Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:He possessed great love and respect for t

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Question

Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East.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?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C - Both I and IIStep-by-step Solution:Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) was one of the foremost social reformers and intellectuals of modern India, often called the 'Father of the Indian Renaissance' and the 'Father of Modern India'. Both statements accurately reflect his intellectual character and reformist vision.Statement I - Great love and respect for traditional philosophical systems of the East: This is correct. Despite being a champion of Western rationalism and modern education, Ram Mohan Roy had deep knowledge of and respect for classical Eastern philosophical systems. He was proficient in Sanskrit and studied Vedantic philosophy, the Upanishads, Persian Sufism, and Arabic texts. He translated and published the Upanishads in Bengali and English to demonstrate the monotheistic and rational core of ancient Hindu thought. His engagement with traditional Indian philosophy was genuine and scholarly. ✓Statement II - Desired countrymen to accept rational-scientific approach and human dignity/social equality: This is correct. Ram Mohan Roy was a vocal advocate for: Rationalism and modern scientific education (he supported English education and Western sciences); Social equality - he campaigned against sati (widow immolation), caste discrimination, and advocated for women's rights including widows' rights and education for women; Human dignity - he opposed child marriage and supported equal treatment irrespective of gender and caste. His founding of the Brahmo Samaj (1828) embodied monotheism, rationalism, and social reform. ✓Why other options are incorrect:Option A (I only): Incorrect. Statement II is equally correct and accurately characterises his reformist vision.Option B (II only): Incorrect. Statement I is also correct - Roy was deeply respectful of Eastern philosophical traditions despite his modernism.Option D (Neither): Incorrect. Both statements are accurate characterisations of Ram Mohan Roy's intellectual and reformist outlook.Key Concept: Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Born 1772 in Radhanagar, Bengal. Key contributions: Founded Brahmo Samaj (1828) - monotheistic, rationalist, anti-idolatry; Campaigned against Sati - abolished by Governor-General William Bentinck through Regulation XVII of 1829; Advocated English education and Western sciences; Translated Vedanta and Upanishads to demonstrate Hindu rationalism; Founded the Sambad Kaumudi (Bengali newspaper) and Mirat-ul-Akbar (Persian newspaper); Called for freedom of the press. His approach was syncretic - he blended the best of Eastern and Western thought. He is considered a key figure of the Bengal Renaissance and the beginning of the socio-religious reform movements of 19th-century India.

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