A secret socio - religious group Paramahansa Mandali/ Sabha was founded by which of the given options.
Mehtaji Durgaram
Understanding the Founder of Paramahansa Mandali
The question asks about the founder of a secret socio-religious group known as Paramahansa Mandali or Paramahansa Sabha. This was an important early reform movement in Maharashtra, India, during the 19th century.
What was the Paramahansa Mandali?
The Paramahansa Mandali was a secret society founded in 1849 in Bombay. Its main aim was to carry out socio-religious reforms, challenging prevalent social customs, particularly the caste system.
- It was a secret group because openly challenging caste rules and religious orthodoxy could lead to severe social backlash.
- Members reportedly ate food cooked by people of lower castes, which was a radical act at the time.
- They opposed idolatry and believed in one God.
Identifying the Founder
Let's look at the options provided and their connection to 19th-century reforms in Maharashtra:
| Option | Connection to Reforms |
|---|---|
| Atmaram Pandurang | A prominent leader and founder of the Prarthana Samaj (established later than Paramahansa Mandali, in 1867). |
| Jyotiba Phule | A major social reformer, known for his work against caste discrimination and for women's education, founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (1873). |
| Mehtaji Durgaram | Also known as Durgaram Mehtaji, he was a key figure involved in the founding of the Paramahansa Mandali. Along with Dadoba Pandurang Tarkhadkar, he is credited with establishing this society. |
| Balshastri Jambhekar | Considered the 'Father of Marathi Journalism', founded the first Marathi newspaper 'Darpan' (1832). He was involved in educational and social reforms but not directly credited as a founder of Paramahansa Mandali. |
Based on historical accounts, Mehtaji Durgaram (Durgaram Mehtaji) was one of the principal founders of the Paramahansa Mandali in 1849. He worked alongside others like Dadoba Pandurang Tarkhadkar to establish this pioneering reformist group in Bombay and Poona.
Conclusion
The Paramahansa Mandali was a significant early reform movement. Among the options provided, Mehtaji Durgaram stands out as a founder of this secret society.
Therefore, the individual who founded the secret socio-religious group Paramahansa Mandali/Sabha from the given options is Mehtaji Durgaram.
Important Questions from Socio - Religious Reform Movements in the 19th and 20th CE India
- The Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of the God) was organized by
Which one of the following statements about Tativabodhini Patrika is correct ?
Consider the following statements:
1. Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College was founded at Aligarh by Sayyid Ahmad Khan.
2. Sayyid Ahmad Khan was a great believer in religious toleration, and Hindus, Parsis and Christians had contributed to the funds of his college.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which one of the following organizations was started by Jyotirao Phule in 1873?
Who among the following is / was associated with ‘Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti'?
