📘 Question (IAS Prelims 2025 | GS-I)

Q: Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:

I. He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East.
II. He desired his countrymen to accept the rational and scientific approach and the principle of human dignity and social equality of all men and women.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II

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✅ Correct Answer

(c) Both I and II

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🎯 Theme of the Question

Modern India | Socio-religious reform | Indian Renaissance | Rationalism and tradition

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🧠 Classroom Explanation

This question tests the understanding of Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s intellectual position, particularly his role as a bridge between Eastern philosophical traditions and Western rational thought. UPSC frequently frames such questions to check whether aspirants appreciate reformers as synthesisers, not as wholesale imitators of the West.

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🌱 Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Father of the Indian Renaissance

Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772–1833) is widely regarded as the Father of the Indian Renaissance because he laid the intellectual foundations of modern India by harmonising tradition with reform.

He had deep respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East, especially the Upanishads and Vedanta. He believed that Indian philosophy was inherently rational and ethical, and that many social evils arose not from religion itself but from its distorted interpretations. Therefore, he sought reform from within tradition, not its rejection.

➡️ Hence, Statement I is correct.

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🔬 Rationalism, Human Dignity, and Social Equality

At the same time, Raja Ram Mohan Roy strongly advocated the adoption of a rational and scientific outlook. He emphasised:

• Human dignity
• Social equality
• Gender justice

He opposed practices such as sati, caste rigidity, superstition, and blind faith. He believed that reason must guide religion and society, and that Indians should embrace modern ideas without abandoning ethical foundations.

➡️ Thus, Statement II is also correct.

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🏛️ Institutional and Intellectual Contributions

His reformist vision was institutionalised through:

• Atmiya Sabha (1814)
• Brahmo Sabha (1828), which later evolved into the Brahmo Samaj

Through his writings, including Precepts of Jesus (1820), he stressed moral and ethical principles over ritualism and miracles.

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🧭 Why Both Statements Are Correct

• Respect for Eastern philosophy did not contradict rationalism
• Rational reform was built on ethical traditions, not against them
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy consciously combined East and West

This synthesis defines the essence of the Indian Renaissance.

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🧩 One-Line Ready Recall

Raja Ram Mohan Roy respected Eastern philosophy while championing rationalism, scientific temper, and social equality.