Raja Rammohun Roy (1772-1833) was a prominent social reformer and the founder of the Brahmo

Samaj, an influential socio-religious reform movement in India. Known as the "Father of the Indian
Renaissance," Roy's efforts spanned various fields, including religion, education, politics, and social
reform. Here’s an overview of his life and contributions:

### **Early Life and Education**

- **Birth**: Raja Rammohun Roy was born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, Bengal (now in West
Bengal, India).

- **Family**: He came from a well-to-do Bengali Brahmin family. His father, Ramakanta Roy, was a
Vaishnavite, and his mother, Tarini Devi, was a devout Shaivite.

- **Education**: Roy received a traditional education, studying Persian, Arabic, and Sanskrit. His
exposure to diverse religious texts, including the Quran, the Vedas, and Upanishads, deeply
influenced his thinking.

### **Religious Reforms**

- **Critique of Idol Worship**: Early in his life, Roy developed a critical view of idol worship and
polytheism prevalent in Hinduism. His writings, like "Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidin" (A Gift to Monotheists),
reflected his monotheistic beliefs.

- **Brahmo Samaj**: In 1828, he founded the Brahmo Samaj, advocating for the worship of a
singular God and rejecting the ritualistic practices of Hinduism. The Brahmo Samaj became a
platform for religious and social reforms, including the fight against caste discrimination and
superstitions.

### **Social Reforms**

- **Abolition of Sati**: Roy is best known for his campaign against the inhuman practice of Sati,
where widows were forced to immolate themselves on their husbands' funeral pyres. His persistent
efforts led to the abolition of Sati by the British Governor-General, Lord William Bentinck, in 1829.

- **Women's Rights**: He advocated for women's education, property rights, and remarriage of
widows, aiming to improve the status of women in society.

### **Educational Reforms**

- **Modern Education**: Roy believed in the importance of modern education for the progress of
society. He established several institutions, including the Hindu College (now Presidency University)
in Kolkata, promoting Western sciences and rational thinking.

- **Publications**: Through his publications, such as the "Sambad Kaumudi" (a Bengali weekly
newspaper), Roy disseminated ideas on social, political, and educational reforms.
### **Political Contributions**

- **Advocacy for Rights**: Roy was a vocal advocate for civil and political rights, supporting freedom
of speech and press. He also campaigned for the rights of Indian peasants and workers against
oppressive practices.

- **Diplomacy**: He traveled to England in 1830 as an ambassador of the Mughal Emperor Akbar

Shah II, seeking support against the British East India Company's policies.

### **Later Life and Legacy**

- **Stay in England**: During his stay in England, Roy continued his reformist activities, engaging
with British intellectuals and politicians. He passed away on September 27, 1833, in Bristol, England.

- **Legacy**: Raja Rammohun Roy's contributions laid the groundwork for subsequent social and
religious reforms in India. His pioneering efforts inspired future generations of reformers and played
a crucial role in shaping modern Indian society.

Raja Rammohun Roy's life was a testament to his commitment to rationalism, social justice, and the
pursuit of knowledge. His work transcended religious and cultural boundaries, leaving an enduring
impact on Indian society.