Raja Rammohun Roy
Explanation
The Brahmo Sabha was the first major socio-religious reform movement in 19th-century India, established to purify Hinduism and promote monotheism.
Analysis of the Options:
- Raja Rammohun Roy: He founded the Brahmo Sabha in August 1828 in Calcutta. It was later renamed the Brahmo Samaj. The organization aimed to reform Hindu society by opposing idolatry, polytheism, meaningless rituals, and social evils like Sati, while grounding its philosophy in the Vedas and Upanishads.
- Debendranath Tagore: He joined the Brahmo Samaj in 1843, years after Roy's death. He revitalized the movement by merging his Tattvabodhini Sabha with it and providing a formal organizational structure.
- Keshub Chunder Sen: He joined the Brahmo Samaj in 1857. His liberal approach and inclusion of teachings from other religions eventually led to a split in the organization in 1866, resulting in the formation of the Brahmo Samaj of India.
- Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar: A contemporary reformer, he is best known for his contributions to women's education and the legalization of widow remarriage (1856). He was not the founder of the Brahmo Samaj.
Key Takeaway: Raja Rammohun Roy established the Brahmo Sabha in 1828 to propagate monotheism and rationalism within Hinduism, marking the beginning of the Bengal Renaissance.