PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
Raja Rammohan Roy
Explanation
Raja Rammohan Roy, often called the 'Father of the Indian Renaissance', founded the 'Atmiya Sabha' (Society of Friends) in Calcutta in 1815. It was a philosophical discussion circle set up to debate philosophical topics and to promote monotheistic Hindu reform (belief in one God) free from orthodox rituals and superstitions. This early organization later evolved into the 'Brahmo Sabha' in 1828, which eventually became the famous 'Brahmo Samaj'.
Key Points
- > Raja Rammohan Roy established the Atmiya Sabha in 1815.
- > He later founded the Brahmo Sabha in 1828 (renamed Brahmo Samaj).
- > The title 'Raja' was bestowed upon him by the Mughal Emperor Akbar II.
- > He played a pivotal role in the abolition of the Sati Pratha in 1829 under Lord William Bentinck.
- > He published the Persian journal 'Mirat-ul-Akbar' and Bengali weekly 'Sambad Kaumudi'.
- > Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897.
- > Debendranath Tagore founded the Tattwabodhini Sabha.
Additional Information
Key Socio-Religious Organizations and Founders
| Organization | Founder | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Atmiya Sabha | Raja Rammohan Roy | 1815 |
| Brahmo Samaj | Raja Rammohan Roy | 1828 |
| Tattwabodhini Sabha | Debendranath Tagore | 1839 |
| Arya Samaj | Swami Dayanand Saraswati | 1875 (in Bombay) |
| Ramakrishna Mission | Swami Vivekananda | 1897 |
Memory Tips
- Chronology: Roy started small with 'Friends' (Atmiya means of the soul/friends) in 1815, and later expanded it to the formal 'Brahmo Samaj' in 1828.