To promote the monotheistic doctrine of Hindu scriptures, Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Atmiya Sabha (1815-19). Later, in 1828, he established the Brahmo Sabha, which evolved into the Brahmo Samaj.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy, often described as the Father of Modern India, played a pivotal role in various aspects of national life, striving for the regeneration of the Indian nation. In 1820, he authored the book “Percepts of Jesus.” Having mastered several languages, he published his first philosophical work, “Tuhfat-ul Muwahhidin” (A Gift to Monotheists), in 1805. In this work, he analyzed major world religions through the lens of reason and social comfort.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy and his associates confronted severe enmity and ridicule from orthodox Hindus. However, the influence of Brahmo Samaj expanded, with branches opening in various parts of the country. Although the number of Brahmo Samajists was not large, they represented a new spirit of rationalism and reform.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy adhered to the philosophy of Vedanta, grounded in the principles of reason. He vehemently campaigned against the oppressive system and, under the governance of Lord William Bentinck in 1829, successfully advocated for the abolition of the Sati system.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy actively opposed female infanticide, advocating for equal rights and education for women. He provided enthusiastic support to David Hars, who established the renowned Hindu College in Calcutta. Additionally, Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded Vedanta College in 1825, offering courses in both Indian and Western social and physical sciences.
• His recognition of the universal character of the principles of liberty, equality, and justice showcased his understanding of the significance of the modern age.

Adi Brahmo Samaj and Bharatiya Brahmo Samaj

• In 1866, a division occurred within the Brahmo Samaj. Debendranath Tagore established Adi Brahmo Samaj, while Keshab Chandra Sen led the formation of Bharatiya Brahmo Samaj.
• Embracing progressive practices, they promoted intercaste marriages and widow remarriages, opposed the custom of purdah, and condemned societal inequalities.
• These radical views led to the split in 1866, and Keshab Chandra Sen went on to establish the Temple of New Dispensation and the Indian Reform Association.

Dharma Sabha

• Dharma Sabha was established in 1830 in Calcutta under the leadership of Raja Radhakant Deb. 
• The primary aim of the Sabha was to counter the pro-Western, value-oriented propaganda promoted by the Brahmo Samaj.
• Additionally, Dharma Sabha strongly opposed Lord William Bentinck’s legislation to ban Sati in 1829. The Sabha aimed to preserve the existing socio-religious beliefs and practices within Hinduism.

Tattwabodhini 

• Tattwabodhini Sabha, meaning Truth Searching Society, emerged in Calcutta on October 6, 1839, after a split from the Brahmo Samaj.
• Founded by Debendranath Tagore, it sought to propagate the original ideas of Ram Mohan Roy. 
• The main objective of the Sabha was to promote a more rational and humanist form of Hinduism based on Vedanta and the Upanishads, the concluding part of the Vedas. 
• The Sabha actively encouraged a systematic study of India’s past in the Bengali language and played a crucial role in fostering a rational outlook among the intellectuals of Bengal.

The Young Bengal Movement

• The Young Bengal Movement was an intellectual and radical movement among the youth of Bengal. Led by Henry Vivian Derozio (1809-1831), a young Anglo-Indian, the movement was inspired by the French Revolution. 
• Derozio, who taught at the Hindu College from 1826 to 1831, encouraged his followers to think freely, question authority, uphold ideals of love, liberty, equality, and freedom, and challenge moral customs and traditions. 
• Despite its influence on the intellectual youth, the Young Bengal Movement, also known as the Derozians, failed to have a lasting impact. Derozio’s removal from the Hindu College in 1831 and the lack of support from other social groups or classes hindered the movement’s long-term success, as it lacked a substantial connection with the masses.

Prarthana Samaj

• Prarthana Samaj, established in 1867 with the assistance of Keshub Chandra Sen, was founded by Atmaram Pandurang. Serving as a precursor to the Paramahansa Sabha, Prarthana Samaj operated like a society aimed at spreading liberal ideas discreetly. It actively encouraged the dismantling of caste and communal barriers.
• Prominent members of this organization included Mahadev Govind Ranade, RG Bhandarkar, and NG Chandavarkar, and it had affiliations with the Bhakti cult in Maharashtra. Within Prarthana Samaj, discussions encompassed social issues such as the disapproval of the caste system, women’s education, widow remarriage, and raising the age of marriage for both males and females.

Justice Ranade and Prarthana Samaj

• Justice Mahadeo Govind Ranade emerged as the most influential member of Prarthana Samaj. 
• Under his guidance, the Widow Remarriage Association was formed in 1861, focusing on spreading education among widows.
• He actively worked towards the expansion of education among widows and played a crucial role in the establishment of Sharada Sadan, dedicated to spreading education among widows. Ranade founded a girls’ college in 1861 and the Deccan Education Society in 1887 in Poona.

Satyashodhak Samaj and Jyotiba Phule

• Jyotiba Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in Pune (Maharashtra) on September 24, 1873.
• This social reform society aimed to promote education and increase social rights, justice, and political access for underprivileged groups.
• Opposing Brahminical supremacy, the Satyashodhak Samaj primarily focused on uplifting dalits, shudras, and women in Maharashtra. Phule’s works, including “Sarvajanik Satyadharma” and “Gulamgiri,” served as sources of inspiration for the masses.

Jyotiba Phule

• • Jyotiba Phule (1827-1890), born in Satara, Maharashtra, belonged to the Mali (gardener) community and spearheaded a potent movement against upper-caste dominance and Brahminical supremacy. In 1873, he established the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth Seeker’s Society), with leadership from backward classes such as Malis, Telis, Kunbis, Saris, and Dhangars.
  • Additionally, Phule initiated the widow remarriage movement in Maharashtra and founded a home for widows in 1854. Recognized for his social reform endeavors, he was bestowed with the title Mahatma.
• Savitribai Phule, the wife of Jyotirao Phule, served as India’s first female teacher and a dedicated social reformer focusing on women and lower castes. She courageously raised her voice against the oppressive social system prevalent in 19th-century Pune, Maharashtra. Her contributions centered around principles of rationality, truth, equality, and humanity.

GH Deshmukh:

• GH Deshmukh advocated the reorganization of society based on modernity, secularism, and humanism. His notable works, including “Panipat War,” “Jatibhed,” “Lankecha Itihas,” and “Kalyog,” positioned him as the Morning Star of the National Movement in India.

Arya Samaj and Swami Dayanand Saraswati

• Swami Dayanand Saraswati formally established the first Arya Samaj unit in Bombay in 1875, with its headquarters in Lahore. The principles of Arya Samaj include the belief that God is the efficient cause of all true knowledge and everything known through knowledge.
• God exists and radiates bliss. He is formless, all-knowing, omnipresent, the foundation of all, the ruler of all, immortal, fearless, eternal, holy, and the creator of everything. He alone deserves worship.
• The primary objective of the Arya Samaj is to contribute to the well-being of the world, encompassing physical, spiritual, and social goodness for all.
• Our interactions with others should be guided by love, righteousness, and justice. Avidya (ignorance) should be dispelled, and Vidya (knowledge) should be promoted.
• One should not be satisfied with advancing one’s own welfare alone; instead, one should seek personal good through promoting the welfare of all.
• Individuals should consider themselves bound by societal rules designed to enhance the well-being of all, while also being free to follow rules for individual well-being.

Shuddhi Movement

• Dayanand endeavored for the reversion of Hindus who had converted to other religions like Islam and Christianity. To achieve this, he organized a purification ceremony known as Shuddhi.

Dayanand Saraswati

• At the age of 14, Dayanand Saraswati rebelled against idol worship. Shortly after, he left home and adopted the life of a wandering scholar in pursuit of knowledge. 
• During this period, he attained proficiency in the Sanskrit language and literature. In 1863, Dayanand commenced preaching his doctrine, emphasizing the existence of one God to be worshipped not in the form of images but as a Spirit.
• Swami Dayanand Saraswati asserted that the Vedas encompassed all the wisdom bestowed upon humanity by God, contending that the fundamentals of modern science could be found therein.
• He regarded the Vedas as the bedrock of Hinduism, representing the true original essence of the religion. 
• His guiding principle was “India for the Indians,” advocating a return to the Vedas to revive Vedic learning and uphold the purity of Vedic religion, distinct from a revival of Vedic times. Spreading this message nationwide, he founded the Arya Samaj in Bombay in 1875, with his most significant work being the “Satyarth Prakash.” Among his other notable works are “Veda-Bhashya Bhumika” and “Veda Bhashya.”

Ramakrishna Mission and Swami Vivekananda

• Ramakrishna Paramahansa, a key reformer in the latter half of the 19th century, served as a temple priest at Dakshineswar, near Calcutta.
• Embracing the sanctity of all faiths after interactions with leaders of different religions, he became a source of religious discussions and guidance for contemporaries like Keshab Chandra Sen and Dayanand. 
• To propagate Ramakrishna’s teachings, Swami Vivekananda, his favored disciple, established the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 at Belur Math near Calcutta (now Kolkata). The mission’s motto, “The best way to serve God is to serve mankind,” reflected its commitment to social service. 

Over the years, the Ramakrishna Mission has evolved into a robust center for various public activities, including disaster relief, healthcare, and education.