Understanding the Book 'Gift to Monotheism'

The question asks about the author of the book titled 'Gift to Monotheism'. This is a significant work in the history of religious and social reform movements in India. Let's explore the options provided and identify the correct author.

Identifying the Author of 'Gift to Monotheism'

The book 'Gift to Monotheism' is also known by its Persian title, 'Tuhfat ul Muwahhidin'. This philosophical treatise examines different religions and argues for the unity of God (monotheism). It critically analyzes prevalent religious practices and superstitions of the time.

The author widely credited with writing 'Gift to Monotheism' is a prominent figure associated with the Bengal Renaissance and social reform.

Analyzing the Options

• Swami Vivekanand: A key figure in introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is known for his speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893. His works include 'Karma Yoga', 'Raja Yoga', etc. He is not the author of 'Gift to Monotheism'.
• Dayanand Saraswati: Founder of the Arya Samaj, a Vedic reform movement. His main work is 'Satyarth Prakash' (The Light of Truth). He promoted a return to the Vedas. He is not the author of 'Gift to Monotheism'.
• Keshub Chandra Sen: A philosopher and social reformer who became a leader of the Brahmo Samaj. He was influential in the syncretic movement of his time. While connected to the Brahmo Samaj founded by Rajaram Mohan Rai, he was not the original author of 'Gift to Monotheism'.
• Rajaram Mohan Rai: Often called the 'Father of Modern India', he was a social and religious reformer who founded the Brahmo Sabha (later Brahmo Samaj). He advocated for monotheism and opposed idolatry, Sati, and caste rigidity. He wrote extensively on religious and social issues.

The Author: Rajaram Mohan Rai

Rajaram Mohan Rai wrote 'Tuhfat ul Muwahhidin' (Gift to Monotheism) in 1803-1804 in Persian with an introduction in Arabic. In this work, he argues against idolatry and superstitious practices found in various religions, advocating for the worship of a single, formless God. This book reflects his early philosophical explorations into comparative religion and monotheism.

Conclusion on the Author

Based on historical records and the content of the book, 'Gift to Monotheism' (Tuhfat ul Muwahhidin) was written by Rajaram Mohan Rai.

Revision Table: Key Reformers and Works

Additional Information on Rajaram Mohan Rai and 'Gift to Monotheism'

Rajaram Mohan Rai was a polyglot and scholar who studied Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, Hebrew, Greek, and English. His reformist ideas were shaped by his study of various religious texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Quran, and Bible.

'Tuhfat ul Muwahhidin' was one of his early published works. It laid the foundation for his later religious and philosophical arguments. The book is significant because it represents one of the first attempts by an Indian intellectual to critically analyze different religious systems from a comparative perspective, advocating for rationalism and universalism rooted in monotheism.

His efforts led to the foundation of the Brahmo Sabha in 1828, which aimed to promote the worship of the Eternal Unsearchable Immutable Being who is the Author and Preserver of the Universe. This organization became the Brahmo Samaj, a pivotal force in the socio-religious reform movement in Bengal.