The correct option is (b).
Explanation
The Paramhans Mandali was an early socio-religious reform organization in Western India, established to challenge orthodox Hindu practices, specifically idolatry and the rigid caste system.
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Paramhans Mandali was founded in Bombay in 1849, not in Calcutta in 1840. It was established by Dadoba Pandurang and Mehtaji Durgaram.
Statement 2 is Correct: The primary objective of the Mandali was the abolition of caste and the promotion of monotheism (belief in one God). Members expressed their rejection of caste rules by consuming food cooked by lower-caste individuals during their meetings.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Mandali operated as a secret society because its members feared social ostracism and backlash from the orthodox community. Consequently, they did not openly defy caste taboos; their reformist acts were confined to private gatherings. Furthermore, the membership was not predominantly composed of lower-caste individuals but included educated upper-caste reformers seeking to change the system from within.
Key Takeaway: The Paramhans Mandali (Bombay, 1849) was a secret society founded by Dadoba Pandurang that focused on monotheism and breaking caste barriers through inter-dining.