Understanding the Brahmo Sabha and Brahmo Samaj

The question asks about the later name of a significant reform association founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, initially known as Brahmo Sabha. This association played a crucial role in the social and religious reform movements in 19th-century India.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy and the Foundation of Brahmo Sabha

Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) was a prominent Indian social and religious reformer. He is often called the "Father of Modern India" or "Father of the Bengal Renaissance". He advocated for monotheism, opposed idol worship, and campaigned against social evils like Sati. To propagate his ideas and promote reform, he established a society.

• In 1828, Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Sabha in Calcutta.
• The term 'Sabha' means assembly or society.
• The primary aim of the Brahmo Sabha was to promote the worship of the Eternal Unsearchable Immutable Being, the author and preserver of the universe, among all sorts and descriptions of men, without distinction of caste, creed, or nation.
• It was conceived as a place of public meeting for simple monotheistic worship.

Evolution from Brahmo Sabha to Brahmo Samaj

The association founded as Brahmo Sabha underwent a name change over time. While it started as a 'Sabha' (assembly), it came to be known by a more formal and widely recognized name.

• Within a short period after its founding in 1828, the Brahmo Sabha became popularly known as the Brahmo Samaj.
• The term 'Samaj' means society or community.
• This name change reflected its growing influence and organized structure as a reformist society.

Therefore, the Brahmo Sabha, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, was later known as the Brahmo Samaj.

Analyzing the Given Options

Let's examine the provided options to understand why Brahmo Samaj is the correct answer and why the others are incorrect:

• Dev Samaj: This was founded by Shiv Narayan Agnihotri in Lahore in 1887. Its principles included the worship of truth, goodness, and beauty. It is distinct from the movement started by Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
• Arya Samaj: This reform movement was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. It advocated a return to the Vedas and opposed idol worship, caste system, and other practices. It was a different organization from the one founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
• Brahmo School: While educational institutions might have been associated with the Brahmo movement, 'Brahmo School' itself was not the name adopted by the Brahmo Sabha as its later designation.
• Brahmo Samaj: As discussed, the Brahmo Sabha, established by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828, quickly came to be known as the Brahmo Samaj. This is the correct later name of the association.

Based on historical records, the Brahmo Sabha founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy was subsequently called Brahmo Samaj.

Revision Table: Key Reform Movements

Additional Information on Brahmo Samaj

The Brahmo Samaj went through various phases and even splits after Raja Ram Mohan Roy's death. Key figures like Debendranath Tagore and Keshub Chandra Sen led the movement, adding their own perspectives and initiatives. Despite internal differences, the Brahmo Samaj continued to be an important force for religious and social reform, advocating for women's education, widow remarriage, and fighting against caste discrimination.

The legacy of Brahmo Samaj lies in its pioneering efforts to synthesize Eastern and Western philosophical and religious thought, advocating for a rational and ethical basis for religion, and its significant contributions to the social and educational upliftment of Indian society during the 19th century.