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Question

The 'Tattvabodhini Sabha' was established by

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2020 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (02-Feb-2020)
The correct answer is

Debendranath Tagore in 1839

Understanding the Tattvabodhini Sabha

The question asks about the founder and establishment year of the 'Tattvabodhini Sabha'. This organization played a significant role in the Bengal Renaissance and socio-religious reform movements in India during the 19th century.

Founding the Tattvabodhini Sabha

The Tattvabodhini Sabha was indeed established by Debendranath Tagore. The purpose of the Tattvabodhini Sabha was primarily to promote a rational and monotheistic form of Hinduism based on the Upanishads and to disseminate knowledge on various subjects. It aimed to counter the influence of Christian missionaries and also to spread the ideas of the Brahmo Samaj.

When was the Tattvabodhini Sabha Established?

The Tattvabodhini Sabha was founded in the year 1839. Debendranath Tagore, the son of Dwarakanath Tagore, established the Sabha shortly after returning from a trip. The Tattvabodhini Sabha initially grew out of a smaller group called the Tattvaranjini Sabha.

Key Activities of Tattvabodhini Sabha

The Tattvabodhini Sabha undertook several important activities:

  • It published the 'Tattvabodhini Patrika', a journal that played a crucial role in spreading modern ideas and promoting Bengali language and literature.
  • It promoted the study of ancient Indian scriptures, particularly the Upanishads, interpreting them in a rationalistic manner.
  • It advocated for social reforms and education.
  • It served as a bridge between the earlier reform efforts like the Brahmo Sabha (founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy) and later developments in the Brahmo Samaj movement.

Examining the Options

Let's look at the given options and see which one correctly identifies the founder and the year of the Tattvabodhini Sabha's establishment:

Option Founder Year Correctness regarding Tattvabodhini Sabha
1 Debendranath Tagore 1839 This matches the historical facts about the Tattvabodhini Sabha.
2 Keshab Chandra Sen 1857 Keshab Chandra Sen joined the Brahmo Samaj much later (in 1857) and became a prominent leader, but he did not found the Tattvabodhini Sabha.
3 Akshay Kumar Datta 1850 Akshay Kumar Datta was an editor of the Tattvabodhini Patrika and an important member of the Sabha, but he was not the founder. 1850 is also not the founding year.
4 Dwarakanath Tagore 1840 Dwarakanath Tagore was Debendranath's father and a supporter of reform, but he did not found the Tattvabodhini Sabha. 1840 is also not the founding year.

Based on the historical information, the correct option is Debendranath Tagore in 1839.

Revision Table: Tattvabodhini Sabha Key Facts

Aspect Detail
Name of Organization Tattvabodhini Sabha
Founder Debendranath Tagore
Year of Establishment 1839
Main Objective Propagation of Upanishadic monotheism, spread of rational thought, social reform, education.
Key Publication Tattvabodhini Patrika

Additional Information: Related Reform Movements

The Tattvabodhini Sabha operated in a period of significant socio-religious awakening in Bengal. It was closely linked with the Brahmo Samaj movement.

  • Brahmo Samaj: Originally founded as Brahmo Sabha by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828, it advocated for monotheism and opposed idolatry and social evils like Sati. After Ram Mohan Roy's death, the movement faced challenges, and Debendranath Tagore's Tattvabodhini Sabha revitalized it by merging with it later.
  • Debendranath Tagore: Known as 'Maharshi', he systematized the beliefs of the Brahmo Samaj and played a vital role in its development. His leadership through the Tattvabodhini Sabha strengthened the movement.
  • Akshay Kumar Datta: A leading rationalist and materialist thinker of the time, he served as the editor of the Tattvabodhini Patrika and significantly influenced the intellectual direction of the Sabha and the Brahmo Samaj, emphasizing a rational and scientific approach.
  • Keshab Chandra Sen: He joined the Brahmo Samaj later and his dynamic leadership led to its rapid spread but also caused divisions due to his radical social reform ideas and approach to other religions.

Understanding the roles of these individuals and organizations helps in grasping the complex nature of the 19th-century Indian reform movements.

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