Who among the following was known for promoting inter-caste and inter-religious marriages through legislation?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Raja Ram Mohan Roy

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) was a visionary social reformer who worked for the modernization of Indian society. He is best known for his campaigns against social evils such as Sati, child marriage, and caste discrimination.

• He was instrumental in advocating for inter-caste and inter-religious marriages, as he believed in the equality of all human beings regardless of caste or religion.

• His efforts were part of a larger campaign for reformist legislation in India. He worked with the British government and succeeded in the abolition of Sati through the Regulation XVII of 1829, which made the practice illegal. He also promoted education and the right for women to marry outside their caste or religion.

Information Booster:

• Important Dates:

  • 1772: Birth of Raja Ram Mohan Roy in Radhanagar, Bengal (now in West Bengal).

  • 1829: The Regulation XVII was passed by the British government, abolishing Sati, largely due to Raja Ram Mohan Roy's efforts.

  • 1833: Raja Ram Mohan Roy passed away, leaving a significant legacy in Indian social reform.

• Important Facts:

  • Brahmo Samaj: Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828, this socio-religious reform organization aimed at promoting a monotheistic approach to Hinduism and opposing caste-based discrimination and idol worship.

Additional Information:

• Annie Besant (1847-1933): A British social reformer and theosophist who promoted education, women's rights, and the self-rule movement but did not focus on inter-caste or inter-religious marriages.

• Pandita Ramabai (1858-1922): A social reformer who worked towards the upliftment of widows and women’s education but did not focus on inter-caste marriages.

• Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (1817-1898): Known for his educational reforms for Muslims, particularly through the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University, but did not specifically promote inter-caste or inter-religious marriages.