WBCS.LIVE practice question

Who was the founder of ‘Prarthana Samaj’?

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. Atmaram Pandurang
  2. Tilak
  3. M. G. Chandrakar
  4. M. G. Ranade

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Atmaram Pandurang

Explanation: The correct answer is A. Atmaram Pandurang. Prarthana Samaj was founded in 1867 in Bombay (now Mumbai) by Atmaram Pandurang, with the active support of reformers like M.G. Ranade. It was a socio-religious reform movement inspired by the Brahmo Samaj and aimed at promoting monotheism, social equality, and reforms in Hindu society. The Prarthana Samaj worked for the upliftment of women, widow remarriage, the abolition of caste distinctions, and the spread of education. It played a crucial role in the modernization of Indian society and laid the foundation for progressive thought in western India during British rule.