Question

Write short notes
Prarthana Samaj

Hint:

The Prarthana Samaj played a pivotal role in the 19th-century reform movements, laying the groundwork for progressive changes in Hindu society.

Answer 1

The Prarthana Samaj, or ”Prayer Society,” was a reformist religious and social movement established in 1867 by Dr. Atmaram Pandurang and Keshab Chunder Sen in Bombay (now Mumbai). The movement’s primary goal was to reform Hindu society by promoting social progress and challenging the rigidities of traditional practices.

Key Features of Prarthana Samaj:

• Religious Reform: The Prarthana Samaj opposed idol worship and advocated for the worship of a single supreme God. It promoted a more rational and spiritual approach to worship, in line with the broader 19th-century reformist ideas.
• Social Reform: The Samaj focused on a range of social reforms, including the advocacy for women’s rights, education for women, and the abolition of practices like child marriage and Sati.
• Impact on Social Movements: The Prarthana Samaj was influential in inspiring later movements, such as the Brahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj, contributing significantly to the social and political transformation of colonial India.

While the Prarthana Samaj’s focus was on religious reform, it also worked toward improving the socio-economic conditions of Indian society by addressing issues such as caste discrimination, the dowry system, and illiteracy.