Dadoba Pandurang - Co-founded Paramahansa Mandali, Opposed Caste System in Maharashtra

 

Dadoba Pandurang - Co-founded Paramahansa Mandali, Opposed Caste System in Maharashtra

Introduction
Dadoba Pandurang (1814–1882), a Marathi scholar and social reformer, was a pivotal figure in 19th-century Maharashtra’s fight against the caste system. As a co-founder of the Paramahansa Mandali in 1849, he championed rationalism, monotheism, and social equality. His work laid the groundwork for later reform movements like the Prarthana Samaj and Satyashodhak Samaj. Dadoba’s vision was to create a society free from caste barriers, where education and moral conduct defined human worth.

Reasons for Inception
The Paramahansa Mandali emerged in response to the oppressive caste system and Brahminical dominance in colonial Maharashtra. In the mid-19th century, Brahmins monopolized religious and intellectual authority, marginalizing lower castes and enforcing rigid social hierarchies. Practices like untouchability, denial of education to Shudras, and exclusion from religious rituals deepened social divides. Dadoba, born into a Brahmin family, was exposed to Western education and rationalist ideas through his work as a teacher and scholar. His association with the Manav Dharma Sabha, a reformist group in Surat, further shaped his critique of caste and orthodoxy.

The colonial era introduced Western liberalism and Christian missionary critiques of Hindu practices, prompting introspection among Indian intellectuals. Dadoba was influenced by these ideas and the Bhakti tradition of Maharashtra, which emphasized devotion over caste. His book Dharma Vivechan (1848) outlined a rational, monotheistic philosophy, rejecting idol worship and caste divisions. Frustrated by the slow pace of reform in the Manav Dharma Sabha, Dadoba, along with Durgaram Mehtaji and Bal Shastri Jambhekar, founded the Paramahansa Mandali to radically challenge caste norms and promote equality.

Course of the Movement
The Paramahansa Mandali operated as a secret society in Bombay, Poona, Satara, and other Maharashtra towns, reflecting the sensitivity of its mission. Its activities focused on breaking caste barriers, promoting education, and redefining spirituality:

Breaking Caste Rules: The Mandali’s most radical act was organizing communal meals where members, including Brahmins, ate food cooked by lower-caste individuals. This defied untouchability and symbolized equality. Members took pledges to abandon caste restrictions, a bold step in a conservative society.

Promoting Rational Monotheism: Dadoba’s Dharma Vivechan articulated the Mandali’s principles: worship of one formless God, rejection of idol worship, and emphasis on love and moral conduct. The Mandali promoted rational thinking, encouraging members to question rituals and superstitions. This monotheistic approach aligned with global reformist trends but challenged Hindu orthodoxy.

Advocacy for Social Reforms: The Mandali supported women’s education and widow remarriage, aligning with broader reformist goals. It advocated universal access to knowledge, criticizing Brahminical control over education. Young, educated Brahmins joined the Mandali, drawn by its progressive ideals.

Secrecy and Challenges: Operating secretly was necessary due to societal hostility. When the Mandali’s existence was revealed in 1860, it faced backlash from orthodox Hindus, leading to its collapse. Dadoba’s leadership was intellectual rather than organizational, limiting the Mandali’s ability to sustain itself against opposition.

Despite its short lifespan, the Mandali influenced Maharashtra’s reformist landscape. Dadoba later contributed to the Prarthana Samaj, founded in 1863, which continued his focus on social equality and monotheism.

 

Results and Legacy
The Paramahansa Mandali’s impact was both immediate and long-term. In the short term, it challenged caste norms by fostering inclusive gatherings and promoting rationalist thought. Its advocacy for women’s education and widow remarriage inspired later reformers like Mahadev Govind Ranade. The Mandali’s monotheistic ideology influenced the Prarthana Samaj, which gained wider acceptance and carried forward its reformist agenda.

However, the Mandali’s secrecy and radical approach limited its reach. Its collapse in 1860 reflected the difficulty of sustaining reform in a deeply traditional society. The movement primarily attracted urban, educated Brahmins, failing to engage lower castes or rural communities directly. Conservative opposition and lack of organizational structure further curtailed its impact.

 

In the long term, the Mandali’s ideas seeded Maharashtra’s reformist tradition. Its emphasis on rationalism and equality influenced Jyotiba Phule’s Satyashodhak Samaj and the broader non-Brahmin movement. Dadoba’s writings, particularly Dharma Vivechan, remained a touchstone for reformers advocating a casteless society. His role in the Prarthana Samaj ensured that his vision of social justice endured, contributing to Maharashtra’s progressive ethos.

 

Conclusion
Dadoba Pandurang was a quiet revolutionary whose Paramahansa Mandali dared to dream of a casteless India. By challenging Brahminical orthodoxy and promoting rationalism, he laid the intellectual foundation for Maharashtra’s social reforms. Though the Mandali’s flame burned briefly, its ideals illuminated the path for future movements. Dadoba’s life reminds us that even small steps toward equality can leave a lasting legacy in the fight for justice.

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