50 Facts About Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Here are 50 facts about Raja Ram Mohan Roy, one of the most influential social reformers in Indian history:

🧠 Personal Life and Background

1. Born on 22 May 1772 in Radhanagar, West Bengal.
2. Belonged to a Brahmin family.
3. His father’s name was Ramkanto Roy, a Vaishnavite.
4. His mother, Tarini Devi, was a devout Hindu.
5. He was well-versed in Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, and English.
6. Also learned Hebrew, Greek, and Latin later in life.
7. Was married three times; his first two wives died young.
8. He was deeply influenced by monotheism from both Islamic and Christian teachings.
9. Travelled widely across India, including Varanasi and Tibet.
10. Died in Bristol, England, on 27 September 1833.

📚 Education and Language Skills

11. Studied Vedas and Upanishads at a young age.
12. Learned Persian and Arabic in a madrasa.
13. Read Quran and Islamic philosophy.
14. Studied Western philosophy and science.
15. Known for translating Sanskrit scriptures into Bengali, Hindi, and English.

🔥 Social Reform Movements

16. Best known for his efforts to abolish Sati (the practice of widow burning).
17. Instrumental in the passage of the Sati Regulation Act of 1829.
18. Campaigned for women’s rights, especially the right to remarry.
19. Opposed child marriage and polygamy.
20. Supported education for women.

🕊️ Religious and Philosophical Work

21. Founded the Atmiya Sabha in 1815 for religious and social discussions.
22. Later founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828.
23. Believed in monotheism—that God is one and formless.
24. Criticized idol worship and ritualistic practices.
25. Promoted universal religion and interfaith harmony.

📖 Educational Contributions

26. Advocated for modern education, especially in science and English.
27. Established the Anglo-Hindu School in 1822.
28. Co-founded the Hindu College (now Presidency University) in Kolkata.
29. Supported Western-style education over traditional gurukuls.
30. Wrote books and pamphlets to promote rational thinking and scientific temper.

📰 Journalism and Writings

31. Started the first Indian-owned newspaper, Sambad Kaumudi (in Bengali), in 1821.
32. Also published a Persian journal called Mirat-ul-Akbar.
33. Wrote in Bengali, English, and Persian.
34. Advocated freedom of the press.
35. Criticized British policies and religious orthodoxy.

🇮🇳 Political Contributions

36. Considered one of the first Indian nationalists.
37. Advocated for Indian representation in British administration.
38. Opposed unjust laws and taxation policies of the British.
39. Met British officials to present Indian grievances.
40. Was a pioneer of modern Indian political thought.

🌍 Work in England

41. Travelled to England in 1830 to present a case on behalf of the Mughal Emperor Akbar II.
42. Given the title “Raja” by Akbar II for diplomatic missions.
43. Lobbied for Indian rights in the British Parliament.
44. Engaged in discussions with Unitarians and Utilitarians.
45. Interacted with major thinkers like Jeremy Bentham.

🏛️ Legacy and Honors

46. Known as the “Father of the Indian Renaissance“.
47. Called the “Maker of Modern India” by Rabindranath Tagore.
48. His death anniversary is observed by Brahmo Samaj followers.
49. A statue of him stands in College Green, Bristol.
50. His ideas laid the foundation for India’s modern education system, women’s rights, and religious reform.