Who Started The Young Bengal Movement?

The Young Bengal Movement was started by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio and a group of radical young intellectuals who were influenced by the ideas of Raja Ram Mohan Roy. The Young Bengal Movement was a socio-cultural and educational reform movement that emerged in the year 1826 in Calcutta, Bengal, India. It was characterized by its emphasis on rational thinking, education and social reform. Let us together get to know who started the Young Bengal Movement. 

Member Of The Young Bengal Movement

Here are the names of some prominent figures involved in the movement – 

• Henry Vivian Derozio

The leader of the Young Bengal Movement was Henry Louis Vivian Derozio. Derozio was an Anglo-Indian poet, educator and assistant headmaster at Hindu College in Kolkata. He was known for his radical ideas and passionate speeches that inspired a generation of young Bengalis to question traditional beliefs and challenge social norms.  His liberal ideas and emphasis on critical thinking had a profound impact on his students, who went on to form the core of the Young Bengal Movement.

• David Hare

David Hare was a Scottish philanthropist and educationist. Hare was instrumental in promoting modern education in Bengal and establishing the Hare School. His efforts in promoting Western education and critical thinking carved the way for the intellectual awakening of the young Bengalis. 

• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, although not directly involved in the Young Bengal Movement. He was a key figure in the socio-cultural reform movements of Bengal during the 19th century. Vidyasagar was a renowned educator, social reformer and champion of women’s rights. His contributions to education and social reforms laid the foundation for the progressive ideals of the Young Bengal Movement.

Led by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio and his followers, the Young Bengal Movement aimed to challenge orthodox Hindu religious practices and social norms. It sought to promote rationalism, secularism, and modernity. The members of the movement advocated for freedom of thought, expression, and social equality. They criticized superstitions, religious dogmas, and social injustices prevalent in society.

Related Blogs 

Widow Remarriage Act	Dayanand Saraswati
Arya Samaj	Swadeshi Movement Started In Which Year?
Prarthana Samaj	What was the Purpose of the Swadeshi Movement?
Who Started the Swadeshi Movement?	Kheda Satyagraha
Bardoli Satyagraha	When Is The Champaran Satyagraha Date?

That’s all about who started the Young Bengal Movement. If you want to read more articles like this, you can get Study notes on the Modern History of India here. Also, you can visit our general knowledge page on Indian History!