Identifying the Organization Founded in Bombay in 1867

The question asks to identify the specific organization that was established in Bombay during the year 1867. To answer this accurately, we need to examine the founding dates and locations of the organizations listed in the options.

Analyzing the Options for 1867 Bombay

• Theosophical Society: This organization was founded in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott in New York City, United States. Its headquarters were later moved to Adyar, Madras (now Chennai), India, in 1882. Therefore, the Theosophical Society was not founded in 1867 in Bombay.
• Prarthana Samaj: The Prarthana Samaj, or "Prayer Society," was indeed founded in 1867 in Bombay (now Mumbai). It was established by Atmaram Pandurang with the help of Keshub Chandra Sen. Later, prominent leaders like M.G. Ranade and R.G. Bhandarkar joined the movement. Its main aim was social and religious reform based on monotheism and humanism. This aligns with the criteria given in the question.
• Young Bengal Movement: This movement was a group of radical Bengali free thinkers emerging from Hindu College, Calcutta, in the early 1830s. It was led by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio. This movement is much older than 1867 and was centered in Calcutta, not Bombay.
• Ramakrishna Mission: The Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda on May 1, 1897. It was named after his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission are at Belur Math near Kolkata. This organization was founded much later than 1867 and not in Bombay.

Conclusion on Organization Founded in 1867 Bombay

Based on the analysis of the founding dates and locations of the given organizations, only the Prarthana Samaj was founded in 1867 in Bombay. It played a significant role in the socio-religious reform movements in Maharashtra.

Revision Table: Key Indian Reform Movements

Additional Information on Prarthana Samaj and Bombay Reforms

The Prarthana Samaj was a significant movement in the socio-religious landscape of 19th-century Maharashtra. It aimed to reform Hindu religious thought and practice. Unlike some other movements, it sought gradual reform within the Hindu fold rather than a complete break. Its key principles included:

• Belief in one God.
• Opposition to idolatry.
• Disapproval of the caste system.
• Emphasis on prayer and meditation.
• Advocacy for social reforms like women's education, widow remarriage, and abolition of child marriage.

Leaders like Justice M.G. Ranade linked the movement to political awakening, believing that social reform was necessary for national progress. The establishment of Prarthana Samaj in Bombay in 1867 marked an important step in the reform movement spreading to Western India.