Question 96 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Modern
History

Question

Consider the following:
1. Calcutta Unitarian Committee
2. Tabernacle of New Dispensation
3. Indian Reform Association
Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 2 and 3 only

Strategy: Recall the founders of each organization. The Calcutta Unitarian Committee is associated with Raja Ram Mohan Roy, allowing for its elimination. The Tabernacle of New Dispensation and the Indian Reform Association are both attributed to Keshab Chandra Sen, identifying them as correct.

Key Info: Keshab Chandra Sen was a prominent Hindu philosopher and social reformer, known for his significant contributions to the Brahmo Samaj movement. His progressive views often led to doctrinal and organizational splits.

*   **Calcutta Unitarian Committee (1823):** This committee was established by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Dwarkanath Tagore, and William Adam. Its main objective was to propagate Unitarian theological views, which emphasized the unity of God and rationalism in religion. Keshab Chandra Sen was not involved in its establishment.

*   **Tabernacle of New Dispensation (Naba Bidhan, 1868-1869):** After the second major split in the Brahmo Samaj (primarily due to ideological differences and the controversial Cooch Behar marriage of his minor daughter), Keshab Chandra Sen formed the 'Brahmo Samaj of India'. The 'Tabernacle of New Dispensation' was the name given to the prayer house of this new branch, founded and consecrated under his leadership. It represented his attempt to synthesize various religious traditions into a universal faith.

*   **Indian Reform Association (1870):** Keshab Chandra Sen founded this association with a broad agenda for social reform in India. Its activities spanned multiple areas, including promotion of cheap literature, temperance, women's empowerment, and educational reforms. The association played a crucial role in the passing of the Native Marriage Act of 1872 (also known as Civil Marriage Act or Act III of 1872), which legalized inter-caste and widow marriages for those not adhering to Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or Parsi faiths, and prescribed minimum marriageable ages for girls (14) and boys (18).

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 3

Consider the following: Calcutta Unitarian Committee Tabernacle of New Dispensation Indian Reform Association Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?

Consider the following:

Calcutta Unitarian Committee

Tabernacle of New Dispensation

Indian Reform Association
Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?