INSIGHT UPSC QUIZ

GS History Modern India
Q.

With regard to Prarthana Samaj, consider the following statements:

1. They were in direct confrontation with Hindu orthodoxy.

2. The wanted to develop a new religion based on polytheistic faith and worship.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

Explanation:
  • The Prarthana Samaj (also Prayer Society‘ in english) was founded in Maharashtra by Dr. Atmaram Pandurang in 1867 under the influence of Brahmo leader Keshab Chandra Sen. Later, Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade and historian Ramkrishna Bhandarkar also joined the Prarthana Samaj.
  • Besides the Brahmo movement, the socio-religious reform movements of Prarthana Samaj contributed for the welfare of the society.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The members of the Prarthana Samaj remained inside the Hindu fold as pure Hindus. They never thought of making themselves distinct from others. Their approach was not confrontation with Hindu orthodoxy , but they relied on education and persuasion. Their aim was to attack the evils from inside and to reform the society as its faithful members.

Statement 2 is incorrect: They believed in One God (monotheism) and social reforms based on 'works' rather than 'faith'.

  • The Prarthana Samaj felt greatly attracted towards Western education. It was their conviction that real changes in the society were impossible without the spread of European science and ideas. Therefore of its prime objectives was to establish English schools and popularize Western education. In Bombay and Maharashtra regions, the Samaj became active in educational enterprises.

Thus, Option D is Correct.

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