Raja Rammohan Roy (1772–1833) was a pioneering Indian reformer, thinker, and social activist, widely regarded as the "Father of the Indian Renaissance" and a key figure in the modernization of India. He played a significant role in religious, educational, and social reforms during the British colonial era.

Raja Rammohan Roy (1772–1833) was a pioneering Indian reformer, thinker, and social activist, widely regarded as the "Father of the Indian Renaissance" and a key figure in the modernization of India. He played a significant role in religious, educational, and social reforms during the British colonial era.

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Early Life

Born: May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, Bengal Presidency (present-day West Bengal).

Languages Known: Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, English, Bengali, and Hindi.

Influences: He was influenced by Vedanta, Islamic theology, Christian Unitarianism, and Western liberal thought.

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Key Teachings and Philosophies

1. Monotheism:

He emphasized the belief in one God, opposing idol worship and polytheism in Hinduism.

2. Rational Religion:

He promoted reason-based religious beliefs, advocating for spiritual truth over rituals and superstitions.

3. Universalism:

He believed in the universal truth of all religions and encouraged harmony among different faiths.

4. Social Reforms:

Abolition of Sati (the burning of widows)

Campaign against child marriage and polygamy

Support for widow remarriage and women's education

5. Human Rights & Justice:

Advocated freedom of press, civil liberties, and modern democratic values.

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Major Achievements

1. Abolition of Sati (1829):

He played a crucial role in convincing the British Governor-General Lord William Bentinck to outlaw the inhumane practice of Sati.

2. Brahmo Samaj (Founded 1828):

A religious and social reform movement that promoted monotheism, rejected caste discrimination and idol worship, and encouraged modern values.

3. Educational Reforms:

Established the Hindu College (1817) in Kolkata (with David Hare).

Promoted English and science education alongside traditional Indian learning.

Set up schools that educated both boys and girls.

4. Journalism:

Founded India’s first Bengali weekly “Sambad Kaumudi” (1821) advocating social reform.

Also published “Mirat-ul-Akbar” in Persian.

5. International Engagement:

Traveled to England in 1830 to advocate Indian rights and appeal against the abolition of the Mughal emperor’s pension.

Engaged with British Unitarians, politicians, and intellectuals.

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Major Writings

"Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidin" (A Gift to Monotheists) – A treatise in Persian defending monotheism.

"The Precepts of Jesus: The Guide to Peace and Happiness" – Emphasized moral teachings of Christ over miraculous claims.

Translations of the Vedas and Upanishads – Introduced Indian philosophy to the West.

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Legacy

Often called the "Maker of Modern India" by later leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru.

Inspired subsequent reformers such as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Keshab Chandra Sen, and Swami Vivekananda.

His death in Bristol, England in 1833 was mourned widely, and a monument still stands in his memory there.