Question

Who was the founder of ‘Indian Reform Association’ in 1870?

• A. Devendranath Tagore
• B. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
• C. Keshab Chandra Sen
• D. Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Hint:

Remember: Keshab Chandra Sen (1870) → Indian Reform Association, while Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1828) → Brahmo Samaj.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Indian Reform Association was an important socio-religious and socio-educational organization established during the Bengal Renaissance. It emerged in the context of 19th-century reform movements that aimed at modernizing Indian society through education, women’s upliftment, temperance, and social welfare activities. The association was closely linked with the Brahmo Samaj movement and reflected liberal, progressive ideals influenced by Western education and reformist thought.

Step 1: Identifying the historical background During the second half of the 19th century, several reform movements arose in India, particularly in Bengal, focusing on eliminating social evils like child marriage, illiteracy, and alcoholism. Leaders of the Brahmo Samaj played a key role in expanding reformist activities beyond religious discourse into social action.

Step 2: Establishment of Indian Reform Association The Indian Reform Association was founded on

29 October 1870 by

Keshab Chandra Sen after his return from England. His exposure to Western liberal ideas encouraged him to create an organized platform for social reform activities that would work practically among the masses.

Step 3: Objectives and activities The association focused on structured reform through different departments:

• Promotion of female education and establishment of schools for women.

• Encouragement of affordable literature to spread literacy among common people.

• Promotion of temperance movement (anti-alcohol campaigns).

• Support for charity, industrial training, and social upliftment of the poor.

Step 4: Eliminating incorrect options

• Devendranath Tagore: Associated with Brahmo Samaj leadership but not founder of this association.

• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: Known for widow remarriage reforms and education but not related to this institution.

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Founder of Brahmo Samaj (1828), predates this organization.
Thus, the correct answer is clearly

Keshab Chandra Sen.