Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:  

I. He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East.  

II. He desired his countrymen to accept the rational and scientific approach and the principle of human dignity and social equality of all men and women.   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?   

  • I only   
  • II only   
  • Both I and II   
  • Neither I nor II

Answer: (c) Both I and II 

Raja Ram Mohan Roy
  • Raja Ram Mohan Roy (22 May 1772 – 27 September 1833) was an Indian reformer and writer who was one of the founders of the Brahmo Sabha in 1828, the precursor of the Brahmo Samaj, a socio-religious reform movement in the Indian subcontinent.
  • He has been dubbed the “Father of Indian Renaissance.” He was given the title of Raja by Mughal emperor Akbar II (r. 1806–1837.)
  • Raja Ram Mohan Roy was moved by deep love for his people and country and worked hard all his life for their social, religious, intellectual and political regeneration.
  • Raja Ram Mohan Roy possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophic systems of the East; but, at the same time, he believed that modern culture alone would help regenerate Indian society.
  • In particular, he wanted his countrymen to accept the rational and scientific approach and the principle of human dignity and social equality of all men and women. He also wanted the introduction of modern capitalism and industry in the country.
  • Raja Ram Mohan Roy represented a synthesis of the thought of East and West. In 1814, he set up the Atmiya Sabha (or Society of Friends) in Calcutta to propagate the monotheistic ideals of the Vedanta and to campaign against idolatry, caste rigidities, meaningless rituals, and other social ills.
  • Strongly influenced by rationalist ideas, he declared that Vedanta is based on reason and that, if reason demanded it, even a departure from the scriptures is justified. He said the principles of rationalism applied to other sects also, particularly to the elements of blind faith in them.
  • In his Precepts of Jesus (1820), he tried to separate the moral and philosophical message of the New Testament, which he praised, from its miracle stories. He earned the wrath of missionaries over his advocacy to incorporate the message of Christ into Hinduism.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy – Reforms
  • Social Reform Initiatives: Founded Atmiya Sabha (1814) in Kolkata as an intellectual discussion group to criticise idol worship, rigid caste hierarchy and meaningless rituals; actively campaigned against Sati, which resulted in its abolition through Regulation XVII of 1829 by Governor-General Lord William Bentinck; also opposed child marriage and polygamy while strongly advocating women’s rights and female education as essential tools for social transformation.
  • Religious Reform Ideas: Promoted monotheism and rational religion, influenced by Islamic and Christian theological ideas; wrote Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidin (1803) advocating belief in one God and rational interpretation of religion; criticised idol worship and superstition in Hindu society while emphasising ethical teachings over rituals; supported religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue, praised moral teachings of Christianity in Precepts of Jesus (1820) but rejected miracle stories and ritualism; established Brahmo Samaj (1828) which promoted monotheism, rationalism, social reform and rejection of idol worship.
  • Educational Reforms: Considered modern education and scientific thinking essential for India’s progress; founded Anglo-Hindu School (1822) combining traditional Indian learning with Western science and humanities, encouraging critical thinking and modern curriculum; established Vedanta College (1826) where Vedanta philosophy was taught alongside modern subjects; strongly supported female education, believing educated women would contribute to family welfare, social development and gender equality.
  • Political and Administrative Reforms: Among the early nationalist thinkers advocating rights for Indians under colonial rule; demanded civil liberties, fair governance and participation of Indians in administration; strongly supported freedom of the press and started newspapers such as Brahmanical Magazine (1821), Samvad Kaumudi (Bengali weekly, 1821) and Mirat-ul-Akbar (Persian weekly) to spread reformist ideas; criticised oppressive zamindari practices in Bengal and demanded minimum rents and removal of taxes on tax-free lands.
  • Language and Literary Contributions: Promoted vernacular languages so that education and reform ideas could reach the common population rather than only elites; contributed significantly as a writer, translator and intellectual, producing translations of Vedic texts, philosophical treatises and essays on social, religious and political issues, helping shape the intellectual foundation of modern Indian reform movements.
raja ram mohan roy reforms