The Brahmo Samaj entered a new phase of energy when Keshab Chandra Sen (1838-1884) joined the Samaj in 1858 and was made the acharya by Debendranath Tagore. Keshab played a pivotal role in expanding and popularizing the movement, leading to the establishment of branches outside Bengal in regions like the United Provinces, Punjab, Bombay, and Madras.
Keshab Chandra Sen's Influence:
- Expansion of the Movement: Keshab's leadership resulted in the opening of branches of the Samaj outside Bengal.
- New Ideas: Keshab introduced more radical ideas, such as including teachings from all religions and advocating against the caste system and supporting inter-caste marriages.
Differences and Splits:
- Debendranath's Disapproval: Debendranath Tagore disapproved of Keshab's extreme ideas and dismissed him as acharya in 1865.
- Formation of Brahmo Samaj of India: In 1866, Keshab and his followers founded the Brahmo Samaj of India after being dismissed.
- Further Split in 1878: Keshab's decision to marry his 13-year-old daughter to the minor Hindu Maharaja of Cooch-Behar using orthodox Hindu rituals caused a split in Keshab's Brahmo Samaj of India.
Emergence of Sadharan Brahmo Samaj:
- Establishment: After the split in 1878, Keshab's dissatisfied followers established the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj led by Ananda Mohan Bose, Shibchandra Deb, and Umesh Chandra Datta.
- Doctrines: The Sadharan Brahmo Samaj upheld the original Brahmo doctrines, such as belief in a Supreme Being, one God, rejection of infallibility in scriptures or man, and emphasis on reason, truth, and morality.
These developments marked a period of division and diversification within the Brahmo Samaj, reflecting differences in thought and approach among its leaders and followers.
