Why this matters now
Roy is among the most-tested reformers — Brahmo Sabha, Sati abolition, his support for English/Western education, and his journalism for press freedom.
Brahmo Sabha and religious reform
Roy founded the Atmiya Sabha (1815) and then the Brahmo Sabha (1828) — a monotheistic reform movement that rejected idol worship, polytheism and ritualism. He drew on the Upanishads, the Vedanta and reasoned theology, publishing “Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidin” (a gift to monotheists) and translating the Upanishads into Bengali and English.
Abolition of Sati (1829)
His most famous social campaign — using Hindu scriptural argument plus public petitioning — culminated in Lord William Bentinck’s Regulation XVII of 1829 banning Sati in Bengal Presidency. Roy similarly opposed child marriage, polygamy and caste rigidities, and supported widow remarriage and women’s education.
Education, journalism and last years
Roy championed modern English-language education — backing Hindu College (1817) and writing to Lord Amherst (1823) for science and Western learning. He founded the Bengali weekly “Sambad Kaumudi” (1821) and the Persian weekly “Mirat-ul-Akhbar” (1822), and protested the Press Regulations of 1823. The Mughal emperor Akbar II conferred the title “Raja” on him. He died at Bristol, England (1833).
UPSC angle
Know Roy — Atmiya Sabha (1815), Brahmo Sabha (1828), Sati abolition (Reg. XVII, 1829, under Bentinck), Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidin, Hindu College support (1817), letter to Lord Amherst (1823) on English/science education, Sambad Kaumudi/Mirat-ul-Akhbar, “Raja” title from Akbar II, died Bristol 1833.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Raja Ram Mohan Roy called the Father of the Indian Renaissance?
For pioneering modern reform of religion, society and education and founding the Brahmo Sabha.
What was the Brahmo Sabha?
A monotheistic reform body founded by Roy in 1828; it rejected idol worship, polytheism and ritualism.
When was Sati abolished?
By Regulation XVII of 1829 under Governor-General Lord William Bentinck — after a campaign led by Roy.
Did Roy support English education?
Yes — he urged the colonial government to fund modern English-language and scientific education for Indians.