Why was Dharma Sabha formed?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → To petition to the British that reformers had no right to interpret sacred texts
Option (2) To petition to the British that reformers had no right to interpret sacred texts — Correct. Orthodox members of the Hindu community in Bengal formed the Dharma Sabha and petitioned the British, arguing that reformers had no right to interpret sacred texts. They wanted the British not to legislate against sati.
NCERT (2025-26): “2.1 Social reform movements in the 19th and early 20th century … The resolution condemning polygamy caused considerable debate in the Muslim press. Tahsib-e-Niswan, the leading journal for women in the Punjab, came out in favour of the resolve, but others disapproved. (Chaudhuri 1993: 111). Debates within communities were common during this period. For instance, sati was opposed by the Brahmo Samaj. Orthodox members of the Hindu community in Bengal formed an organisation called Dharma Sabha and petitioned the British arguing that reformers had no right to interpret sacred texts.” |