Q. Consider the following statements regarding “Prarthana Samaj”:
1. It was established by Atmaram Pandurang.
2. It was very attached to the bhakti cult of Maharashtra.
3. Paramahansa Sabha was the precursor of Prarthana Samaj.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 1 and 2 only

[C] 2 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D
Notes:

In 1867, Keshab Chandra Sen helped Atmaram Pandurang found the Prarthana Samaj in Bombay.  

  • Earlier, the Brahmo ideas spread in Maharashtra. A precursor of the Prarthana Samaj was the Paramahansa Sabha, something like a secret society to spread liberal ideas and encourage the breakdown of caste and communal barriers.  
  • The Prarthana Sabha was very attached to the bhakti cult of Maharashtra.  
  • The samaj relied on education and persuasion and not on confrontation with Hindu orthodoxy. 

Source: Spectrum Modern India. 

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