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Brahmo Samaj was a socio-religious reform movement in 19th-century India, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Brahmo Samaj played a major role in modernizing and reforming Indian society.
Deeksha Dixit7 May, 2025
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The Brahmo Samaj was one of the most important socio-religious reform movements in India, founded in 1828 in Calcutta (now Kolkata) by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. This movement encouraged rational thinking, monotheism, and social reforms like the abolition of caste discrimination and child marriage. Founded during British rule, the Brahmo Samaj movement was at the forefront of campaigns against social evils such as sati. Read on to learn more!
About Brahmo Samaj
The Brahmo Samaj was a theistic socio-religious reform movement that aimed to purify Hinduism by removing superstitions and harmful social practices. The movement rejected idol worship, polytheism, and the rigid caste system, while introducing the idea of one formless God. Brahmo Samaj started in 1828 by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and later leaders like Debendranath Tagore and Keshab Chandra Sen contributed to it.
Brahmo Samaj
Founding
Established in 1828 in Calcutta by Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
Key Leaders
Raja Ram Mohan Roy (founder), Debendranath Tagore, Keshab Chandra Sen, Rabindranath Tagore, Anandamohan Bose.
Core Principles
Monotheism: Belief in one formless God
Rejection of idol worship, polytheism, and rituals
Emphasis on reason, rationality, and ethical conduct
Objectives
Purify Hinduism and promote rationalism
End social evils like sati, child marriage, caste discrimination, and polygamy
Promote women’s rights, widow remarriage, and modern education
Develop religious tolerance and universalism.
Major Reforms
Abolition of Sati (1829)
Campaigns against child marriage and caste system
Advocacy for widow remarriage and women’s education
Promotion of modern, secular education
Support for freedom of speech and press
Schisms
Split in 1866 into Adi Brahmo Samaj (Debendranath Tagore) and Brahmo Samaj of India (Keshab Chandra Sen)
Legacy
Pioneered social and religious reform in India
Inspired other movements (Prarthana Samaj, Arya Samaj)
Influenced Indian nationalism and women’s rights
Promoted rational, ethical, and inclusive approaches to religion and society.
Decline
Influence declined by the late 19th century, but its reformist legacy continues to shape modern Indian society
Brahmo Samaj History
The history of Brahmo Samaj begins in 1828 when India was under British rule, and Indian society suffered from many evils such as Sati, child marriage, caste-based discrimination, and blind rituals. This movement emerged during the Bengali Renaissance and gave rise to social reformers who believed religion should be rational and just.
Year
Event
1828
Brahmo Sabha (later Brahmo Samaj) established by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Dwarkanath Tagore on August 20 in Calcutta.
1830
First Brahmo Place of Worship established at Chitpur, Calcutta, via a legal Trust Deed; public inauguration of Adi Brahmo Samaj.
1833
Raja Ram Mohan Roy died in Bristol, England.
1839
Debendranath Tagore formed Tattwabodhini Sabha, which promoted rational and spiritual ideas.
1843
Tattwabodhini Sabha merged with Brahmo Sabha; Calcutta Brahmo Samaj established.
1850
Publication of Brahma Dharma by Debendranath Tagore; marked separation from orthodox Hinduism.
1857
Keshab Chandra Sen joined Brahmo Samaj, bringing new reformist energy.
1866
Schism: Keshab Chandra Sen and his followers separated, forming the Brahmo Samaj of India; original group became Adi Brahmo Samaj.
1872
Indian Marriage Act passed, legalizing inter-caste marriage, influenced by Brahmo Samaj.
1878
Sadharan Brahmo Samaj formed in Calcutta, led by Umesh Chandra Dutta, Sib Nath Shastri, and Ananda Mohan Bose.
Brahmo Samaj Founder
The founder of the Brahmo Samaj was Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772–1833). He was a brilliant scholar, reformer, and thinker who strongly opposed social evils like Sati, polygamy, and child marriage. Roy believed that religion should be based on reason and morality.
In 1828, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, along with a few like-minded people, established the Brahmo Sabha. This later became the Brahmo Samaj. He aimed to create a society where people could worship one God without any fear or superstition.
Roy used ancient texts and logic to argue against religious dogmas, and his efforts were supported by Christian missionaries and the British government. Later, Brahmo Samaj gave rise to subsequent reform movements contributing to the rise of Indian nationalism.
Key Leaders of Brahmo Samaj
After Raja Ram Mohan Roy, several great leaders carried the Brahmo Samaj movement forward by making important contributions to both religious and social reforms. Some of the key leaders were:
Debendranath Tagore (1817–1905)
After Roy’s death, Debendranath Tagore emerged as a central figure in continuing and strengthening the Brahmo Samaj. He focused on making the movement more spiritual and moral. Tagore also merged the Tattwabodhini Sabha with the Brahmo Samaj, further enriching its philosophical and ethical base.
Keshab Chandra Sen (1838–1884)
Keshab Chandra Sen played a key role in expanding the reach and modern outlook of the Brahmo Samaj. He supported progressive causes such as women’s education, the end of child marriage, and inter-caste unions. Following internal disagreements, he established the Brahmo Samaj of India, which promoted a vision of spiritual unity blending Eastern philosophies with Western liberal values.
Sivnath Shastri (1847-1919)
Sivanath Sastri was born into a religious Hindu family but was drawn to the Brahmo Samaj during his youth. In 1869, he was initiated into Brahmoism by Keshub Chandra Sen, along with others like Ananda Mohan Bose. As a preacher and leading figure in the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj, he inspired many across India and even visited England to spread the Brahmo message.
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941)
Though best known as a Nobel-winning poet and thinker, Rabindranath Tagore was deeply influenced by Brahmo ideals through his upbringing. His work often reflected themes of reason, morality, and social reform. He continued the intellectual and ethical traditions of the Brahmo Samaj in his writings and public life.
Brahmo Samaj’s Impact
The impact of the Brahmo Samaj on Indian society was deep and far-reaching. It changed people’s thinking about religion, women’s rights, and caste. Some of its key impacts include:
Abolition of Sati: Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s activism, backed by the Brahmo Samaj, led to the ban on Sati in 1829.
Women's Education: The Samaj promoted schools for girls and fought against child marriage and polygamy.
Widow Remarriage: The Samaj supported laws and campaigns allowing widows to remarry with dignity.
Caste Equality: It supported inter-caste marriage and rejected caste-based discrimination.
Religious Reform: It inspired people to see God as one and without form.
Inspired Other Movements: Arya Samaj, Prarthana Samaj, and other groups were inspired by the Brahmo Samaj.
The impact of the Brahmo Samaj movement can still be felt in India’s modern outlook on religion and society.
Split Organisation of Brahmo Samaj
Over time, differences in opinion led to a split organisation of Brahmo Samaj. The first major split came in 1866 when Keshab Chandra Sen and Debendranath Tagore disagreed on practices and beliefs. Brahmo Samaj split into the following groups over the years:
Year
Organisation
Founder/Leader
Characteristics and Focus
1866
Adi Brahmo Samaj
Debendranath Tagore
The original branch, emphasized spiritual and philosophical reform, monotheism, and ethical living. Maintained a more conservative approach, balancing tradition with reform.
1866
Brahmo Samaj of India
Keshab Chandra Sen
Formed after a schism over radical reforms. Advocated modern, radical social changes including women’s rights, inter-caste marriage, and universalism.
1878
Sadharan Brahmo Samaj
Anandamohan Bose, Shibchandra Deb, Umesh Chandra Datta
Emerged from further disagreements within Keshab Chandra Sen’s group, especially after his daughter's controversial underage marriage. Focused on democratic governance, inclusivity, and progressive social reform.
Decline of Brahmo Samaj
The decline of Brahmo Samaj started in the late 19th century. With growing political movements and new reform groups, its influence began to fade. Reasons for the decline of Brahmo Samaj include:
Internal divisions and lack of unity
Rise of nationalist movements focusing more on political freedom
Decline in leadership and public support
Resistance from orthodox religious groups
Also, the Samaj remained limited to the urban educated classes. It could not reach the masses like other movements.
Despite its decline, the Brahmo Samaj laid the foundation for modern Indian thought. Its reforms created awareness that lasted beyond the organisation itself.
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