The Brahmo Samaj Movement In Punjab : The Life, Times & Works of Bhai Prakash Dev 1855-1914

Professor Sumanta Niyogi

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The present study makes a foray into a largely unexplored area of modern Indian history — the entrance, activities & impact of a socio-religious reform movement in the tradition-bound conservative society of Punjab during the 19th & early 20th centuries. Truly, the untold story of the origin, rise & decline of the Brahmo Samaj in Punjab is so significant historically, so invigorating intellectually, & so inspiring spiritually that it needed to be revealed much earlier. In its short span of existence in the province. the Brahmo Samaj. aided by the hard work & dedication of several of its noble spirits that included Keshubchandra Sen, Sivanath Sastri, Nabin Chandra Roy, Shivanarayan Agnihotri, Ruchi Ram Sahni, Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia and above all, Bhai Prakash Dev, who forms the central theme of our discussion, promoted the spread of modern education & political consciousness in Punjab by setting up numerous schools, colleges and libraries, & by publishing newspapers, journals, and books in Urdu, Gurumukhi & English. It, thus, left a legacy that enriched, ennobled & enlightened the province’s society, culture & intellect.

Interestingly enough, the historic city of Lahore was once the nodal of point of the Samaj activities not only in the huge province of Punjab of the pre-Partition days but also in the neighbouring areas of Delhi, west UP & North-west Frontier Provinces as far as Peshawar & Quetta. This will sound as mythological to the present generation, grown up with the horrifying tales of intense religious intolerance & unbridled fanaticism in these places on the other side of the border. It is hoped that this exploration, marked by thorough research & analysis, will be useful to both research scholars & generals.

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Author: Prof Sumanta Niyogi, Former Professor & Head Department of History, Patna University