During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who of the following founded the Prarthana Samaj ?

The Prarthana Samaj was founded in 1867 in Bombay by Atmaram Pandurang [1]. It emerged as an off-shoot of the Brahmo Samaj after Keshab Chandra Sen visited Maharashtra and helped inspire its formation [2]. While Keshab Chandra Sen was instrumental in spreading Brahmo ideas to Bombay, the actual founding of the organization is credited to Atmaram Pandurang [3]. The Samaj was a precursor to broader social reform in Maharashtra, later gaining significant momentum and an all-India character under the leadership of Mahadev Govind Ranade, who joined in 1870 [3]. Other prominent members included R.G. Bhandarkar and K.T. Telang [1]. The movement focused on monotheism, the worship of one God, and social reforms such as the abolition of caste orthodoxy, child marriage, and the promotion of women's education [4]. It was deeply influenced by the bhakti tradition of Maharashtrian saints [1].

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 19: Towards Modernity > The Prarthana Samaj (1867) > p. 300
2. [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 9: A General Survey of Socio-Cultural Reform Movements > Prarthana Samaj > p. 211
3. [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 9: A General Survey of Socio-Cultural Reform Movements > Prarthana Samaj > p. 212
4. [4] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 13: Growth of New India Religious and Social Reform After 1858 > Religious Reform in Maharashtra > p. 217