Chapter 1
Raja Rammohan Roy: A Brief Biography
Raja Rammohan Roy, widely considered the "Father of the Indian Renaissance," was born on May 22, 1772, in the village of Radhanagar in Bengal. He was the son of Ramakanta Roy and Tarini Devi.
Chapter 2
Education and Scholarship
Roy was a prodigious scholar with a deep interest in languages and diverse cultures. His early education included mastering Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit. Over time, his intellectual curiosity led him to become a scholar in numerous other languages, including English, Latin, Greek, French, and Tibetan.
Chapter 3
Major Achievements
Throughout his life, Roy worked tirelessly as a social, religious, and educational reformer.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica
Brahmo Samaj: He founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828, a socio-religious reform movement that promoted monotheism and opposed idol worship and caste rigidities.
Abolition of Sati: One of his most significant achievements was his successful campaign to abolish the practice of Sati in 1829, working alongside the British Governor-General Lord William Bentinck.
Educational Reform: He was a strong advocate for modern education, helping to establish the Hindu College in 1817 and his own Anglo-Hindu School, which combined traditional learning with Western sciences. Chapter 4
Travels and Legacy
In 1830, Roy traveled to England as an envoy of the Mughal Emperor Akbar II, who bestowed the title of "Raja" upon him. He also visited Tibet during his younger years to study various philosophies.
Chapter 5
Raja Rammohan Roy passed away on September 27, 1833, in Bristol, England, where he is buried. He remains an enduring figure in Indian history for his efforts to modernize society and bridge the gap between tradition and progressive thought.