UPSC Prelims 2025 Q11: Modern History – Social & Religious Reform Movements
- (a) I only
- (b) II only
- (c) Both I and II
- (d) Neither I nor II
Answer: (c) Both I and II
Explanation
Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) - Father of the Indian Renaissance
Eastern + Western Synthesis:
| Commitment | What It Meant | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern (Vedanta) | Deep respect for Indian philosophy and Sanskrit wisdom | Studied Vedas, Upanishads, Arabic and Persian texts; founded Brahmo Samaj on Vedantic monotheism |
| Western (Rationalism) | Championed science, social equality, English education | Opposed sati and child marriage; advocated press freedom and universal human dignity |
| The Synthesis | Reform tradition using reason, not replace it | Opposed blind orthodoxy AND blind Westernization - the defining Indian Renaissance approach |
Statement I: TRUE. He possessed deep respect for Vedanta and traditional Indian philosophy.
He studied Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian texts and believed Indian philosophy contained universal truths.
Statement II: TRUE. He simultaneously championed Western rationalism, science, and social equality.
He advocated for English education, press freedom, and universal human dignity.
The synthesis: Roy's approach was not to reject Indian tradition but to reform it using reason and justice.
This dual commitment - Eastern wisdom + Western enlightenment - defined the Indian Renaissance and influenced every social reformer after him.
Answer: (c) Both I and II.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Only Statement I alone is insufficient. Roy also strongly advocated Western rationalism and social reform — Statement II is equally correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Only Statement II alone is insufficient. Roy's deep respect for traditional Indian philosophy is well-documented and central to his identity.
- (c) CORRECT. Roy simultaneously respected Eastern philosophical tradition (Vedanta) and championed Western rationalism, science, and social equality. Both statements are correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements are factually accurate — Roy embodies both traditions simultaneously.
Key point
Raja Ram Mohan Roy = respected Eastern philosophy (Vedanta) + advocated Western rationalism + fought for social equality. Not one or the other — both together.
Remember
Raja Ram Mohan Roy respected Eastern tradition AND promoted Western rationalism + social reform — both together.
Common mistakes
- Thinking Roy rejected tradition in favour of Western ideas. He respected Indian philosophical texts deeply — he used them to argue AGAINST social evils like sati.
- Thinking Roy was purely a traditionalist. He actively promoted English education, press freedom, and rationalism from Western Enlightenment.
- Not knowing Roy is called the Father of the Indian Renaissance — the bridge between Eastern heritage and Western modernity.
Exam tip
Roy = bridge figure. One foot in Vedanta (Eastern), one in Enlightenment (Western). He used both to argue for abolishing sati and establishing rational education. Key movement: Brahmo Samaj (1828).
Sources
- NCERT Class 8 History - Our Pasts III
- NCERT Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History Part III