Understanding Social Reform Movements in India

The question asks about the association of prominent figures like Karsondas Mulji and Dadoba Pandurang with a social reform organization that actively worked against evils such as the caste system and promoted progressive ideas like widow remarriage.

Karsondas Mulji, Dadoba Pandurang, and Paramahansa Mandali

Karsondas Mulji and Dadoba Pandurang were indeed key figures associated with the Paramahansa Mandali. This organization was founded in Bombay (now Mumbai) in the mid-19th century, specifically around 1849. It was one of the early socio-religious reform movements in Maharashtra that aimed to challenge the rigid social structures and religious orthodoxies prevalent at the time.

• Paramahansa Mandali: This was a secret society initially, primarily focused on attacking the caste system. Members would eat food cooked by people of lower castes, symbolically breaking caste barriers. They also advocated for widow remarriage and women's education.
• Dadoba Pandurang Tarkhadkar: Considered a founder of the Paramahansa Mandali, he was a key intellectual figure in Maharashtra's reform movement.
• Karsondas Mulji: A prominent journalist and social reformer, he was also associated with the Mandali and used his writings, particularly in his newspaper 'Satya Prakash' (Light of Truth), to expose social injustices and advocate for reforms, including criticizing the Maharaj sect's practices and supporting widow remarriage.

The work of Paramahansa Mandali was significant in paving the way for later, more widespread reform movements in western India. They challenged traditional norms and encouraged rational thinking and social equality.

Analysis of Other Options

Let's briefly look at the other options provided to understand why they are not the correct answer for Karsondas Mulji, Dadoba Pandurang, and their specific association with anti-caste work and widow remarriage promotion in the context of the organization described:

• Ramakrishna Mission: Founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897, it focuses on spiritual development based on Vedanta and various forms of social service (education, healthcare, relief work). While involved in social upliftment, its primary focus and founders are distinct from the context of the question and the specific figures mentioned.
• Arya Samaj: Founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875, it advocated a return to the Vedas, rejected idolatry, polytheism, caste based on birth, and child marriage. It promoted widow remarriage and inter-caste marriages. While sharing some reform goals, its founder and specific history differ from the Paramahansa Mandali and the individuals in the question.
• Brahmo Samaj: Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy (later developed by Debendranath Tagore and Keshab Chandra Sen) in the early 19th century, it was a monotheistic reform movement primarily active in Bengal. It worked against sati, child marriage, and polygamy, and promoted women's education. Although a significant reform movement, its geographical focus and core figures are different from the Paramahansa Mandali and Karsondas Mulji/Dadoba Pandurang.

Based on the historical facts regarding the founders, objectives, and key figures associated with these organizations, the Paramahansa Mandali is the correct match for Karsondas Mulji and Dadoba Pandurang in the context of working against the caste system and encouraging widow remarriage.

Revision Table: Social Reform Organizations and Key Figures

Additional Information on Paramahansa Mandali

The Paramahansa Mandali operated in secrecy for some time to avoid backlash from orthodox sections of society. Their meetings often involved symbolic acts to break caste taboos, like partaking in meals together regardless of caste. Dadoba Pandurang authored a text outlining the principles of the organization, emphasizing the oneness of God and the equality of all human beings. Karsondas Mulji's contributions through journalism helped spread awareness about the need for social reform and exposed hypocrisy within religious institutions.

The Mandali's activities, though not as widespread as some later movements, were pioneering in directly challenging the deeply entrenched caste system and advocating for the rights of women, particularly the right of widows to remarry, which was forbidden in many communities.