Young Bengal Movement: Progressive Renaissance, Ideas & Reform

Young Bengal Movement: Derozio’s Progressive Enlightenment

In the late 1820s and early 1830s, a progressive intellectual Young Bengal movement took shape among the youth in Bengal, eventually becoming known as the “Young Bengal Movement.” Leading and inspiring this forward-thinking trend was the young Anglo-Indian teacher Henry Vivian Derozio (1809-1831), who served as an educator at the Hindu College from 1826 to 1831.

Young Bengal Movement: Derozio’s Revolutionary Ideals and Nationalist Poetry #

• Inspired by the great French Revolution, Derozio inspired his pupils: 
  • to think freely and rationally, 
  • to question all authority, 
  • to love liberty, equality and freedom, and 
  • to oppose decadent customs and traditions.
• He supported women’s rights and education. 
• He was also perhaps the first nationalist poet of modern India.

Young Bengal Movement: Derozio’s Short-Lived Influence and Challenges #

• Derozio’s influence was short as he was removed from the Hindu College in 1831 due to his radical views.
  • The main reason for their limited success was the disapproving social conditions of the era, which were not favorable to the acceptance of radical ideas.
  • Additionally, they lacked support from any other social group or class, and the Derozians had no real connection with the broader population. 
  • They did not support the cause of peasants or other marginalized groups.
  • Their radicalism was primarily theoretical and not effectively applied in practice.

Young Bengal Movement: Derozians’ Advocacy for Reform and Progress #

• The Derozians continued the Rammohan Roy tradition of public education in social, economic and political issues. 
  • They demanded induction of Indians into higher service classes.
  • Protection of ryots from oppressive zamindars.
  • Better treatment of Indian labour abroad in British colonies.
  • Revision of the Company’s charter.
  • Freedom of the press and trial by jury. 

In the future, Surendranath Banerjea would characterize the Derozians as the trailblazers of young Bengal movement modern civilization, the forefathers of our community whose admirable qualities would be admired, and their shortcomings handled with the utmost kindness.

Paramahansa Mandali: Maharashtra’s Parallel to the Young Bengal Movement

• Dadoba Pandurang and Mehtaji Durgaram founded the Paramhansa Mandala in 1849 within Maharashtra. 
  • It initially operated as a clandestine organization with the goal of reforming Hindu religion and society.

• Mandali’s objectives and principles: Young Bengal Movement Progressive Ideals

• The society’s ideology closely aligned with the Young Bengal Movement and the Manav Dharma Sabha, emphasizing the worship of a single God and the belief that genuine religion should be founded on love and moral conduct.
• The promotion of freedom of thought and rationality was encouraged.
• The Mandali placed significant focus on challenging caste-based regulations.
• During their gatherings, members consumed meals prepared by individuals from lower castes.
• These mandals also championed the causes of widow remarriage and women’s education.
• Paramahansa Mandali branches were established in several cities across Maharashtra, including Pune and Satara.

Also Read: Hindu Reform Movements: Brahmo Samaj and Social Progress