Understanding ‘Gift to Monotheists’

The question asks about the author of a significant work titled ‘Gift to Monotheists’, written in the Persian language. This book was specifically aimed at critiquing and denouncing the belief in multiple Gods, advocating for the concept of monotheism.

To answer this, we need to identify which prominent Indian reformer and scholar from the given options is known for writing such a treatise in Persian.

Analysing the Options

Let’s look at the options provided:

• Swami Shraddhanand: A key figure in the Arya Samaj movement, known for his work in education and social reform, particularly the Gurukul system and the Shuddhi movement.
• Swami Dayanand: The founder of Arya Samaj, known for his emphasis on the Vedas and his book ‘Satyarth Prakash’. He also advocated monotheism but primarily based on Vedic principles and wrote mainly in Hindi and Sanskrit.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Often called the “Father of Modern India”, he was a multi-linguist and a social and religious reformer. He founded the Brahmo Sabha (later Brahmo Samaj). He wrote extensively in Bengali, English, Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian, promoting monotheism and opposing idol worship and social evils.
• Swami Vivekanand: A disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, known for introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and his speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893.

Identifying the Author of ‘Gift to Monotheists’

Raja Ram Mohan Roy is well-documented as the author of a book titled Tuhfat al-Muwahhiddin (A Gift to Monotheists) which was published in 1803-04. This work was written in Persian with an introduction in Arabic. In this book, he presented arguments against polytheism and the worship of idols, advocating for the worship of a single, formless God. This aligns perfectly with the description in the question – a work written in Persian to denounce the belief in many Gods.

Therefore, Raja Ram Mohan Roy is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

‘Gift to Monotheists’ (Tuhfat al-Muwahhiddin) was one of Raja Ram Mohan Roy's early philosophical treatises. Through reasoned arguments, he challenged various religious practices based on the belief in multiple deities. His rationalistic approach and advocacy for monotheism were foundational to his later reformist activities and the establishment of the Brahmo Samaj, which sought to create a universalistic form of Hinduism based on Upanishadic monism.

Based on historical facts and the content and language of the book described, Raja Ram Mohan Roy is the undisputed author of ‘Gift to Monotheists’.

Revision Table: Key Works and Authors

Additional Information: Raja Ram Mohan Roy and His Reforms

Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) was a pioneering figure in the Bengal Renaissance. His efforts were multifaceted, covering religious, social, and educational reforms.

• Religious Reforms: His deep study of various religious texts (Hindu scriptures, Bible, Quran) led him to advocate for a rationalistic, monotheistic approach to religion. The Brahmo Sabha, founded in 1828, was intended as a place of worship for all religions based on the worship of a single universal God.
• Social Reforms: He actively campaigned against social evils like Sati (widow burning), caste system, polygamy, and child marriage. His efforts were instrumental in the abolition of Sati by Lord William Bentinck in 1829.
• Educational Reforms: He supported the introduction of Western education in India, believing it was essential for modernization and progress. He also advocated for teaching science and mathematics.
• Journalism: He published journals like ‘Sambad Kaumudi’ (in Bengali) and ‘Mirat-ul-Akhbar’ (in Persian) to propagate his ideas and educate the public.

‘Gift to Monotheists’ is a testament to his early intellectual journey and his commitment to reasoned discourse on religious beliefs.