Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Champion of Social Change

Raja Ram Mohan Roy, known as the “Father of Modern India,” was a visionary social reformer who dedicated his life to effecting significant changes in Indian society. Roy, who was born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, Bengal, rose to prominence in the early nineteenth century, challenging age-old traditions and advocating for social progress and enlightenment. His tireless efforts helped to build a more inclusive and progressive India. This article delves into Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s life, accomplishments, and lasting legacy.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy: A Journey of Enlightenment

Now let us delve into the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of Raja Ram Mohan Roy:

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy was born on May 22, 1772, in Bengal. 
• His early education exposed him to diverse cultures and philosophies. 
• He studied Persian and Arabic, delving into the works of Sufi mystic poets and the Arabic translations of Plato and Aristotle. 
• In Benaras, he studied Sanskrit and immersed himself in the Vedas and Upanishads. 
• He later served the East India Company from 1803 to 1814 as a personal diwan, working for prominent British officials.

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Ideology Of Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Advocate of Progressive Ideals 

Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s ideology reflected his vision of a progressive and inclusive Indian society, championing social reform, religious tolerance, and education as change agents:

• Ram Mohan Roy was influenced by Western modern ideas and advocated rationalism and a scientific approach to modernity. Recognizing Bengal’s religious and social decline, he contended that religious orthodoxies impeded social development and generated confusion and conflict.
• He emphasized that religious reform was crucial for social reform and political modernization. Roy criticized ritualistic practices, calling for self-purification and repentance instead of sacrificial rituals. He staunchly opposed the caste system, championing social equality for all human beings.
• Roy was attracted to Islamic monotheism, highlighting its resonance with Vedanta’s fundamental message. His idea of a single, unitarian God challenged orthodox Hindu polytheism and Christian trinitarianism. 
• He believed that monotheism supported a universal model for humanity. Recognizing the oppression faced by women in Indian society, he advocated for their liberation from practices such as illiteracy, child marriage, sati (widow burning), and purdah (seclusion). He condemned sati as a violation of human and social values, reflecting moral debasement.

Contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Architect of Indian Renaissance

Raja Ram Mohan Roy, through his tireless efforts and visionary leadership, spearheaded numerous contributions ranging from social reforms to educational advancements, leaving an indelible mark on Indian society and shaping the trajectory of progress and enlightenment:

• Religious Reforms: Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s first published work, “Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhiddin” (a gift to deists) in 1803, exposed irrational religious beliefs and corrupt practices among Hindus. He established the Atmiya Sabha in Calcutta in 1814 to fight idolatry, caste rigidities, useless rituals, and other social problems. He criticized the ritualism of Christianity and attempted to separate the moral and philosophical message of the New Testament from its miracle stories in his work “Precepts of Jesus” (1820).
• Social Reforms: Roy saw reforming religious organizations as instruments of social and political development. He established the Atmiya Sabha in 1814, the Calcutta Unitarian Association in 1821, and the Brahmo Sabha, which later became the Brahmo Samaj, in 1828. He advocated for the abolition of the caste system, untouchability, superstitions, and the usage of intoxicants. He is well-known for his contributions to women’s emancipation, particularly the eradication of sati and advocacy for widow remarriage. He also criticized child marriage, female illiteracy, and widow abuse, arguing for widows’ right to inherit property.
• Educational Reforms: Raja Ram Mohan Roy played a vital role in disseminating modern education in India. In 1817, he supported the establishment of the Hindu College, which offered courses in Indian learning as well as Western social and physical sciences. In 1825, he founded the Vedanta College, providing education in both Indian and Western disciplines.
• Economic and Political Reforms: Roy admired the British system of constitutional government for the civil liberties it afforded its people. He sought to extend these benefits to Indians and championed the movement for a free press in India. He founded journals such as The Brahmanical Magazine, Samvad Kaumudi (Bengali weekly), and Mirat-ul-Akbar (Persian weekly). He condemned oppressive practices by Bengali zamindars (landlords) and advocated for fair rent and the abolition of taxes on tax-free lands. Roy advocated for lower tariffs on Indian goods and the abolition of the East India Company’s trading rights. He also advocated for administrative improvements such as the Indianization of higher-level positions and the separation of the executive and judiciary.

Conclusion

Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s visionary ideas, social reforms, and advocacy for modernization continue to shape India’s history and society. His contributions to religious, social, educational, economic, and political spheres laid the foundation for a more progressive and inclusive India. He challenged orthodoxies, fought against social injustices, and championed equality and human rights. Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy as a pioneer of reform and enlightenment remains an inspiration, guiding India’s ongoing journey toward a more just and equitable society.

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Previous Year’s Questions (PYQs)

Q1. In collaboration with David Hare and Alexander Duff, who of the following established Hindu College at Calcutta? (2009)

1. Henry Louis Vivian Derozio
2. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
3. Keshab Chandra Sen
4. Raja Rammohan Roy

Q2. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Brahmo Samaj? (2012)

1. It opposed idolatry.
2. It denied the need for a priestly class for interpreting the religious texts.
3. It popularized the doctrine that the Vedas are infallible.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

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