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{{short description|Elite Bengali social class}}
{{short description|Follower of Brahmoism}}
{{distinguish|text=[[Brahma]] – the Hindu god, [[Brahmana]] – a layer of text in the Vedas, [[Brahmanism]] – the religion, or [[Brahmin]] – the caste ('varna')}}
{{distinguish|text=[[Brahma]] – the Hindu god, [[Brahmana]] – a layer of text in the Vedas, [[Brahmanism]] – the religion, or [[Brahmin]] – the caste ('varna')}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Multiple issues|
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{{more citations needed|date=December 2017}}
{{more citations needed|date=December 2017}}
}}
}}
Bengali '''Brahmos''' are those who adhere to [[Brahmoism]], the philosophy of [[Brahmo Samaj]] which was founded by [[Raja Rammohan Roy]]. A recent publication describes the disproportionate influence of Brahmos on India's development post-19th Century as unparalleled in recent times.<ref>{{cite book|last=Roy|first=Samaren|title=Calcutta: Society and Change 1690–1990|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y-W6TjM2n1AC|year=2005|publisher=iUniverse|isbn=978-0-595-79000-5|postscript=: Fair use of extract vide section 52(1)(f) of ''Indian Copyright Act, 1957''}}</ref>  
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2022}}Bengali '''Brahmos''' are those who adhere to [[Brahmoism]], the philosophy of [[Brahmo Samaj]] which was founded by [[Raja Rammohan Roy]]. A recent publication describes the disproportionate influence of Brahmos on India's development post-19th century as unparalleled in recent times.<ref>{{cite book|last=Roy|first=Samaren|title=Calcutta: Society and Change 1690–1990|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y-W6TjM2n1AC|year=2005|publisher=iUniverse|isbn=978-0-595-79000-5|postscript=: Fair use of extract vide section 52(1)(f) of ''Indian Copyright Act, 1957''}}</ref>


== Brahmo Samaj ==
== Distinction between Brahmo and Brahmo Samajist ==
;When is a Brahmo not a Brahmo Samajist?
One aspect of [[Brahmoism]] is recognition that not only explicit faith and worship makes for a Brahmo, but also genealogy, which is implicit. People with even a single Brahmo parent or a Brahmo guardian are treated as Brahmos until they absolutely renounce the Brahmo faith. This often causes tension within the Samaj, for example, when an offspring of a Brahmo follows [[atheism]] or another religious belief without renouncing Brahmoism formally. There are differing views between the [[Theist]] and [[Deist]] streams of Brahmoism on the retention of such people within the fold. Additionally, a Brahmo who opts not to subscribe to membership of a Brahmo Samaj remains a Brahmo but ceases to be a Brahmo Samajist.<ref>{{cite web | title=DELHI BRAHMO SAMAJ | website=brahmo.org | url=http://brahmo.org/delhi-brahmo-samaj.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229093419/http://brahmo.org/delhi-brahmo-samaj.html | archive-date=2010-12-29 | url-status=dead | access-date=2019-09-23}}</ref>
One aspect of [[Brahmoism]] is recognition that not only explicit faith and worship makes for a Brahmo, but also genealogy, which is implicit. People with even a single Brahmo parent or a Brahmo guardian are treated as Brahmos until they absolutely renounce the Brahmo faith. This often causes tension within the Samaj, for example, when an offspring of a Brahmo follows [[communism]] or [[atheism]] or another religious belief without renouncing Brahmoism formally. There are differing views between the [[Theist]] and [[Deist]] streams of Brahmoism on the retention of such people within the fold. Additionally, a Brahmo who opts not to subscribe to membership of a Brahmo Samaj remains a Brahmo but ceases to be a Brahmo Samajist.<ref>{{cite web | title=DELHI BRAHMO SAMAJ | website=brahmo.org | url=http://brahmo.org/delhi-brahmo-samaj.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229093419/http://brahmo.org/delhi-brahmo-samaj.html | archive-date=2010-12-29 | url-status=dead | access-date=2019-09-23}}</ref>


== People associated with Brahmo Samaj ==
== People associated with Brahmo Samaj ==
=== Ayathan ===
*[[Ayyathan Gopalan]] (1861-1948), Doctor, Social reformer of Kerala. Founder, Leader and propagandist of Brahmosamaj (1893) in Kerala. Founder of Sugunavardhini movement (1900) and Depressed Classes Mission (1909) in Kerala.
*[[Ayyathan Janaki Ammal]] (1878-1945), Doctor, Surgeon, Brahmo, Social activist.
*Kallat Kousallya Ammal - wife to Ayathan Gopalan and a Brahmo, social activist.
*Dr. Mandhakini Bai - Brahmo, Social activist. (daughter in law of Ayathan Gopalan)


=== Banerjee ===
=== Banerjee ===
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**[[Albion Rajkumar Banerjee|Sir Albion Rajkumar Banerjee]], [[Order of the Star of India|CSI]], [[Order of the Indian Empire|CIE]] (1871–1950), [[Diwan (title)|Diwan]] of [[Cochin]].
**[[Albion Rajkumar Banerjee|Sir Albion Rajkumar Banerjee]], [[Order of the Star of India|CSI]], [[Order of the Indian Empire|CIE]] (1871–1950), [[Diwan (title)|Diwan]] of [[Cochin]].


*[[Amiya Charan Banerjee]] (1891–1968), Vice Chancellor of [[Allahabad University]].
*Amiya Charan Banerjee (1891–1968), Vice Chancellor of [[Allahabad University]].
*Probha Banerji, first lady magistrate of India.
*Probha Banerji, first lady magistrate of India.
**Kalyan Banerji, Deputy Managing Director of the State Bank of India.
**Kalyan Banerji, Deputy Managing Director of the State Bank of India.
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**Krishnadhan Ghosh (son-in-law of Rajnarayan Basu), Civil Surgeon, Pabna, Bengal.
**Krishnadhan Ghosh (son-in-law of Rajnarayan Basu), Civil Surgeon, Pabna, Bengal.
***[[Aurobindo Ghosh|Sri Aurobindo]], Indian nationalist; vice principal of [[Baroda College]].
***[[Aurobindo Ghosh|Sri Aurobindo]], Indian nationalist; vice principal of [[Baroda College]].
*[[Girindrasekhar Bose]], Psychoanalyst.
*[[Girindrasekhar Bose]] (1887–1953), Psychoanalyst.


[[File:Jagadish Chandra Bose 1926.jpg|thumb|Jagadish Chandra Bose]]
[[File:Jagadish Chandra Bose 1926.jpg|thumb|Jagadish Chandra Bose]]
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*[[Rajsekhar Bose]] (1880–1960), Author
*[[Rajsekhar Bose]] (1880–1960), Author
*[[Girindrasekhar Bose]] (1887–1953), Psychiatrist.


=== Das ===
=== Das ===
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*Arun Kumar Das, FRCS (Eng. & Edin.) (1924–2015), Orthopedist; Professor, NRS Medical College and Hospital, Calcutta.
*Arun Kumar Das, FRCS (Eng. & Edin.) (1924–2015), Orthopedist; Professor, NRS Medical College and Hospital, Calcutta.
*Nandita Dutta (1935–2007), Founder-Principal, [[Patha Bhavan, Kolkata|Patha Bhavan, Calcutta]].


=== Dey ===
=== Dey ===
[[File:Saroj Nalini Dutt photo.jpg|thumb|Saroj Nalini Dutt]]
[[File:Saroj Nalini Dutt photo.jpg|thumb|Saroj Nalini Dutt]]
*[[Brajendranath De]]y, [[Esq.]], [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]] (1852–1932), Bar-at-Law, Commissioner (Actg.) of Burdwan.
*[[Brajendranath De]]y, [[Esq.]], [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]] (1852–1932), Barrister-at-Law (Middle Temple), Commissioner (Actg.) of Burdwan & [[Magistrate]] and [[District collector|Collector]] of [[Hugli-Chuchura|Hooghly]], [[Bengal]].
** Hemnalini Mitra (nee Dey)
**Hem Nalini Mitra (nee Dey), m. Sashi Bhushan Mitra, FRCS, winner of Faraday Medal, Nationalist and founder of an insurance company
****[[Uma Bose]], Singer
***Prabha Bose m. Dharani Kumar Bose, Councilor, Calcutta Municipal Corporation, builder of MacKinnon and Mackenzie building.
****[[Subrata Mitra]], Cameraman
****[[Uma Bose]] (Hasi), eminent singer.
**[[Saroj Nalini Dutt]] (née Dey), [[Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire|M.B.E.]], (1887–1925), Social reformer.
***Sudhangshu Bhushan Mitra
**Hemanta Kumar Dey, Esq., Bar-at-Law, Presidency Magistrate, Calcutta.
****[[Subrata Mitra]], [[Padma Shri]], Emeritus Professor, Satyajit Ray Film Studies Institute, Calcutta; cameraman of Pather Panchali, Teesri Kasam, New Delhi Times, etc.
**Lieutenant Colonel Jyotish Chandra Dey, (son-in-law), [[Indian Medical Service|I.M.S.]], 2nd Indian Principal of [[Calcutta Medical College]].
***Himangshu Bhushan Mitra, student of Imperial College, London, Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer, Bengal Nagpur Railways; also served in Sudan.
**Major (Hon.) [[Basanta Kumar De]] (1897–1975), 2nd Indian Commercial Traffic Manager, [[Bengal Nagpur Railway]].
**Lady Niraj Nalini Ghosh (née Dey) m. [[Sir]] [[Sarat Kumar Ghosh]], [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]], (1879-1963) Barrister-at-Law (Inner Temple), [[Chief Justice]] of [[Kashmir]] and [[Jaipur]].
**Naba Nalini Basu (nee Dey), m. Professor Satish Chandra Basu, I.E.S., Professor of Economics, Hooghly College, Chinsura, Hooghly, Bengal.
**[[Saroj Nalini Dutt]] (née Dey), [[Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire|M.B.E.]], (1887–1925), Social reformer m. [[Gurusaday Dutta]], [[Esq.]], [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]] (1882-1941), Barrister-at-Law, (Gray's Inn), Secretary, Local Self-Government and Public Health, Government of Bengal.
**Hemanta Kumar Dey, Esq., (1889-1967), Barrister-at-Law (Gray's Inn), Presidency Magistrate, Calcutta.
**Prafulla Nalini Dey (née Dey) m. [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Doctor (title)|Dr]] Jyotish Chandra Dey, [[Indian Medical Service|I.M.S.]], (1892-1962), 2nd Indian Principal of [[Calcutta Medical College]].
**Sarasi Nalini Datta (née Dey) m. Captain Paresh Chandra Datta (1893-1963), First Chief Medical Officer, B.R. Singh Memorial Hospital, Sealdah, Calcutta and Director, Public Health, Government of West Bengal.
***Ranajit Datta (1925-2016), Chairman & Managing Director, Braithwaite, Burn and Jessop Ltd.
**Major (Hon.) Basanta Kumar Dey (1897–1975), 2nd Indian Commercial Traffic Manager, [[Bengal Nagpur Railway]].
***[[Professor]] [[Barun De]]y (1932–2013), Chairman, West Bengal Heritage Commission.
***[[Professor]] [[Barun De]]y (1932–2013), Chairman, West Bengal Heritage Commission.
** Nirmalnalini Dutta (nee Dey)
**Nirmal Nalini Dutta (née Dey) m. Debprasad Dutta, Deputy Director, Public Health, Government of West Bengal (1898-1985).
*** Nandita Mitra (nee Dutta), First-Principal of [[Patha Bhavan, Kolkata]].
***Nandita Dutta (1935-2007), Founder-Principal, [[Patha Bhavan, Kolkata]]


=== Dutta ===
=== Dutta ===
[[File:Romesh Chunder Dutt photo.jpg|thumb|Romesh Chunder Dutt]]
[[File:Romesh Chunder Dutt photo.jpg|thumb|Romesh Chunder Dutt]]
*[[Romesh Chunder Dutt|Romesh Chandra Dutta]] (1848–1908), [[C.I.E.]], Dewan of [[Baroda]].
*[[Romesh Chunder Dutt|Romesh Chandra Dutta]] (1848–1908), [[C.I.E.]], Dewan of [[Baroda]].
**Jnanendranath Gupta, [[Esq.]], ICS (son-in-law of R.C. Dutt), Commissioner of Chittagong.
**[[Jnanendranath Gupta]], [[Esq.]], ICS (son-in-law of R.C. Dutt), Commissioner of Chittagong.
***Sudhindranath Gupta, [[Esq.]], 1st Indian Commercial Traffic Manager, Bengal Nagpur Railway.
***Sudhindranath Gupta, [[Esq.]], 1st Indian Commercial Traffic Manager, Bengal [[Nagpur Railway Station|Nagpur Railway]].


*[[Akshay Kumar Datta]] (1820–1886), Poet.
*[[Akshay Kumar Datta]] (1820–1886), Poet.
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=== Gupta ===
=== Gupta ===
*[[Behari Lal Gupta]], [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]], (1849–1916), Dewan of [[Baroda]].
*[[Behari Lal Gupta]], [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]], (1849–1916), Dewan of [[Baroda]].
**Satish Gupta, [[Indian Audit and Accounts Service|IAAS]].
**Satish Chandra Gupta, [[Indian Audit and Accounts Service|IAAS]], Accountant General of India in Simla and Secretary to the Central Legislative Assembly
***Ranajit Gupta, [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]], Chief Secretary, West Bengal.
***Ranjit Gupta, [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]], Chief Secretary, West Bengal.
***Kanwarani Reva (Lady Dalip Singh), m. Sardar Sir Dalip Singh, son of Raja Harnam Singh and grandson of Maharaja Randhar Singh of Kapurthala
***[[Indrajit Gupta]] (1919–2001), Home Minister of India (1996–98).
***[[Indrajit Gupta]] (1919–2001), Home Minister of India (1996–98).
****[[Sunanda K. Datta-Ray]] (1937-), Journalist.
****[[Sunanda K. Datta-Ray]] (1937-), Journalist.


*[[Sir]] [[Krishna Govinda Gupta]], [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]], Member of the Secretary of States Council in London.
*[[Sir]] [[Krishna Govinda Gupta]], [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]], Member of the Secretary of States Council in London.
**[[Atul Prasad Sen]], [[Barrister-at-Law]], Lawyer, composer and singer.
**[[Atul Prasad Sen]], [[Barrister-at-Law]], Lawyer, composer and singer.  
 
=== Jana ===
* [[Madhusudan Jana]], [[Doctor of Medicine|doctor]], [[journalist]], teacher and social worker, founder of the highly acclaimed ''Nihar Patrika'', one of the most prominent figures of [[Contai]], [[Purba Medinipur district|Purba Medinipur]].
** Jatindra Nath Jana, teacher
***Nitindra Nath Jana, journalist, writer and author


=== Mahalanobis ===
=== Mahalanobis ===
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**[[S. K. Dey]] (son-in-law), [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]], Union Minister for Panchayati Raj.
**[[S. K. Dey]] (son-in-law), [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]], Union Minister for Panchayati Raj.


=== Palchaudhuri ===
=== Pal Chowdhury ===
*Ila Palchaudhuri, Member of Parliament, [[Nabadwip]], 1957.
*[[Bipradas Pal Chowdhury]], Industrialist
**Amitabha Palchaudhuri, Chairman, Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI).
** Amiyanarayan Pal Chowdhury, Zamindar of Maheshganj m. [[Ila Pal Choudhury]], Member of Parliament, [[Nabadwip]], 1957.
**Anik Palchaudhuri, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Gulma Mohorgong Tea Estate.
***Amitabha Palchaudhuri, Chairman, Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI).
***Anik Palchaudhuri, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Gulma Mohorgong Tea Estate.


=== Ray/Roy ===
=== Ray/Roy ===
[[File:Satyajit Ray.jpg|thumb|Satyajit Ray]]
[[File:Satyajit Ray.jpg|thumb|Satyajit Ray]]
*[[Saradaranjan Ray]], Principal, Metropolitan Institution (later [[Vidyasagar College]])
*[[Saradaranjan Ray]], Principal, Metropolitan Institution (later [[Vidyasagar College]])
*[[Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury]] (Kamadaranjan Ray) (1863–1915), Litreteur and entrepreneur.
*[[Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury]] (Kamadaranjan Ray) (1863–1915), Scholar and entrepreneur.
**[[Sukumar Ray]] (1887–1923), Writer.
**[[Sukumar Ray]] (1887–1923), Writer.
***[[Satyajit Ray]] (1921–1992), Film-maker, Bharat Ratna and Oscar Award for Lifetime Achievement (1992)  
***[[Satyajit Ray]] (1921–1992), Film-maker, Bharat Ratna and Oscar Award for Lifetime Achievement (1992)  
***[[Bijoya Ray]] (1917–2015),
***[[Bijoya Ray]] (1917–2015),
****[[Sandip Ray]] (1953-), Film-maker.
****[[Sandip Ray]] (1953-), Film-maker.
*[[Pramadaranjan Ray]], Office of the Surveyor General of India
*Pramadaranjan Ray, Office of the Surveyor General of India  
**[[Prabhatranjan Ray]]
***[[Prasadranjan Ray]], Administrator and author
**[[Leela Majumdar]] (1908–2007), Author.
**[[Leela Majumdar]] (1908–2007), Author.
***[[Ranjan Majumdar]], Doctor


*Pratap Chandra Roy
*Pratap Chandra Roy
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=== Sen ===
=== Sen ===
*[[Bhupati Mohan Sen]], [[Wrangler (University of Cambridge)|Wrangler]], [[Smith's Prize|Smith's Prize-man]], 2nd Indian [[Principal (academia)|Principal]] of [[Presidency College, Calcutta]], (son-in-law of [[Nilratan Sircar|Sir Nilratan Sircar]])
*[[Bhupati Mohan Sen]], [[Wrangler (University of Cambridge)|Wrangler]], [[Smith's Prize]] recipient, 2nd Indian [[Principal (academia)|Principal]] of [[Presidency College, Calcutta]], (son-in-law of [[Nilratan Sircar|Sir Nilratan Sircar]])
**Monishi Mohan Sen (1920-2019), ICS Officer
**Monishi Mohan Sen (1920-2019), ICS Officer
**Subrata Kumar Sen (1924–2016), [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT Graduate]], Electrical Engineering
**Subrata Kumar Sen (1924–2016), [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT Graduate]], Electrical Engineering
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**[[Suniti Devi]] (1864–1932), Maharani of Coochbehar & founder of Sammilan Brahmo Samaj.
**[[Suniti Devi]] (1864–1932), Maharani of Coochbehar & founder of Sammilan Brahmo Samaj.
**[[Sucharu Devi]] (1874–1961), Maharani of Mayurbhanj.
**[[Sucharu Devi]] (1874–1961), Maharani of Mayurbhanj.
**Saral Chandra Sen, Bar-at-Law
**Saral Chandra Sen, Barrister-at-Law
***Sunit Chandra Sen, Collector, Calcutta Municipal Corporation.
***Sunit Chandra Sen, Collector, Calcutta Municipal Corporation.
***[[Benita Roy]], Politician.
***[[Benita Roy]], Politician.
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**Rt. Honourable Sushil Kumar Sinha, [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]].
**Rt. Honourable Sushil Kumar Sinha, [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]].
**[[Romola Sinha]] (1913–2010), Social reformer.
**[[Romola Sinha]] (1913–2010), Social reformer.
**[[Major]] N.P. Sen, [[Indian Medical Service|IMS]].
**[[Major (rank)|Major]] N.P. Sen, [[Indian Medical Service|IMS]].
***[[Mohit Sen]] (grandson) (1929–2003), Politician.
***[[Mohit Sen]] (grandson) (1929–2003), Politician.


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=== Others ===
=== Others ===
*[[Sir]] [[Nilratan Sircar]](1861–1943), famous doctor, swadeshi entrepreneur, educationist, philanthropist, Vice-Chancellor of [[Calcutta University]]
*[[Sir]] [[Nilratan Sircar]] (1861–1943), famous doctor, swadeshi entrepreneur, educationist, philanthropist, Vice-Chancellor of [[Calcutta University]]
*[[Anil Kumar Gain]], Indian mathematician, scientist from [[Cambridge University]] and founder of [[Vidyasagar University]]
* [[Rai Sahib]] [[Bipin Bihari Sasmal]], prominent [[Zamindar]] of [[Midnapore district]], politician, famous educationist, established the [[Contai Chandramani Brahmo Girls' School]]
* Heramba Chandra Maitra, famous educationist after whom [[Heramba Chandra College]] is named
* Heramba Chandra Maitra, famous educationist after whom [[Heramba Chandra College]] is named
*[[Sir]] [[Nalini Ranjan Chatterjee]], Judge of the High Court of Calcutta.
*[[Sir]] [[Nalini Ranjan Chatterjee]], Judge of the High Court of Calcutta.
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*[[Uma Bose]] (1921–1942), Singer.
*[[Uma Bose]] (1921–1942), Singer.
*Kiran Chandra De, [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]], [[Commissioner]], [[Chittagong]].
*Kiran Chandra De, [[Indian Civil Service|ICS]], [[Commissioner]], [[Chittagong]].
*[[Sib Chandra Deb]], Deputy Collector in Bengal.
*Sib Chandra Deb, Deputy Collector in Bengal.
*[[Umesh Chandra Dutta]], Founder of the Harinavi Brahmo Samaj.
*Umesh Chandra Dutta, Founder of the Harinavi Brahmo Samaj.
*[[Sucheta Kriplani]], First woman Chief Minister of an Indian State.
*[[Sucheta Kriplani]], First woman Chief Minister of an Indian State.
*[[Subrata Mitra]] (1931–2001), [[Padma Shri]], Cameraman; Emeritus Professor, [[Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute]], Calcutta.
*[[Subrata Mitra]] (1931–2001), [[Padma Shri]], Cameraman; Emeritus Professor, [[Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute]], Calcutta.
*[[Sir]] Brojendra Lal Mitter, Advocate General of Bengal.
*[[Sir]] Brojendra Lal Mitter, Advocate General of Bengal.
*[[Harish Chandra Mukherjee]], Journalist.
*Harish Chandra Mukherjee, Journalist.
*[[Girish Chandra Sen]], Translated the [[Quran]] into Bengali.
*[[Girish Chandra Sen]], Translated the [[Quran]] into Bengali.
*[[Sir]] Nripendra Nath Sircar, Advocate General of Bengal.
*[[Nripendra Nath Sircar|Sir Nripendra Nath Sircar]], Advocate General of Bengal.
*Shree [[Suresh Chandra Roy]], Padma Bhushan, Sheriff of Calcutta (1957, 1958).
*Shree [[Suresh Chandra Roy]], Padma Bhushan, Sheriff of Calcutta (1957, 1958).
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200622013516/http://www.thebrahmosamaj.net/founders/sivnath.html] Sivnath Shastri (1847-1919), Poet and Social Reformer
*[[Sivanath Sastri]] (1847-1919), Poet and Social Reformer.


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Brahmo Dharma]]
* [[Brahmo Dharma]]
* [[History of Bengal]]
* [[Indian National Congress]]
* [[Kayastha]]
* [[Prarthana Samaj]]
* [[Prarthana Samaj]]
* [[Tattwabodhini Patrika]]
* [[Tattwabodhini Patrika]]
* [[Trust deed of Brahmo Sabha]]
* [[Trust Deed of Brahmo Sabha]]
* [[Vaishya]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091104073944/http://www.brahmo.org/ brahmo.org]
{{Commonscat|Brahmos}}
* [http://www.brahmosamaj.org/ brahmosamaj.org]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20091104073944/http://www.brahmo.org/ brahmo.org]
*[http://www.brahmosamaj.org/ brahmosamaj.org]
*[http://www.thebrahmosamaj.net/ thebrahmosamaj.net]


[[Category:Bengal Renaissance]]
[[Category:Bengal Renaissance]]
[[Category:Brahmoism]]
[[Category:Brahmoism|*]]
[[Category:Brahmos]]
[[Category:Brahmos| ]]
[[Category:Religious organisations based in India]]
[[Category:Religious organisations based in India]]

Latest revision as of 03:02, 20 March 2026


Not to be confused with Brahma – the Hindu god, Brahmana – a layer of text in the Vedas, Brahmanism – the religion, or Brahmin – the caste ('varna').

Bengali Brahmos are those who adhere to Brahmoism, the philosophy of Brahmo Samaj which was founded by Raja Rammohan Roy. A recent publication describes the disproportionate influence of Brahmos on India's development post-19th century as unparalleled in recent times.[1]

Distinction between Brahmo and Brahmo Samajist[edit | edit source]

One aspect of Brahmoism is recognition that not only explicit faith and worship makes for a Brahmo, but also genealogy, which is implicit. People with even a single Brahmo parent or a Brahmo guardian are treated as Brahmos until they absolutely renounce the Brahmo faith. This often causes tension within the Samaj, for example, when an offspring of a Brahmo follows atheism or another religious belief without renouncing Brahmoism formally. There are differing views between the Theist and Deist streams of Brahmoism on the retention of such people within the fold. Additionally, a Brahmo who opts not to subscribe to membership of a Brahmo Samaj remains a Brahmo but ceases to be a Brahmo Samajist.[2]

People associated with Brahmo Samaj[edit | edit source]

Ayathan[edit | edit source]

  • Ayyathan Gopalan (1861-1948), Doctor, Social reformer of Kerala. Founder, Leader and propagandist of Brahmosamaj (1893) in Kerala. Founder of Sugunavardhini movement (1900) and Depressed Classes Mission (1909) in Kerala.
  • Ayyathan Janaki Ammal (1878-1945), Doctor, Surgeon, Brahmo, Social activist.
  • Kallat Kousallya Ammal - wife to Ayathan Gopalan and a Brahmo, social activist.
  • Dr. Mandhakini Bai - Brahmo, Social activist. (daughter in law of Ayathan Gopalan)

Banerjee[edit | edit source]

  • Amiya Charan Banerjee (1891–1968), Vice Chancellor of Allahabad University.
  • Probha Banerji, first lady magistrate of India.
    • Kalyan Banerji, Deputy Managing Director of the State Bank of India.
    • Milon K. Banerji (1928–2010), Attorney General of India.

Chakrabarty[edit | edit source]

Chattopadhayay[edit | edit source]

Bose[edit | edit source]

Jagadish Chandra Bose

Das[edit | edit source]

Chittaranjan Das
Jibanananda Das
  • Beni Madhab Das (1866–1952), Social reformer.
    • Bina Das (1911–1986), Member, West Bengal Legislative Assembly, 1947–51.
  • Arun Kumar Das, FRCS (Eng. & Edin.) (1924–2015), Orthopedist; Professor, NRS Medical College and Hospital, Calcutta.

Dey[edit | edit source]

Saroj Nalini Dutt
  • Brajendranath Dey, Esq., ICS (1852–1932), Barrister-at-Law (Middle Temple), Commissioner (Actg.) of Burdwan & Magistrate and Collector of Hooghly, Bengal.
    • Hem Nalini Mitra (nee Dey), m. Sashi Bhushan Mitra, FRCS, winner of Faraday Medal, Nationalist and founder of an insurance company
      • Prabha Bose m. Dharani Kumar Bose, Councilor, Calcutta Municipal Corporation, builder of MacKinnon and Mackenzie building.
      • Sudhangshu Bhushan Mitra
        • Subrata Mitra, Padma Shri, Emeritus Professor, Satyajit Ray Film Studies Institute, Calcutta; cameraman of Pather Panchali, Teesri Kasam, New Delhi Times, etc.
      • Himangshu Bhushan Mitra, student of Imperial College, London, Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer, Bengal Nagpur Railways; also served in Sudan.
    • Lady Niraj Nalini Ghosh (née Dey) m. Sir Sarat Kumar Ghosh, ICS, (1879-1963) Barrister-at-Law (Inner Temple), Chief Justice of Kashmir and Jaipur.
    • Naba Nalini Basu (nee Dey), m. Professor Satish Chandra Basu, I.E.S., Professor of Economics, Hooghly College, Chinsura, Hooghly, Bengal.
    • Saroj Nalini Dutt (née Dey), M.B.E., (1887–1925), Social reformer m. Gurusaday Dutta, Esq., ICS (1882-1941), Barrister-at-Law, (Gray's Inn), Secretary, Local Self-Government and Public Health, Government of Bengal.
    • Hemanta Kumar Dey, Esq., (1889-1967), Barrister-at-Law (Gray's Inn), Presidency Magistrate, Calcutta.
    • Prafulla Nalini Dey (née Dey) m. Lieutenant Colonel Dr Jyotish Chandra Dey, I.M.S., (1892-1962), 2nd Indian Principal of Calcutta Medical College.
    • Sarasi Nalini Datta (née Dey) m. Captain Paresh Chandra Datta (1893-1963), First Chief Medical Officer, B.R. Singh Memorial Hospital, Sealdah, Calcutta and Director, Public Health, Government of West Bengal.
      • Ranajit Datta (1925-2016), Chairman & Managing Director, Braithwaite, Burn and Jessop Ltd.
    • Major (Hon.) Basanta Kumar Dey (1897–1975), 2nd Indian Commercial Traffic Manager, Bengal Nagpur Railway.
    • Nirmal Nalini Dutta (née Dey) m. Debprasad Dutta, Deputy Director, Public Health, Government of West Bengal (1898-1985).

Dutta[edit | edit source]

Romesh Chunder Dutt

Ganguly[edit | edit source]

Goswami[edit | edit source]

Gupta[edit | edit source]

  • Behari Lal Gupta, ICS, (1849–1916), Dewan of Baroda.
    • Satish Chandra Gupta, IAAS, Accountant General of India in Simla and Secretary to the Central Legislative Assembly
      • Ranjit Gupta, ICS, Chief Secretary, West Bengal.
      • Kanwarani Reva (Lady Dalip Singh), m. Sardar Sir Dalip Singh, son of Raja Harnam Singh and grandson of Maharaja Randhar Singh of Kapurthala
      • Indrajit Gupta (1919–2001), Home Minister of India (1996–98).

Jana[edit | edit source]

Mahalanobis[edit | edit source]

Mitra[edit | edit source]

Moitra[edit | edit source]

  • Anupam Chandra Moitra, Geologist.
    • Anil Kumar Moitra, Indian Iron and Steel Company Ltd.

Mukherjee[edit | edit source]

Subroto Mukherjee

Nag Chaudhuri[edit | edit source]

Pal[edit | edit source]

Pal Chowdhury[edit | edit source]

  • Bipradas Pal Chowdhury, Industrialist
    • Amiyanarayan Pal Chowdhury, Zamindar of Maheshganj m. Ila Pal Choudhury, Member of Parliament, Nabadwip, 1957.
      • Amitabha Palchaudhuri, Chairman, Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI).
      • Anik Palchaudhuri, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Gulma Mohorgong Tea Estate.

Ray/Roy[edit | edit source]

Satyajit Ray

Sanyal[edit | edit source]

Sarkar[edit | edit source]

Sen[edit | edit source]

Sen family[4]

Keshab Chandra Sen
  • Keshub Chandra Sen (1838–1884), Religious reformer & founder of the Nababidhan Brahmo Samaj.
    • Suniti Devi (1864–1932), Maharani of Coochbehar & founder of Sammilan Brahmo Samaj.
    • Sucharu Devi (1874–1961), Maharani of Mayurbhanj.
    • Saral Chandra Sen, Barrister-at-Law
      • Sunit Chandra Sen, Collector, Calcutta Municipal Corporation.
      • Benita Roy, Politician.
      • Sadhana Bose, Artist.
      • Nilina Singh, Singer.
      • Pradip Chandra Sen, Deputy Managing Director, Mackinnon Mackenzie.
    • Pramathalal Sen (1866–1930) (nephew of Keshub Chandra Sen), Social reformer.
    • Benoyendranath Sen (1868–1913) (nephew of Keshub Chandra Sen), Social reformer and leader of the New Dispensation.
  • Abhijit Sen, Proprietor, Sen and Pandit Co. Ltd.
Amartya Kumar Sen
  • Barrister Kumud Nath Sen
    • P.K. Sengupta, Income Tax Commissioner.
    • K.P. Sen, Post-Master General, Eastern India.
    • Malati Choudhury (née Sen), Social Worker.
  • Nitish Chandra Sen, Mayor of Calcutta.
  • Kamini Roy (née Sen) (1864–1933), Social reformer and poet.

Sinha[edit | edit source]

Baron Sinha family

Tagore[edit | edit source]

Tagore family[5]

Rabindranath Tagore

Others[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Roy, Samaren (2005). Calcutta: Society and Change 1690–1990. iUniverse. ISBN 978-0-595-79000-5: Fair use of extract vide section 52(1)(f) of Indian Copyright Act, 1957{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  2. ↑ "DELHI BRAHMO SAMAJ". brahmo.org. Archived from the original on 29 December 2010. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  3. ↑ "Mainstream Weekly". www.mainstreamweekly.net.
  4. ↑ "SEN FAMILY". members.iinet.net.au. Archived from the original on 23 March 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
  5. ↑ "Tagore Family".

External links[edit | edit source]

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