The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Raja Rammohun Roy, often regarded as the father of the Indian Renaissance, initiated socio-religious reforms in the 19th century by synthesizing Western rationalism with the philosophical depths of ancient Indian scriptures.
Statement 1 is Correct: Raja Rammohun Roy founded the Brahmo Sabha in August 1828 in Calcutta. It was later renamed the Brahmo Samaj. The institution was established to purify Hinduism and preach monotheism, opposing idolatry and meaningless rituals.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Raja Rammohun Roy did not rely exclusively on Western thought, nor did he reject ancient Indian texts. On the contrary, he extensively cited the Vedas and Upanishads to demonstrate that practices like idolatry, polytheism, and Sati were not sanctioned by the ancient scriptures. His methodology involved using the authority of religious texts to support rational social reforms.
Statement 3 is Correct: He led a sustained campaign against the inhuman practice of Sati. His efforts, combined with public opinion and official support, led Governor-General Lord William Bentinck to pass Regulation XVII in 1829, which declared Sati illegal and punishable by law.
Key Takeaway: Raja Rammohun Roy’s reformist approach was rooted in a constructive synthesis of modern Western values (liberty, equality, rationality) and the monotheistic principles of ancient Vedanta, rather than a total rejection of Indian tradition.