Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:

1. He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East.
2. He desired his countrymen to accept the rational and scientific approach and the principle of human dignity and social equality of all men and women.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II

Explanation

Statement I is correct

• Rammohun Roy represented a synthesis of the thoughts of the East and West. He greatly respected the traditional philosophic systems of the East, but he also believed that modern culture alone would help regenerate Indian society. Roy proposed that a new India, guided by reason, should acquire and treasure all that is best in the East and the West. He wanted India to learn from the West but without imposing Western culture.

Statement II is correct

• Rammohun Roy argued for:
  • Monotheism (worship of one god)
  • Abolition of sati, widow remarriage, right of inheritance and property to women
  • Rational and scientific approach
  • Modern education for both men and women
  • Unity among Indians

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Easy