Explore the life, work, and legacy of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the father of modern India. Learn about his fight against Sati, advocacy for women's rights, and contributions to education and social reform.
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Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a visionary reformer and intellectual, is often hailed as the Father of the Indian Renaissance and the Father of Modern India. Born in the 18th century, he played a crucial role in shaping the social, religious, and educational landscape of colonial India. A man of extraordinary foresight, Roy challenged outdated traditions, advocated for human rights, and laid the foundation for a progressive and modern Indian society.
In this comprehensive article, we delve into the early life, revolutionary reforms, and lasting impact of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
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Early Life and Education
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was born on 22 May 1772 in Radhanagar, a village in Hooghly District of Bengal Presidency, now in West Bengal, India. He came from a well-off Brahmin family with deep religious roots.
His father, Ramkanta Roy, was a staunch Hindu, while his mother, Tarini Devi, was equally orthodox. Despite the traditional surroundings, Roy showed signs of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity from a young age.
Multilingual Genius
Roy was a linguistic prodigy, mastering several languages including:
Sanskrit
Persian
Arabic
Hindi
Bengali
English
Hebrew
Greek
Latin
His diverse education in both Eastern and Western philosophies equipped him with a unique worldview that blended rationalism with spiritual depth.
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Exposure to Western Thought
While serving in the East India Company, Roy came into close contact with British officials and Western ideologies. He became particularly influenced by European Enlightenment, liberal values, and Christian Unitarianism. This exposure triggered his critical evaluation of Indian society and religious practices.
He was deeply disturbed by superstitions, blind faith, and inhumane practices such as Sati (widow burning), child marriage, polygamy, and the caste system.
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Founding the Brahmo Samaj (1828)
One of Raja Ram Mohan Roy's greatest contributions was the establishment of the Brahmo Samaj in 1828. The Brahmo Samaj was a socio-religious reform movement aimed at purifying Hinduism and promoting monotheism, reason, and ethics.
Principles of Brahmo Samaj:
Belief in one God without idol worship
Promotion of rational thinking
Condemnation of superstition and ritualism
Support for social equality
Emphasis on education for all
The Brahmo Samaj later inspired movements like the Arya Samaj and laid the foundation for the Indian nationalist movement.
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Campaign Against Sati
Perhaps the most impactful reform led by Roy was his relentless campaign against the Sati system, where widows were burned alive on their husbands’ funeral pyres.
Roy believed Sati to be a barbaric, inhumane, and un-Islamic (according to original Hindu texts) practice. He argued with scriptures, engaged in public debate, and used his influence to lobby the British government.
Abolition of Sati – A Landmark Victory
Due to his efforts and those of others, the British Governor-General Lord William Bentinck passed the Sati Regulation Act, 1829, banning the practice. This was one of the first major social reforms in Indian history, and Raja Ram Mohan Roy was at the heart of it.
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Women’s Rights Advocate
Long before feminism became a global movement, Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a champion of women’s rights in India.
His contributions included:
Campaigning for women’s education
Advocating property rights for widows
Opposing child marriage and polygamy
Promoting remarriage of widows
He strongly believed that the upliftment of women was essential for the progress of society.
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Contribution to Education
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a pioneer in modern education in India. He realized that true reform could not be achieved without an educated population.
Key contributions:
1. Founded Hindu College (now Presidency University) in Kolkata along with David Hare in 1817.
2. Advocated for Western scientific education over traditional religious learning.
3. Promoted English as a medium of instruction to bridge Indian thought with global knowledge.
4. Founded the Anglo-Vedic School and Vedanta College.
He was also a supporter of the free press, believing that a well-informed society was essential to democracy and progress.
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Journalism and the Press
Roy was a pioneer of Indian journalism. He founded and edited several newspapers in English, Bengali, and Persian.
Notable publications:
Sambad Kaumudi (Bengali) – First Indian newspaper advocating social reforms
Mirat-ul-Akhbar (Persian) – Political journal promoting liberal ideas
Brahmanical Magazine – Religious and philosophical essays
He used the press as a tool to spread awareness, challenge orthodoxy, and engage in dialogue with the masses and the colonial government.
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Political Views and Engagement
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was among the first Indians to demand constitutional reforms and civil liberties under British rule. He supported freedom of speech, trial by jury, and representation for Indians in government.
Although he believed in cooperation with the British, he also criticized colonial policies that were exploitative or unjust.
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Visit to England and Diplomatic Role
In 1830, Raja Ram Mohan Roy traveled to England as an ambassador of the Mughal Emperor Akbar II to plead for the emperor’s pension and title recognition.
During his time in Britain:
He met with political leaders, intellectuals, and reformers.
He gave speeches and wrote essays on Indian society, education, and reform.
He impressed the British with his knowledge and statesmanship, earning great respect.
He died on 27 September 1833 in Bristol, England, due to meningitis. His tomb still lies in Arnos Vale Cemetery, marked by a grand monument.
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Legacy and Impact
Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy is immense and multifaceted. He laid the intellectual foundation for modern India and inspired future reformers and freedom fighters such as:
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Swami Vivekananda
Mahatma Gandhi
Rabindranath Tagore
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Recognitions:
Called the "Father of Modern India" and "Maker of Modern India"
Indian Post issued a stamp in his honor
Monuments and institutions bear his name across India
22 May is observed as Raja Ram Mohan Roy Jayanti
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Quotes by Raja Ram Mohan Roy
> “The present system of Hindus is not well calculated to promote their political interests. It is necessary that some change should take place in their religion and customs.”
> “Truth, in matters of religion, is simply the opinion that has survived.”
> “Caste never made any sense to me. My religion is based on humanity.”
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Conclusion
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was far ahead of his time — a beacon of light in an age of darkness. Through his tireless efforts, he challenged orthodoxy, redefined religion, and sowed the seeds of modern education and women’s rights in India.
He was not merely a reformer but a revolutionary, who reshaped the course of Indian history. In today’s India, his ideals of rationality, humanism, and social justice are more relevant than ever.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s life is a powerful reminder that one person’s vision, courage, and compassion can indeed transform a nation.
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Tags: Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Father of Modern India, Social Reformer, Sati Abolition, Brahmo Samaj, Women’s Rights in India, Indian Renaissance, Indian Education Reform, History of India, Indian Reform Movements
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