Who among the following social reformers established the ‘Prarthana Samaj’ in Bombay in 1867?

The correct answer is Atmaram Pandurang.

Key Points

• Atmaram Pandurang was a prominent social reformer and the founder of the Prarthana Samaj in Bombay in 1867.
• The Prarthana Samaj aimed at reforming Hindu society by discarding caste-based discrimination and promoting monotheism.
• It was inspired by the teachings of the Brahmo Samaj, which focused on rationalism and spiritualism.
• Atmaram Pandurang emphasized on abolishing child marriage, promoting widow remarriage, and improving the status of women in society.
• The organization worked towards fostering education, social equality, and ethical conduct among the people.
• The Prarthana Samaj leaders were also influenced by the ideas of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who was a pioneer of social reform in India.
• Atmaram Pandurang collaborated with other reformers like Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade to strengthen the movement.

Additional Information

• Gopal Hari Deshmukh
  • Known as Lokhitwadi, Gopal Hari Deshmukh was a social reformer and writer from Maharashtra.
  • He advocated for modern education, women’s rights, and the abolition of caste discrimination.
  • Though he was an important reformer, he was not associated with the founding of the Prarthana Samaj.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  • Tilak was a prominent freedom fighter and nationalist leader, known as the "Father of Indian Unrest."
  • He was associated with the Indian independence movement and is famous for his slogan "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it."
  • Tilak was not involved in social reform movements like the Prarthana Samaj.
• Ganesh Agarkar
  • Ganesh Agarkar was a social reformer and the first editor of the newspaper Kesari, started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
  • He focused on educational and social reforms, particularly emphasizing women’s rights.
  • However, he was not involved with the Prarthana Samaj.