R.G. Bhandarkar: Prarthana Samaj Member, Promoted Rational Hinduism, Opposed Caste

 

R.G. Bhandarkar: Prarthana Samaj Member, Promoted Rational Hinduism, Opposed Caste

Introduction

Sir Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar (1837–1925), a renowned scholar, orientalist, and social reformer, was a pillar of the Prarthana Samaj, a socio-religious reform movement founded in Bombay in 1867. Born into a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin family in Malvan, Maharashtra, Bhandarkar’s life was a blend of academic brilliance and a deep commitment to reforming Hindu society. His work with the Prarthana Samaj aimed to promote a rational form of Hinduism, free from superstition, idol worship, and the rigid caste system. Inspired by the Brahmo Samaj and thinkers like Raja Rammohan Roy, Bhandarkar believed that true social progress required religious reform as its foundation. His efforts left a lasting impact on Western India, shaping a more inclusive and rational society.

Reasons for Inception of the Prarthana Samaj

The Prarthana Samaj emerged in the mid-19th century against the backdrop of colonial rule and the influence of Western education. Several factors contributed to its inception:

Social Evils and Caste Oppression: The caste system was a major barrier to social equality. Lower castes faced discrimination, untouchability, and exclusion from religious and social spaces. Practices like sati, child marriage, and the prohibition of widow remarriage further oppressed women and marginalized groups.

Influence of Western Education: The spread of English education in Bombay exposed young intellectuals like Bhandarkar to liberal ideas of equality, rationality, and justice. Institutions like Elphinstone College, where Bhandarkar studied, became hubs of progressive thought.

Inspiration from Brahmo Samaj: The Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Rammohan Roy in Bengal, emphasized monotheism and rational worship, rejecting idol worship and caste distinctions. Its success inspired Maharashtrian reformers to create a similar movement tailored to their region.

Failure of Earlier Efforts: Before the Prarthana Samaj, Bhandarkar was part of the Paramahansa Sabha, a secret society aimed at abolishing caste and promoting monotheism. Its collapse in the 1850s taught reformers like Bhandarkar that social reform needed a strong religious base to succeed.

Cultural and Religious Decay: Popular Hinduism was steeped in rituals, superstitions, and priestly dominance. Reformers sought to revive the purity of Vedic ideals, emphasizing reason and devotion over blind practices.

The Prarthana Samaj was founded by Dr. Atmaram Pandurang in 1867, with Bhandarkar and Mahadev Govind Ranade as its intellectual leaders. It aimed to reform Hinduism from within, making it more inclusive and rational.

Course of the Prarthana Samaj under Bhandarkar’s Leadership

Bhandarkar’s involvement gave the Prarthana Samaj a clear direction and intellectual depth. The movement progressed through several key activities:

Promotion of Rational Hinduism: The Samaj rejected idol worship, miracles, and the idea of divine incarnations. Bhandarkar emphasized the “Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of Mankind,” advocating worship of one formless God. He drew inspiration from the Maratha Bhakti saints, particularly Sant Tukaram, whose devotional poetry he admired and studied extensively.

Opposition to Caste System: Bhandarkar believed caste distinctions were a social construct, not a divine mandate. The Samaj promoted inter-dining and inter-caste interactions, challenging the rigid hierarchy. Bhandarkar supported the upliftment of lower castes and sent Vitthal Ramji Shinde, a reformist, to England for higher religious education.

Social Reforms: The Samaj worked to abolish child marriage, promote widow remarriage, and encourage women’s education. Bhandarkar co-founded the Maharashtra Girls Education Society in 1885 to provide schooling for girls. He also advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity and encouraged Muslims to embrace modern education.

Educational Initiatives: The Samaj established night schools, free libraries, and study groups to spread knowledge among the working class and women. Bhandarkar’s academic background as a Sanskrit scholar and professor at Elphinstone and Deccan Colleges helped shape these efforts.

Tukaram Society: Bhandarkar formed the Tukaram Society under the Samaj’s banner to analyze the abhangas (devotional poems) of Sant Tukaram. This initiative aimed to understand the true spirit of Bhakti, which emphasized devotion over caste and ritual.

Collaboration with Other Reformers: Bhandarkar worked closely with Mahadev Govind Ranade, whose legal and political influence amplified the Samaj’s reach. The Samaj’s journal, Subodh Patrika, became a platform to spread reformist ideas.

Spread to Southern India: The movement extended to southern India through reformers like Kandukuri Veeresalingam, who carried forward its principles in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Unlike the Brahmo Samaj, the Prarthana Samaj took a cautious approach, allowing members to retain Hindu practices at home while promoting reforms. This made it more acceptable to orthodox Hindus, ensuring wider influence.

Results and Impact of the Prarthana Samaj

The Prarthana Samaj, under Bhandarkar’s guidance, achieved significant outcomes:

Weakening of Caste Barriers: By promoting inter-dining and supporting lower-caste education, the Samaj challenged caste prejudices. Its efforts inspired later movements like the Depressed Classes Mission, founded by Vitthal Ramji Shinde.

Advancement of Women’s Rights: The Samaj’s advocacy for widow remarriage and women’s education empowered women. The establishment of schools and homes for widows and orphans provided practical support.

Spread of Rational Thought: The Samaj’s emphasis on monotheism and reason reduced the hold of superstitions and rituals. It encouraged Hindus to question outdated practices and embrace a more ethical form of worship.

Contribution to Nationalism: By fostering Hindu-Muslim unity and social equality, the Samaj laid the groundwork for a unified national identity. Ranade’s Indian National Social Conference, inspired by the Samaj, addressed social issues on a national scale.

Educational Progress: The Samaj’s schools and libraries democratized education, benefiting marginalized groups. Bhandarkar’s scholarly work, including his studies on Sanskrit and Indian history, enriched India’s intellectual heritage.

Long-term Influence: The Prarthana Samaj influenced later reform movements and leaders, such as Mahatma Phule and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Its principles of equality and rationality resonated in India’s freedom struggle and post-independence social policies.

Conclusion

R.G. Bhandarkar’s association with the Prarthana Samaj was a turning point in India’s socio-religious reform movement. His vision of a rational, caste-free Hinduism transformed the social landscape of Western India. By addressing deep-rooted evils like caste and gender inequality, the Samaj paved the way for a more inclusive society. Bhandarkar’s legacy as a scholar and reformer continues to inspire efforts toward equality and justice. His life reminds us that true progress begins with the courage to question and the wisdom to reform.