Question

Select the statements which are correct regarding Raja Ram Mohan Roy:

• A. He preached monotheism.
• B. He supported idol worship.
• C. He observed the misinterpretation of Hinduism.
• D. He opposed meaningless religious ceremonies.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C), (D)

He opposed meaningless religious ceremonies.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was born in 1772 to a prosperous Brahmin family in British-ruled Bengal. He read the Upanishads, which helped him further understand that there was a new revelation of one infinite divine being, the eternal Brahmin. He observed a misinterpretation of the teachings of Hinduism around him. This led to him preaching monotheism, meaning praying to one god. He also preached against Idol-worship, as it was not mentioned in the Vedas. By 1803, he started speaking against India’s superstition, opposed meaningless religious ceremonies and all forms of harmful social customs.