📘 IAS Prelims 2025 — GS-I Q.11 | Classroom Explanation

📌 Question

Q.11) Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:

Statement I: He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East.

Statement 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)

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🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

This question tests understanding of Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s ideological position, especially his role as a bridge between tradition and modernity during the Indian Renaissance.

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🔍 Key Concept: Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Indian Renaissance

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772–1833) is regarded as the “Father of Indian Renaissance”
• Founder of the Brahmo Sabha (1828), which later evolved into the Brahmo Samaj
• Represented a synthesis of Eastern philosophical traditions and Western rational thought

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🔍 Statement-wise Analysis

✅ Statement I: Correct

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy had deep respect for:

• Vedanta
• Upanishadic monotheism
• Classical Indian philosophical traditions

• He did not reject Indian traditions outright
• Instead, he opposed:

• Blind faith
• Idolatry
• Superstitions and meaningless rituals

➡️ Hence, Statement I is correct.

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✅ Statement II: Correct

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy strongly advocated:

• Rational and scientific outlook
• Human dignity
• Social equality, including equality of women

• He supported:

• Abolition of sati
• Women’s rights
• Spread of modern education
• Acceptance of reason over blind adherence to scripture

➡️ Hence, Statement II is correct.

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🔗 Cause–Effect Understanding

• His respect for Eastern philosophy did not contradict his push for rationalism
• Instead, he believed:

• True Vedanta is compatible with reason
• Social reform is essential for national regeneration

➡️ This balance defines his reformist ideology.

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🧮 Logical Elimination (UPSC Style)

• Statement I → True
• Statement II → True

➡️ Correct option: (c)

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🎯 Final Answer

✅ Correct Answer: (c) Both I and II

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📦 Info Box — Extra Points (Prelims Value Add)

• Founded Atmiya Sabha (1814) to promote monotheism
• Believed reason is superior to blind scriptural authority
• Authored Precepts of Jesus (1820)
• Favoured modern education, capitalism, and industrial development
• Conferred the title ‘Raja’ by Mughal Emperor Akbar II

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🔗 Bridge Points (Future Questions)

• Brahmo Samaj vs Arya Samaj
• Indian Renaissance leaders
• Role of rationalism in socio-religious reform

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📍 GS Mapping

GS Paper I
Subject: Modern Indian History
Theme: Socio-religious Reform Movements
Nature: Conceptual + Ideological

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