Biography Of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Biography Of  Raja Ram Mohan Roy  

Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772–1833) was a prominent social reformer and intellectual from India, often referred to as the "Father of the Indian Renaissance." Born in Radhanagar, Bengal, he was a key figure in modernizing and reforming Indian society during the British colonial period.

Early Life and Education

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was born on May 22, 1772, into a well-off Brahmin family. He was well-educated, having studied Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, and later, English. His exposure to various cultures and religious texts, including Hindu scriptures, the Quran, and the Bible, led him to develop a rationalist approach to religion and society.

Religious Reforms

Roy was deeply disturbed by the rigid and superstitious practices within Hinduism. He founded the Atmiya Sabha in 1815, a group that aimed to fight against societal dogmas and promote a more rational and ethical approach to religion. He later established the Brahmo Samaj in 1828, a socio-religious reform movement that sought to purify Hinduism by removing idol worship and emphasizing monotheism.

Social Reforms

Raja Ram Mohan Roy is best known for his efforts to abolish the practice of Sati, where widows were forced or chose to immolate themselves on their husband's funeral pyre. His relentless campaigning and advocacy led to the passage of the Sati Regulation Act of 1829 by the British government, which legally banned the practice.

Educational Reforms

He was a strong proponent of modern education, advocating for the teaching of Western sciences and humanities alongside traditional Indian learning. He played a significant role in the establishment of several educational institutions, including the Hindu College (later Presidency College) in Kolkata.

Political Views

Raja Ram Mohan Roy also had progressive views on governance and politics. He was one of the earliest advocates for freedom of the press in India and campaigned for the rights of Indians under British rule. He traveled to England in 1830 as an ambassador of the Mughal emperor to lobby for the rights of Indian princes and to seek support for his reformist causes.

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