Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was also known as the father of the Indian Renaissance. He played an important role in reforming the Social, Educational, Religious, and Journalistic aspects of modern India. He is well known for his contribution to the abolition of Sati Pratha. He is also known for his work in empowering women.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy will be helpful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation. GS Paper-1 History.

Table of Content

• Early Life and Education of Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• Social Reforms of Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• Educational Reforms of Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• Religious Contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• Journalistic Contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• Death of Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• Legacy of Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Early Life and Education of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• He was born on August 14, 1774, and in the village of Radhanagar in the Hoogly district of Bengal Presidency.
  • His father was a wealthy Brahmin with devout beliefs, and strictly adhered to religious practices.
• Ram Mohan initially received education in Bengali and Sanskrit at a local village school.
• Later, he travelled to Patna to study Persian and Arabic in a Madrasa.
  • He learned these languages because these languages were in high demand as the court language of the Mughal Emperors.
• During his time in Patna, he delved into the study of the Quran and other Islamic scriptures.
• He pursued further education in Benares (Kashi) in Sanskrit.
  • He mastered the language and engaged in the study of various scriptures such as the Vedas and Upanishads.
• He began learning the English language at the age of 22.
• He read the works of philosophers such as Euclid and Aristotle.
  • These philosophers greatly influenced his spiritual and religious convictions.
• After completing his education, he entered the service of the East India Company as a clerk.

Social Reforms of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• In the late 18th century, Bengal society was burdened by numerous harmful customs and regulations.
  • The customs were modifications and misinterpretations of ancient traditions.
• These customs included child marriage, polygamy, and the brutal practice of Sati.
  • In the practice of Sati widows were compelled to self-immolate on their husband’s funeral pyre.
• Originally it was a choice for women, but Sati gradually became mandatory, particularly among Brahmin and higher caste families.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy strongly condemned this cruel practice and he fearlessly voiced his opposition, even engaging with higher authorities in the East India Company.
• His arguments and unwavering perseverance eventually reached Governor General Lord William Bentinck.
• Bengal Sati Regulation: Regulation XVII, A.D. 1829 of the Bengal Code was enacted despite significant resistance from orthodox religious communities.
  • This regulation banned the practice of Sati in Bengal Province.
  • The regulations-imposed prosecution on individuals caught practising it.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s contribution includes-
  • Eradicating Sati
  • Opposing child marriage and polygamy, and
  • Advocating for equal inheritance rights for women.
• He also staunchly opposed the rigid caste divisions prevalent during his time.

Educational Reforms of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• Ram Mohan Roy received his education in traditional languages such as Sanskrit and Persian.
  • Later, he encountered the English language and he acquired proficiency in order to secure better employment opportunities under British rule.
• He possessed a strong inclination for reading and absorbed English literature and journals, and eagerly seeking knowledge.
• Recognizing that traditional texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Quran instilled a deep reverence for philosophy, he acknowledged the need to supplement his understanding with scientific and rational education.
• He advocated for the introduction of an English Education System in India.
• He encompasses subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Botany.
• He collaborated with David Hare to establish the Hindu College in 1817.
  • This college eventually emerged as one of the nation’s premier educational institutions.
• He also founded the Anglo-Vedic School in 1822, followed by the Vedanta College in 1826.
  • This shows his commitment to combining the essence of theological doctrines with modern rational teachings.

Religious Contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• He strongly criticized the excessive rituals and worship of idols promoted by priests.
• He highlighted the Hindu scriptures such as the Upanishads.
• He upheld the belief in a single god.
• In 1828, he established the Atmiya Sabha.
  • Its inaugural gathering took place on August 20 of that year.
• The Atmiya Sabha transformed into the Brahma Sabha.
  • Brahma Sabha served as a precursor organization to the Brahmo Samaj.
• Central principles of this new movement encompassed monotheism, independence from religious texts, and the rejection of the caste system.
• The religious practices within the Brahmo Samaj were devoid of elaborate Hindu rituals and instead embraced prayer practices similar to those found in Christianity or Islam.
• The Brahmo Samaj emerged as a prominent progressive force, driving social reforms in Bengal, especially in the domain of women’s education.

Journalistic Contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• Ram Mohan Roy believed in upholding free speech and expression.
• He actively advocated for the rights of the vernacular press.
• He established two newspapers:
  • ‘Miratul-Akhbar’ in Persian (meaning “the Mirror of News”)
  • ‘Sambad Kaumudi’ in Bengali (meaning “the Moon of Intelligence”)
• His other Publications:
  • Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidinor A Gift to Monotheists (1905)
  • Vedanta (1815)
  • Ishopanishad (1816)
  • Kathopanishad (1817)
  • Moonduk Upanishad (1819)
  • The Precepts of Jesus – Guide to Peace and Happiness (1820)
  • Sambad Kaumudi – a Bengali newspaper (1821)
  • Mirat-ul-Akbar – Persian journal (1822)
  • Gaudiya Vyakaran (1826)
  • Brahmapasona (1828)
  • Brahmasangeet (1829)
  • The Universal Religion (1829)
• During that time, news items and articles had to undergo government approval before publication.
• In opposition to this control, Ram Mohan Roy voiced his dissent, asserting that newspapers should enjoy the freedom and that the truth should not be suppressed merely due to government disapproval.

Death of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• In 1830, Raja Ram Mohan Roy travelled on a journey to England with a purpose.
• His goal was to appeal to the Imperial Government, urging them to increase the royalties received by the Mughal Emperor.
• He sought to ensure the preservation of Lord Bentick’s Sati Act, preventing its potential reversal.
• During his visit to the United Kingdom, he passed away due to meningitis.
• He was laid to rest at Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol.
• Recently, as a tribute to his memory, the British government named a street in Bristol as ‘Raja Rammohan Way.’

Legacy of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy ‘s advocacy for English educationand Western thought led to a debate between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.
  • Tagore defended Roy, highlighting Roy’s deep understanding of Indian wisdom and his ability to be a friend of the West without compromising his identity.
• Bristol Centre’s, College Green, houses a bronze statue of Roy sculpted by Niranjan Pradhan.
• The pedestrian path at Stapleton is named “Rajah Rammohun Walk” in his honour.

Conclusion

Raja Ram Mohan Roy represented deep understanding of Indian wisdom with the knowledge of western education. His contribution to women empowerment includes Eradicating Sati Opposing child marriage and polygamy, and Advocating for equal inheritance rights for women.

Ref: Source-1

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