Atmiya Sabha (1815) — Foundation and Objectives

When Raja Ram Mohan Roy settled in Calcutta in 1815, he gathered a group of like-minded, educated Bengali intellectuals. They formed the Atmiya Sabha as a platform to conduct philosophical debates, discuss theological issues, and read Hindu scriptures (especially the Upanishads).

Prominent members included Dwarkanath Tagore (grandfather of Rabindranath Tagore), Prasanna Kumar Tagore, and Nandakishore Bose.

The Atmiya Sabha focused heavily on reforming Hindu society by returning to its original roots. Its core objectives were:

1. Promotion of Monotheism: The Sabha fiercely debated against polytheism (worship of many gods) and promoted the belief in one formless, universal God, which Ram Mohan Roy argued was the true message of the ancient Vedas and Upanishads.
2. Rejection of Idol Worship: They campaigned against idolatry and meaningless religious rituals that had corrupted Hinduism.
3. Social Reforms: The Sabha was the first organized platform to raise a voice against the cruel practice of Sati (widow burning), caste discrimination, polygamy, and child marriage.

The Atmiya Sabha faced immense backlash from orthodox Hindu society (like the Dharma Sabha led by Radhakanta Deb), who saw Ram Mohan Roy as a threat to traditional religion.

The Atmiya Sabha struggled to survive as a formal organization and dissolved by 1823. However, its ideological foundation did not die. The ideas discussed in this small circle of friends laid the exact groundwork for the creation of the much more powerful and famous Brahmo Samaj in 1828.