Prathna Samaj: Background and Establishment

The Prathna Samaj was a reformist movement that originated in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1867. It aimed to bring about social and religious reforms in Indian society, particularly among the Hindus. The movement was founded by Keshav Chandra Sen, a prominent social reformer and religious leader.

Role of Keshav Chandra Sen

Keshav Chandra Sen played a crucial role in the establishment and development of the Prathna Samaj. He was born in 1838 in Bengal and later became a disciple of the Brahmo Samaj, a reformist movement founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Inspired by the ideals of the Brahmo Samaj, Keshav Chandra Sen sought to bring about similar reforms among the Hindu community in Bombay.

Motives and Objectives of the Prathna Samaj

The Prathna Samaj aimed to address several social and religious issues prevalent in Indian society during the 19th century. Some of the key motives and objectives of the Prathna Samaj were:

1. Abolition of idol worship: The movement sought to discourage the worship of idols and promote a more rational and monotheistic form of worship.

2. Women's education and empowerment: The Prathna Samaj advocated for the education and empowerment of women, challenging the orthodox practices that restricted their rights and opportunities.

3. Caste and social equality: The movement aimed to eradicate caste discrimination and promote social equality among all sections of society.

4. Promotion of widow remarriage: The Samaj strongly advocated for the practice of widow remarriage, challenging the prevalent social stigma associated with it.

Impact and Legacy

The Prathna Samaj made significant contributions to the social and religious reform movements in India. Some of its notable achievements include:

1. Spreading education: The movement established several schools and educational institutions to promote literacy and modern education among the masses.

2. Women's empowerment: The Prathna Samaj played a crucial role in promoting women's education and advocating for their rights, contributing to the emergence of women leaders and activists in Indian society.

3. Social reforms: The movement's efforts to eradicate caste discrimination and promote social equality paved the way for a more inclusive and egalitarian society.

4. Influence on other reform movements: The Prathna Samaj served as an inspiration for other reformist movements, such as the Arya Samaj and the Brahmo Samaj, which further contributed to the social and religious reforms in India.

Therefore, it is evident that Keshav Chandra Sen was the founder of the Prathna Samaj in Bombay in 1867. His leadership and vision played a pivotal role in shaping the objectives and achievements of the movement.