark of spirituality in him. Every individual therefore should give up fear and rise from degradation and be a noble man. By preaching about spiritual unity he advocated for a sense of national unity which attracted millions of Indians to his side. To organize social service and to infuse a sense of unity among men he founded an order to the Sanyasis or monks called Rammakrishna Mission in 1897.
Vivekananda condemned blind beliefs. He wanted to see every Indian as a modern man with a modern and rational outlook. He therefore said that I would rather see every one of your rank atheists than superstitious fool, for atheist is alive and you can make something of him. But if superstition enters, the brain is gone, the brain is softening, and degradation has seized upon the life.
Vivekananda told his countrymen to be tolerant towards each other. “We reject none, neither theist, nor pantheist, monist, polytheist, agnostic, nor atheist, the only condition of being a disciple is modelling a character at once the broadest and the most intense”, he said. He further said, “I shall enter to the mosque of the Mohammedan; I shall enter the Christian’s church and kneel before the crucifix; I shall enter the Buddhist temple where I shall take refuse in Buddha and his law, I shall go into the forest land sit down in meditation with the Hindu who is trying to see the Light which enlightens the heart of everyone. Not only shall I do these but I shall keep my heart open for all that may come in the future.”
Through these words he could impress upon every Indian a sense of brotherhood that resulted in strengthening the unity of Indians. Vivekananda condemned the Indian orthodox in harsh terms “Our religion is in the kitchen, our God is in the cooking-pot, our religion is: do not touch me, I am holy”. He narrated that superstitions had destroyed much of Hindu spirituality. By reminding those of their spiritual value Vivekananda generated the spark of self-confidence among the Indians which indirectly infused a sense of democratic consciousness as Democracy rested on self-respect and individuality of every man.
Vivekananda drew the attention of Indians towards the values of Western ways of life. He opened the link between Indian minds and external things. The West appeared to him as the land of material civilization. The spirit of that civilization to him was essential for Indian progress. Therefore he declared “From the great dynamo of Europe, the electric flow of that tremendous power vivifying the whole world, we want that energy, that love of independence, that spirit of self-reliance, that immovable fortitude, that dexterity in action, that bond of unity of purpose that thirst for improvement”.
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Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a Bengali polymath who reshaped Bengali society and modern Indian thought in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Roy was a social reformer, a religious reformer, a journalist, a writer, a translator, an educationist, and an activist for women’s rights. He is considered the father of modern Indian nationalism.
Roy was born in Radhanagar, Hooghly district, Bengal Presidency, British India (now in West Bengal, India) on 22 May 1772. His father, Ramakanta Roy, was a wealthy landowner and his mother, Tarini Devi, was a devout Hindu. Roy was educated at home by private tutors and showed an early Aptitude for languages and Learning. He was fluent in Bengali, Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, and English.
In 1792, Roy married Tulasi Devi, the daughter of a wealthy Bengali merchant. The couple had two sons and two daughters.
In 1799, Roy moved to Calcutta, where he began his career as a writer and journalist. He also became involved in social and religious reform movements.
In 1815, Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj, a Hindu reform movement that advocated for monotheism, social Equality, and women’s rights. The Brahmo Samaj became one of the most influential religious movements in India.
Roy also played a leading role in the abolition of sati, the practice of widow burning. In 1829, the British government passed a law that made sati illegal.
Roy died in Bristol, England, on 27 September 1833. He was 61 years old.
Roy is remembered as one of the most important figures in Indian history. He was a pioneer of social and religious reform, and his work helped to shape the modern Indian nation.
Roy was born in Radhanagar, Hooghly district, Bengal Presidency, British India (now in West Bengal, India) on 22 May 1772. His father, Ramakanta Roy, was a wealthy landowner and his mother, Tarini Devi, was a devout Hindu. Roy was educated at home by private tutors and showed an early aptitude for languages and learning. He was fluent in Bengali, Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, and English.
Career
In 1792, Roy married Tulasi Devi, the daughter of a wealthy Bengali merchant. The couple had two sons and two daughters.
In 1799, Roy moved to Calcutta, where he began his career as a writer and journalist. He also became involved in social and religious reform movements.
In 1815, Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj, a Hindu reform movement that advocated for monotheism, social equality, and women’s rights. The Brahmo Samaj became one of the most influential religious movements in India.
Roy also played a leading role in the abolition of sati, the practice of widow burning. In 1829, the British government passed a law that made sati illegal.
Social reforms
Roy was a strong advocate for social reform. He believed that the Hindu religion needed to be reformed in order to be compatible with modern society. He also believed that women should have equal rights to men.
Roy’s social reforms included the following:
He advocated for the abolition of sati, the practice of widow burning.
He advocated for the education of women.
He advocated for the rights of women to own property and to divorce their husbands.
He advocated for the rights of women to remarry.
Religious reforms
Roy was also a strong advocate for religious reform. He believed that the Hindu religion needed to be reformed in order to be compatible with modern society. He also believed that Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism should be based on monotheism, rather than polytheism.
Roy’s religious reforms included the following:
He advocated for the abolition of idol worship.
He advocated for the worship of one God.
He advocated for the reform of Hindu scriptures.
He advocated for the translation of Hindu scriptures into English.
Death and legacy
Roy died in Bristol, England, on 27 September 1833. He was 61 years old.
Roy is remembered as one of the most important figures in Indian history. He was a pioneer of social and religious reform, and his work helped to shape the modern Indian nation.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a Bengali polymath, social reformer, writer, and thinker who reshaped the Hindu religion in the 19th century. He is considered the father of modern India.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:
Who was Raja Ram Mohan Roy? Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a Bengali polymath, social reformer, writer, and thinker who reshaped the Hindu religion in the 19th century. He is considered the father of modern India.
What did Raja Ram Mohan Roy do? Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a leading figure in the Indian Renaissance. He founded the Brahmo Samaj, a Hindu reform movement that advocated for social and religious reform. He also campaigned against sati, the practice of widow burning.
Why is Raja Ram Mohan Roy important? Raja Ram Mohan Roy is important because he was a pioneer of social reform in India. He fought for the rights of women, the abolition of sati, and the modernization of Hinduism. He is considered one of the most important figures in Indian history.
What were Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s beliefs? Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a monotheist who believed in one God. He also believed in the equality of all people, regardless of caste or religion. He was a strong advocate for social reform and the modernization of Hinduism.
What are some of Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s accomplishments? Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj, a Hindu reform movement that advocated for social and religious reform. He also campaigned against sati, the practice of widow burning. He was a pioneer of social reform in India and is considered one of the most important figures in Indian history.
What are some of Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s writings? Raja Ram Mohan Roy wrote extensively on a variety of topics, including religion, philosophy, and social reform. His most famous work is the “Tatwabodhini Patrika,” a Bengali journal that he founded in 1818.
What was Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s impact on India? Raja Ram Mohan Roy had a profound impact on India. He was a pioneer of social reform and the modernization of Hinduism. He is considered one of the most important figures in Indian history.
What was Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy? Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy is one of social reform and religious Tolerance. He is considered one of the most important figures in Indian history.
1. Who was the founder of the Brahmo Samaj? (A) Raja Ram Mohan Roy (B) Swami Vivekananda (C) Mahatma Gandhi (D) Jawaharlal Nehru
2. What was the main goal of the Brahmo Samaj? (A) To reform Hinduism (B) To promote education (C) To fight against social injustice (D) To establish A Secular State
3. Which of the following is not a belief of the Brahmo Samaj? (A) The Vedas are the supreme authority (B) God is one and formless (C) All religions are equally valid (D) Women should have equal rights as men
4. What was the impact of the Brahmo Samaj? (A) It helped to reform Hinduism and promote education. (B) It fought against social injustice and established a secular state. (C) It helped to unite India and lead to independence. (D) All of the above.
5. Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress? (A) Raja Ram Mohan Roy (B) Dadabhai Naoroji (C) Gopal Krishna Gokhale (D) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
6. What was the main goal of the Indian National Congress? (A) To gain independence for India from British rule. (B) To promote education and social reform. (C) To fight against social injustice. (D) To establish a secular state.
7. Which of the following is not a demand of the Indian National Congress? (A) Swaraj (self-rule) (B) swaraj (independence) (C) purna swaraj (complete independence) (D) dominion status
8. What was the impact of the Indian National Congress? (A) It helped to unite India and lead to independence. (B) It fought against social injustice and established a secular state. (C) It helped to reform Hinduism and promote education. (D) All of the above.
9. Who was the first Prime Minister of India? (A) Jawaharlal Nehru (B) Lal Bahadur Shastri (C) Indira Gandhi (D) Rajiv Gandhi
10. What was the main goal of the Indian government? (A) To promote Economic Development and social Justice. (B) To maintain national security and protect the Environment. (C) To promote education and healthcare. (D) All of the above.
11. Which of the following is not a success of the Indian government? (A) It has achieved rapid economic Growth. (B) It has reduced POVERTY and improved living standards. (C) It has maintained a secular state. (D) It has promoted communal harmony.
12. What are the challenges facing India today? (A) Poverty, Unemployment, and inequality. (B) Terrorism, communal violence, and Naxalism. (C) Environmental Degradation and Climate change. (D) All of the above.
13. What is the future of India? (A) It is a bright one, with the potential to become a global superpower. (B) It is uncertain, with many challenges to overcome. (C) It is bleak, with the potential to descend into chaos. (D) It is impossible to say, as it depends on the choices that Indians make.