Understanding R.G. Bhandarkar's Role in Reforming Societies

The question asks about the prominent reforming society with which R.G. Bhandarkar was associated as a popular leader. R.G. Bhandarkar was a renowned scholar, social reformer, and educationist.

During the 19th century, India saw the rise of several social and religious reforming societies that aimed to eradicate social evils and promote rational thinking and monotheism. Key among these were the Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Theosophical Society, and Prarthana Samaj.

R.G. Bhandarkar and the Prarthana Samaj

Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar were significant figures associated with the Prarthana Samaj. The Prarthana Samaj, which translates to 'Prayer Society', was founded in Bombay in 1867. It was an offshoot of the Brahmo Samaj but adapted its principles to the Maharashtrian context. Its main objectives included:

• Belief in one God.
• Condemnation of caste discrimination.
• Promotion of women's education.
• Discouragement of child marriage.
• Advocacy for widow remarriage.

R.G. Bhandarkar was deeply involved in the activities of the Prarthana Samaj and played a crucial role in popularizing its ideals and leading its reform efforts in Western India.

Comparing R.G. Bhandarkar's Association with Other Societies

• Arya Samaj: Founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the Arya Samaj focused on a return to the Vedas and rejected idol worship, caste system, and child marriage. While a significant reform movement, R.G. Bhandarkar's primary association was not with the Arya Samaj.
• Theosophical Society: Founded by Helena Blavatsky and Henry Olcott, it focused on universal brotherhood, studying ancient religions, and investigating the hidden laws of nature and the powers latent in man. Annie Besant became a prominent leader in India. R.G. Bhandarkar was not a key leader of this society.
• Brahmo Samaj: Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the Brahmo Samaj was one of the earliest monotheistic reform movements. The Prarthana Samaj was influenced by it, but R.G. Bhandarkar was specifically a prominent leader of the Prarthana Samaj branch in Western India, rather than the Brahmo Samaj itself, although the lines were sometimes blurred due to the influence.

Based on historical accounts and his active participation and leadership roles, R.G. Bhandarkar is most popularly recognized as a key leader of the Prarthana Samaj reforming society.

Revision Table: Key Reforming Societies & Leaders

Additional Information on R.G. Bhandarkar and Prarthana Samaj

Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar (1837-1925) was not only a social reformer but also a distinguished Indologist. His scholarly work lent significant credibility to the Prarthana Samaj's efforts to base reforms on ancient Indian scriptures, albeit interpreted in a rational and monotheistic light. His association helped the movement gain wider acceptance among the educated class in Maharashtra.

The Prarthana Samaj, unlike the Arya Samaj, was less assertive and aimed at gradual reforms through prayer and persuasion. It focused on improving social conditions within the existing religious framework, advocating for internal changes rather than a complete break.