The Dharma Sabha was formed in the 1820s in response to the growing influence of British colonialism in India. The Sabha was established to protect Hinduism and its traditions from the influence of Western culture. It was a reaction to the fear that the British would try to undermine the Hindu religion, culture and tradition.



The main role of the Dharma Sabha was to promote and protect Hinduism. It aimed to:

- Preserve the purity of Hinduism by purging it of foreign elements and practices.
- Promote religious education to protect and preserve Hindu traditions.
- Organize religious and social events to spread awareness of Hinduism.
- Promote Hindu unity and solidarity.



The Dharma Sabha played a significant role in shaping the Hindu response to British colonialism. It helped in:

- Creating a sense of community and solidarity amongst Hindus.
- Promoting the preservation of Hindu traditions and values.
- Providing a platform for Hindu leaders to voice their opinions.
- Encouraging the development of a distinct Hindu identity.

However, the Dharma Sabha also had some negative impacts. It led to the creation of a rigid orthodoxy within the Hindu community, which discouraged innovation and change. It also led to the exclusion of lower castes and women from its activities.



In conclusion, the Dharma Sabha was formed primarily to protect and preserve Hinduism from the influence of Western culture. It played an important role in shaping the Hindu response to British colonialism and promoting the preservation of Hindu traditions and values. However, it also had some negative impacts, such as the creation of a rigid orthodoxy and the exclusion of lower castes and women.

Dharma Sabha was formed in 1829 in Calcutta by Raja Radhakant Deb. The organization was established mainly to counter the ongoing social reform movements led by protagonists such as Raja Ram Mohun Roy and Henry Derozio. More specifically, the impetus of forming the organization came from a new law enacted by the colonial Government which banned the practice of sati in the country; the focus of the new association was to repel the law which was seen as an intrusion by the Government into the religious affairs of the indigenous people by some sections of the Hindu community.
The organization soon morphed into a 'society in defense of Hindu way of life or culture'.