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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Answer & Explanation:
✅Correct Answer: (c) Both I and II
Explanation:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was one of the greatest social and religious reformers of 19th-century India and is often referred to as the “Father of the Indian Renaissance.” His contributions towards the modernization of Indian society and the promotion of rational thought, human dignity, and social equality are widely recognized.
Statement I:
“He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East.”
This statement is correct. Raja Ram Mohan Roy had deep respect for ancient Indian scriptures, especially the Upanishads and Vedanta philosophy. He was well-versed in Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, and several other languages, and studied the classical texts in depth. However, his reverence for Eastern philosophy did not mean blind acceptance. He admired the spiritual essence and rational elements of Indian philosophy, but rejected ritualistic practices, superstitions, and dogmas that he believed were contrary to true religious spirit.
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.”
This is also correct. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a progressive thinker who believed that reason and science should guide both individual and social conduct. He opposed practices like Sati (the burning of widows), child marriage, and caste-based discrimination, and advocated for the education of women, equal rights for all, and freedom of speech and thought. His efforts led to the abolition of Sati in 1829 under Lord William Bentinck’s administration. He also founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828 to promote monotheism, human values, and rational thinking.
Conclusion:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy combined the best of Eastern spiritualism with Western rationalism. He respected traditional Indian thought but was not bound by its regressive aspects. He strongly promoted social reforms based on reason, equality, and human dignity. Hence, both statements are correct.
✅ Correct Option: (c) Both I and II