Brahmo Samaj

Question 1

Who founded Brahmo Samaj?

Answer 1

Raja Ram Mohan founded Brahmo Sabha in 1828 in Calcutta, emerging from encounters between India + the West.
Renamed in 1843 by Tagore
Ram Mohan Roy redefined true Hinduism and was “the modern father of India” (Jameson)

Question 2

Explain Ram Mohan Roy’s background

Answer 2

• Came from a Brahman Bengali background
• Educated at Muslim university of Patna where he developed an aversion to the worship of images + was exposed to Sufi poetry
• Studies Buddhism in Tibet and Hindu scriptures in Benares
• Had interests in Christianity + learnt Hebrew and Greek as he wanted to translate the Bible
• Made fortune in East India Company as a revenues officer
• Retired in 1814 and devoted life to social and religious reform
• Spoke to Select Committee of the House of Commons on Indian issues
• Died + buried in Bristol in 1883

Question 3

Influences on Ram Mohan Roy?

Answer 3

• Thought British rule was best thing to happen to India, adored European philosophy of democracy, liberalism and humanism
• Reacted to West’s criticism of Hinduism, wanted to get rid of what he saw as superstition
  Impressed by non-Indian cultures + religions, especially Christianity + religions which preach existence of one Almighty God
• Influenced by Christian missionaries + Deism (human reason leading to truth- Christian philosophy)
• Unitarian - they emphasise freedom of conscience + affirm validity of many religious traditions

Question 4

Ram Mohan Roy’s aims?

Answer 4

• To create a new Hindu religious philosophy and enfold it in the existence of one God and other beliefs
• Rejected all scriptures except Upanishads, called for a return to their pure rational religion
• Attacked some Hindu features + traditions (sati, child marriages, castes, idolatry), wanted ethical, socially aware society respected by the British
• Change popular Hindu traditions, said they’re different from real Hindu beliefs
• Opposed British establishment of Sanskrit colleges, supported science based ones
• Believed perfect society could emerge from combination of Western scientific rationalism + Eastern Spirituality