Brahmo Samaj: The Reformist Movement of 19th Century India
Introduction
The Brahmo Samaj was a socio-religious reform movement in 19th-century India that aimed to modernize Hindu society, remove superstitions, and promote monotheism. It played a significant role in abolishing social evils like Sati, child marriage, and caste discrimination, and laid the foundation for the Indian Renaissance.
Founding of Brahmo Samaj
- Founded by: Raja Ram Mohan Roy
- Year: 1828
- Place: Calcutta (now Kolkata), British India
- Meaning: “Brahmo” means believer in Brahman (the supreme God), and “Samaj” means society.
- Objective: To purify Hinduism by removing idol worship, caste system, and social evils.
Philosophy and Core Beliefs
- Monotheism (Ekeshwarvad): Belief in one formless, supreme God.
- No Idol Worship: Rejected idol worship and rituals.
- Opposition to Caste Discrimination: Advocated for social equality and unity.
- Promoted Rationalism: Encouraged scientific thinking and education.
- Interfaith Harmony: Believed in religious tolerance and unity among different faiths.
Social Reforms Introduced by Brahmo Samaj
1. Abolition of Sati (1829)
- Sati was a practice where widows were forced to burn themselves on their husband’s funeral pyre.
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy campaigned against it, leading to its legal abolition by Lord William Bentinck in 1829.
2. Women’s Rights and Widow Remarriage
- Advocated for widow remarriage and women’s education.
- Opposed child marriage and the mistreatment of widows.
3. Spread of Western Education
- Promoted English education, scientific knowledge, and rational thinking.
- Supported women’s education and established schools for girls.
4. Opposition to Caste System
- Rejected Brahminical dominance and untouchability.
- Encouraged inter-caste marriages and social equality.
5. Reform of Hinduism
- Promoted a simplified and rational form of Hinduism.
- Encouraged ethical living, charity, and service to humanity.
Evolution of Brahmo Samaj
1. Young Bengal Movement (1830s)
- A radical movement influenced by Brahmo Samaj.
- Advocated for free thinking, rationalism, and social reforms.
2. Division into Two Groups (1866)
- Adi Brahmo Samaj (Old Brahmo Samaj): Led by Debendranath Tagore.
- Sadharan Brahmo Samaj (New Brahmo Samaj): Formed by Keshab Chandra Sen.
3. Influence on Other Social Reform Movements
- Inspired Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission, and Prarthana Samaj.
- Played a key role in India’s socio-religious transformation.
Key Personalities Associated with Brahmo Samaj
| Name | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Raja Ram Mohan Roy | Founder of Brahmo Samaj, fought against Sati and superstitions. |
| Debendranath Tagore | Expanded Brahmo Samaj and focused on spiritual reforms. |
| Keshab Chandra Sen | Modernized the movement and promoted widow remarriage. |
| Dwarakanath Tagore | Supported Brahmo Samaj financially. |
Impact and Legacy
- Laid the foundation for modern Indian society by challenging orthodoxy.
- Inspired later reformers like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi.
- Contributed to the Indian independence movement by promoting self-respect and equality.
- Helped in legislative reforms like the Widow Remarriage Act (1856) and Age of Consent Act (1891).
MCQs on Brahmo Samaj
1. Who founded the Brahmo Samaj?
a) Swami Vivekananda
b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
c) Dayanand Saraswati
d) Keshab Chandra Sen
→ Answer: b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
2. In which year was the Brahmo Samaj founded?
a) 1818
b) 1828
c) 1857
d) 1866
→ Answer: b) 1828
3. What was the main objective of the Brahmo Samaj?
a) Promote idol worship
b) Abolish untouchability
c) Reform Hindu society and promote monotheism
d) Spread Buddhism
→ Answer: c) Reform Hindu society and promote monotheism
4. Which practice was abolished due to the efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy?
a) Child labor
b) Dowry system
c) Sati system
d) Caste discrimination
→ Answer: c) Sati system
5. Who led the Brahmo Samaj after Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s death?
a) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
b) Debendranath Tagore
c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
d) Lala Lajpat Rai
→ Answer: b) Debendranath Tagore
6. What was the name of the Brahmo Samaj faction formed by Keshab Chandra Sen?
a) Arya Brahmo Samaj
b) Adi Brahmo Samaj
c) Sadharan Brahmo Samaj
d) Vedic Brahmo Samaj
→ Answer: c) Sadharan Brahmo Samaj
7. The Brahmo Samaj opposed which of the following?
a) Western education
b) Idol worship and caste discrimination
c) Social equality
d) English language
→ Answer: b) Idol worship and caste discrimination
8. Where was the Brahmo Samaj founded?
a) Delhi
b) Bombay
c) Calcutta
d) Madras
→ Answer: c) Calcutta
Short Answer Questions on Brahmo Samaj
Q1: Who founded the Brahmo Samaj?
A: Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828.
Q2: What was the main belief of Brahmo Samaj?
A: Monotheism (belief in one formless God) and rejection of idol worship.
Q3: How did Brahmo Samaj contribute to women’s rights?
A: It fought against Sati, supported widow remarriage, and promoted women’s education.
Q4: What was the Widow Remarriage Act (1856)?
A: A law legalizing widow remarriage, passed due to efforts of Brahmo Samaj.
Q5: Name two leaders who expanded the Brahmo Samaj after Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
A: Debendranath Tagore and Keshab Chandra Sen.
Q6: How did the Brahmo Samaj reform Hinduism?
A: It opposed rituals, caste discrimination, and supported rationalism.
Q7: What was the contribution of Keshab Chandra Sen to Brahmo Samaj?
A: He modernized the movement and promoted social reforms like widow remarriage.
Q8: How did Brahmo Samaj influence Indian society?
A: It inspired social reform movements like Arya Samaj and Prarthana Samaj.
Conclusion
Brahmo Samaj played a crucial role in India’s social and religious transformation. It challenged superstitions, empowered women, and laid the foundation for modern Hindu reform movements. The ideas of monotheism, social equality, and education continue to inspire reformers today.
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