brahmo samaj: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “brahmo samaj” mean?
A monotheistic reform movement within Hinduism founded in 19th-century Bengal, rejecting idol worship and caste distinctions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A monotheistic reform movement within Hinduism founded in 19th-century Bengal, rejecting idol worship and caste distinctions.
A socio-religious reform movement that sought to modernize Hindu society by emphasizing reason, ethics, and social equality while drawing from Hindu scriptures and Western Enlightenment ideas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; term is used identically in both varieties when discussing Indian history.
Connotations
Associated with colonial-era religious reform, intellectual history, and the Bengal Renaissance.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, primarily in academic/historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “brahmo samaj” in a Sentence
The Brahmo Samaj + verb (e.g., advocated, rejected, emerged)Brahmo Samaj + noun (e.g., movement, leader, doctrine)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brahmo samaj” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The group brahmo-samajised traditional rituals.
- They sought to brahmo-samajise Hindu worship.
American English
- The community brahmo-samajized its practices.
- He worked to brahmo-samajize local customs.
adverb
British English
- They worshipped Brahmo-Samaj-style, without idols.
- He argued Brahmo-Samaj-ishly for reform.
American English
- They prayed Brahmo Samaj fashion, focusing on the divine.
- She spoke Brahmo Samaj-ly about social equality.
adjective
British English
- Brahmo-Samaj principles influenced education.
- The Brahmo-Samaj perspective was progressive.
American English
- Brahmo Samaj ideals shaped his thinking.
- She came from a Brahmo Samaj background.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, and South Asian studies to discuss 19th-century reform movements.
Everyday
Rarely used outside educational or cultural discussions about India.
Technical
Specific term in religious studies and historiography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brahmo samaj”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brahmo samaj”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brahmo samaj”
- Misspelling as 'Brahma Samaj' or 'Bramo Samaj'
- Using as a common noun instead of proper noun (e.g., 'a brahmo samaj')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, though much smaller, it continues as a religious organization primarily in West Bengal, India.
'Samaj' is a Sanskrit and Bengali word meaning 'society' or 'association'.
The Brahmo Samaj was more influenced by Western ideas and focused on monotheistic reform within Hinduism, while the Arya Samaj, founded later, emphasized a return to the Vedas and was more nationalist and conservative in some social matters.
No, it was also a significant social reform movement that campaigned against practices like sati (widow burning), child marriage, and for women's education and rights.
A monotheistic reform movement within Hinduism founded in 19th-century Bengal, rejecting idol worship and caste distinctions.
Brahmo samaj is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Brahmo samaj: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrɑːməʊ səˈmɑːdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbrɑmoʊ səˈmɑdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BRAve Hindu Modernizers Organised Samaj' – emphasizing reform and organization.
Conceptual Metaphor
Religious purification as social enlightenment; reform as awakening.
Practice
Quiz
What was a primary theological position of the Brahmo Samaj?