Father of the Indian Renaissance & Social Reformer
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a pioneer of social and religious reforms in India. He is known as the “Father of the Indian Renaissance” for his contributions to modern education, women’s rights, and social justice.
1. Early Life & Education
- Born: 22 May 1772 in Radhanagar, Bengal (now in West Bengal, India).
- Father: Ramkanta Roy, a Brahmin scholar.
- Mother: Tarini Devi.
- Education:
- Studied Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures in Varanasi.
- Learned Persian and Arabic in Patna, where he read Islamic philosophy.
- Studied English and Western philosophy later in life.
- Languages Known: Bengali, Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, English, and Latin.
2. Social & Religious Reforms
(a) Abolition of Sati (1829)
- Led the movement to abolish Sati (widow burning), calling it inhumane and against Hindu scriptures.
- Persuaded Lord William Bentinck to pass the Bengal Sati Regulation Act (1829), banning Sati.
(b) Advocacy for Widow Remarriage
- Promoted widow remarriage, which was opposed by orthodox Hindus.
(c) Opposition to Caste System & Untouchability
- Fought against caste discrimination and Brahminical dominance.
- Promoted equality and social justice.
(d) Promoted Women’s Rights
- Opposed polygamy and child marriage.
- Encouraged women’s education.
3. Religious Reforms
(a) Founded the Brahmo Samaj (1828)
- A reformist Hindu movement that promoted monotheism (belief in one God).
- Rejected idol worship, caste system, and rituals.
- Encouraged rationalism, equality, and social reforms.
(b) Criticism of Orthodox Hinduism
- Opposed superstitions and meaningless rituals.
- Encouraged people to follow the true teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads.
(c) Interfaith Harmony
- Believed in unity among all religions and studied Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism.
4. Educational Reforms
- Promoted Western education in India.
- Set up Hindu College (now Presidency University) in 1817 with David Hare.
- Advocated for English, science, and rational thinking in education.
5. Political Contributions
- One of the first Indians to demand freedom of the press and constitutional government.
- Criticized British economic policies but supported British rule for legal and social reforms.
- Sent petitions to the British government demanding civil rights for Indians.
6. Association with Akbar II
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy was appointed as the envoy of Mughal Emperor Akbar II to England in 1830.
- Akbar II gave him the title of ‘Raja’ in recognition of his efforts for social reform and his diplomatic skills.
- He worked to secure a pension for the Mughal emperor and sought British recognition of Mughal claims.
7. Death & Legacy
- Died in 1833 in Bristol, England.
- Remembered as a great reformer who laid the foundation for modern India.
- Inspired future reformers like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Swami Vivekananda, and Mahatma Gandhi.
MCQs on Raja Ram Mohan Roy
1. Who is known as the ‘Father of the Indian Renaissance’?
a) Swami Vivekananda
b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
c) Rabindranath Tagore
d) B.R. Ambedkar
Answer: (b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
2. Which social evil did Raja Ram Mohan Roy work to abolish?
a) Caste system
b) Sati practice
c) Child labor
d) Dowry system
Answer: (b) Sati practice
3. What was the main objective of the Brahmo Samaj?
a) Promotion of idol worship
b) Revival of Buddhism
c) Promotion of monotheism and social reforms
d) Support for the caste system
Answer: (c) Promotion of monotheism and social reforms
4. Which British Governor-General abolished Sati with Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s support?
a) Lord Dalhousie
b) Lord Curzon
c) Lord William Bentinck
d) Lord Canning
Answer: (c) Lord William Bentinck
5. In which year was the Brahmo Samaj founded?
a) 1817
b) 1828
c) 1833
d) 1857
Answer: (b) 1828
6. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was an envoy for which Mughal emperor?
a) Akbar II
b) Bahadur Shah II
c) Aurangzeb
d) Shah Alam II
Answer: (a) Akbar II
7. In which city did Raja Ram Mohan Roy die?
a) London
b) Kolkata
c) Bristol
d) Mumbai
Answer: (c) Bristol
Conclusion
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a visionary social reformer, religious thinker, and educational pioneer. His efforts against Sati, caste discrimination, and for women’s rights laid the foundation for modern India. His association with Akbar II and diplomatic efforts further highlight his multifaceted contributions.