Finding the Founder of Sambad Kaumudi

The question asks about the individual who founded the significant Bengali weekly newspaper known as 'Sambad Kaumudi'. This newspaper played a crucial role during the 19th-century social and religious reform movements in India, particularly in Bengal.

Let's look at the given options and determine who among them is associated with founding 'Sambad Kaumudi'.

• Rash Bihari Bose: Rash Bihari Bose was a revolutionary leader involved in the Indian independence movement. He is known for his activism against British rule, involvement in the Ghadar Mutiny, and his later activities in East Asia, including the formation of the Indian National Army. He is not primarily known for founding newspapers like 'Sambad Kaumudi'.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a prominent social and religious reformer, often called the 'Father of Modern India'. He was a polyglot and a strong advocate for education, women's rights, and the abolition of Sati. He actively used print media to propagate his views. Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded several publications, and 'Sambad Kaumudi' is one of the most famous newspapers he established.
• Shishir Kumar Ghosh: Shishir Kumar Ghosh was an Indian journalist and freedom fighter. He, along with his brothers, founded the influential newspaper 'Amrita Bazar Patrika' in 1868. While he was a significant figure in Indian journalism, he is not associated with 'Sambad Kaumudi'.
• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was another towering figure of the Bengal Renaissance, a social reformer, educator, and writer. He is known for his efforts towards widow remarriage and improving the status of women. He was associated with various publications and educational institutions but is not credited with founding 'Sambad Kaumudi'.

Based on historical records, 'Sambad Kaumudi' (meaning 'Moon of Intelligence') was indeed founded and edited by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. He started this Bengali weekly in 1821. The newspaper was a platform for discussing social issues, religious reforms, and advocating for various rights during that period. Its content reflected Roy's progressive ideas and his critique of prevailing social evils.

Therefore, the founder of the newspaper 'Sambad Kaumudi' was Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

Revision Table: Important Newspapers and Founders

Additional Information on Sambad Kaumudi and Raja Ram Mohan Roy

'Sambad Kaumudi' was not just a newspaper; it was a tool for social change used by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Through its pages, he addressed issues like the practice of Sati, advocated for women's education, and promoted modern scientific thought. The newspaper faced opposition from orthodox sections of society, who even started a rival publication called 'Samachar Chandrika'. Despite the challenges, 'Sambad Kaumudi' remained an influential voice for reform, reflecting Raja Ram Mohan Roy's commitment to modernizing Indian society through reason and public awareness.