Who described Raja Rammohun Roy as ‘the inaugurator of the modern age in India’?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (1) Rabindranath Tagore.

Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Laureate poet, described Raja Rammohun Roy as the “inaugurator of the modern age in India”. Tagore's recognition of Roy stems from his pioneering role in shaping modern India through his reformist ideas and actions. Raja Rammohun Roy is often considered the father of the Indian Renaissance due to his advocacy for social reform, rational thinking, and modern education in a society that was steeped in traditional practices.

Why Tagore Called Rammohun Roy the "Inaugurator":
Intellectual Reform: Raja Rammohun Roy’s ideas were a break from the rigid and outdated practices of society and religion in 18th-century India. He was at the forefront of the Bengal Renaissance, which sought to bring about a social, religious, and intellectual awakening. His criticism of social evils such as sati (the practice of widow burning) and child marriage helped catalyze reform movements.

Social Reforms: His efforts to abolish Sati, promote education for women, and support freedom of expression set the stage for the modernization of Indian society. His advocacy for the rights of women and the downtrodden was revolutionary at the time.

Influence on Education: Roy also pushed for the introduction of modern education and scientific thinking. He was instrumental in promoting Western-style education through the establishment of schools and the translation of Western texts into Indian languages. He is known for his work on philosophy, rationalism, and his attempts to harmonize Indian tradition with Western ideals.

Information Booster:

Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941):

Notable Work: Gitanjali (1912), The Home and the World (1916)

Contribution: Tagore is one of the most celebrated figures in Indian literature. His vision of India was that of a modern nation, rooted in Indian values but open to global knowledge and human rights. He sought to reconcile East and West through literature, music, and philosophy.

Tagore's recognition of Raja Rammohun Roy as the inaugurator of the modern age reflects his belief that Roy’s intellectual contributions laid the foundation for a progressive society. Tagore himself was influenced by the modernization that Roy had championed.

In his autobiographies and writings, Tagore often acknowledged the profound influence of Raja Rammohun Roy on India’s journey toward modernity. He saw Roy as the first intellectual who not only embraced modern ideas but also applied them to the Indian context. His advocacy for reforming religion and culture brought significant shifts in Indian intellectual thought. Tagore viewed Roy as a harbinger of a new India, which was poised to embrace progress and rational thought.

Additional Knowledge:

Cavelly Venkata Boriah:

He was a prominent Indian intellectual and social reformer but is not as widely recognized for his literary contributions compared to Tagore or other reformers.

Mahatma Gandhi:

Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in India’s freedom struggle, focusing on non-violence and social harmony. He did recognize Raja Rammohun Roy as a pioneer of social reform but didn’t specifically call him the inaugurator of the modern age. Gandhi’s focus was more on the spiritual and moral upliftment of the people rather than the intellectual modernization that Roy promoted.

Jyotiba Phule:

Jyotiba Phule was a significant social reformer, particularly in Maharashtra. His work focused on uplifting the lower castes and women in India. He criticized Brahmanical orthodoxy and worked for education and social justice for oppressed groups. While he shared Roy’s vision of reform, it is not recorded that Phule described Roy as the “inaugurator of the modern age in India”.