With reference to Raja Ram Mohan Roy, consider the following statements:

1. He established Atmiya Sabha as a part of Brahmo Samaj.

2. Brahmo Samaj had a definite view on Karma and transmigration of soul.

3. Radha Kant Deb was an ardent supporter of the Brahmo Samaj.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Solution

● Statement 1 is incorrect: Rajarammohan Roy was regarded as the father of Indian Renaissance, prophet of Modern Nationalism and the Modern Man of India. He was also called the Maker of Modern India. He laid his belief in scientific temper, human dignity, monotheism, Upanishads. He opposed meaningless rituals and idolatry. He established Atmiya Sabha (Society of Friends) in Calcutta in 1814 and later established Brahmo Samaj in 1828. Hence, Atmiya Sabha was not the part of the Brahmo Samaj. He supported David Hare on the establishment of the Hindu College in 1817 and also established Vedanta College in 1825. He also established the Calcutta Unitarian Committee along with Dwarkanath Tagore. ● Statement 2 is incorrect: Brahmo Samaj had no definite view on Karma and transmigration of the soul. It was established by Raja Rammohan Roy in 1828 and favoured human reason, logic and political upliftment of the masses. It was based on the twin pillars of logic and Upanishads. ● Statement 3 is incorrect: Radha Kant Deb established Dharma Sabha in 1830 which was in reaction to the establishment of Brahmo Samaj by Raja Rammohan Roy. It was an orthodox Hindu organization and did not favour the abolition of Sati, however, it favoured western education for the girls.