Which of the following organisations is credited with writing literary pieces for the abolition of Sati Pratha?
The Brahmo Samaj
Understanding Sati Pratha Abolition Efforts
The question asks about the organization credited with writing literary pieces advocating for the abolition of Sati Pratha. Sati Pratha was a historical practice in India where a widow would immolate herself on her husband's funeral pyre. This practice was deeply rooted in tradition but faced significant opposition from social reformers who viewed it as inhumane and barbaric.
Various social and religious reform movements emerged in India during the 19th century, many of which actively campaigned against practices like Sati. These movements used different methods, including writing, public speeches, and petitions, to raise awareness and pressure the authorities for change.
Role of Brahmo Samaj in Anti-Sati Movement
The Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, played a pivotal role in the movement against Sati Pratha. Raja Ram Mohan Roy himself witnessed an incident of Sati in his family and was deeply affected by it. He dedicated a significant part of his life to campaigning against this practice.
The Brahmo Samaj and Raja Ram Mohan Roy actively used literary means to oppose Sati. They wrote articles, tracts, and engaged in debates through publications to highlight the cruelty of the practice and argue against it based on humanitarian principles and interpretations of Hindu scriptures themselves. Their writings were instrumental in shaping public opinion and influencing the British colonial government to legislate against Sati.
Key aspects of Brahmo Samaj's efforts:
- Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a key figure in the anti-Sati movement.
- Used literature, essays, and public discourse to challenge the practice.
- Argued against Sati based on both reason and religious texts.
- Played a significant role in lobbying for legal prohibition.
Comparing Organizations and Their Focus
Let's look at the other options to understand why they are not primarily credited with the literary campaign for Sati abolition:
| Organisation | Primary Focus & Time Period (Relevant to Sati Abolition) | Role in Sati Abolition |
|---|---|---|
| The Harijan Sevak Sangh | Founded in 1932 by Mahatma Gandhi. Focused on the welfare of Dalits (Harijans). | Not directly involved in the Sati abolition movement, which was largely addressed by legislation in 1829. |
| The Brahmo Samaj | Founded in 1828 by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. A socio-religious reform movement. | Actively campaigned through literary works and advocacy against Sati Pratha, instrumental in its legal abolition in 1829. |
| The Satya Shodhak Samaj | Founded in 1873 by Jyotirao Phule. Focused on social reform, education, and empowerment of lower castes. | Active much later than the legal abolition of Sati (1829). Focused on different social issues. |
| The Bahujan Samaj | A modern political and social movement/party (late 20th century onwards). Focused on social equality and political representation for the Bahujan (majority) population. | Not relevant to the historical movement for Sati abolition in the 19th century. |
Based on the historical context and the primary focus of these organizations, the Brahmo Samaj is widely credited with leading the intellectual and literary charge against Sati Pratha, which contributed significantly to its legal prohibition in 1829.
Revision Table: Social Reformers and Movements
| Reformer/Movement | Key Focus Areas | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Raja Ram Mohan Roy (Brahmo Samaj) | Abolition of Sati, monotheism, education, press freedom | Early 19th Century |
| Jyotirao Phule (Satya Shodhak Samaj) | Anti-caste movement, education for women and lower castes | Late 19th Century |
| Mahatma Gandhi (Harijan Sevak Sangh) | Independence, Harijan welfare, non-violence | 20th Century |
Additional Information on Sati Pratha Abolition
The abolition of Sati Pratha was a landmark social reform in British India. Governor-General Lord William Bentinck officially banned the practice by Regulation XVII in 1829. This was a result of sustained efforts by Indian social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who provided crucial arguments and evidence against the practice, and lobbying by various groups, including Christian missionaries and British officials.
The literary efforts included translating ancient texts to show that Sati was not mandated by scriptures, writing essays detailing the horrors of the practice, and engaging in public debates to persuade people and the authorities.
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Important Questions from Socio - Religious Reform Movements in the 19th and 20th CE India
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Who was also known as 'Meera of Wagad'?
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