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Which of the following statements about Prarthana Samaj is correct? 1. Its aim was to reform Hindu society. 2. It was based in Maharashtra. 3. It believed in monotheism. 4. It has greatly influenced the Brahmo Samaj. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
The Prarthana Samaj was a socio-religious reform movement founded in Bombay, Maharashtra, in 1867 by Atmaram Pandurang [2]. Its primary aim was to reform Hindu society by addressing issues like the caste system, child marriage, and the status of women [5]. The movement was deeply rooted in monotheism, preaching the worship of one formless God and rejecting idol worship and priestly domination [3]. While the Prarthana Samaj was powerfully influenced by the Brahmo Samaj—often described as its off-shoot or inspired by the visit of Keshab Chandra Sen to Bombay—it did not influence the Brahmo Samaj; rather, the influence flowed in the opposite direction [2]. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct, while statement 4 is incorrect because the Brahmo Samaj preceded and influenced the Prarthana Samaj [4].
Sources
- [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 19: Towards Modernity > The Prarthana Samaj (1867) > p. 300
- [2] 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
- [5] https://www.mcgm.gov.in/irj/go/km/docs/documents/D%20Ward/Heritage-Sites/86_Legacy%20of%20D%20Ward_Article_Prarthana%20Samaj.pdf
- [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] History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 1: Rise of Nationalism in India > 1.3 Social and Religious Reforms > p. 6