What was the Rahnumai Mazdyasan Sabha ?

The correct answer is - Parsee Social Reform Organisation

Key Points

• Rahnumai Mazdyasan Sabha
  • Founded in 1851 by a group of progressive Parsis in Bombay (now Mumbai).
  • Its primary aim was to serve as a Parsee Social Reform Organisation, advocating for the modernization of Parsi society.
  • It worked towards the improvement of social conditions, including education, women's rights, and the eradication of outdated customs.
  • The Sabha played a crucial role in spreading awareness about Zoroastrianism and promoting rational thinking among the Parsi community.
• Notable Members
  • Prominent members included Dadabhai Naoroji, a key figure in Indian independence, and Naoroji Furdonji, a reformist and writer.
  • These leaders used the Sabha as a platform to spearhead reforms within the Parsi community and beyond.

Additional Information

• Parsi Social Reforms
  • The Rahnumai Mazdyasan Sabha worked to abolish regressive practices such as child marriage and promoted the idea of women’s education.
  • The Sabha also encouraged Parsis to adopt modern legal practices and align with the progressive ideas of the time.
• Broader Impact
  • The Sabha had a significant influence on the Indian reformist movement, inspiring other communities to establish similar organizations for their own social progress.
  • It also contributed to the Indian nationalist movement by fostering leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, who later became the first Indian to be elected to the British Parliament.
• Zoroastrianism and Modernity
  • The Rahnumai Mazdyasan Sabha sought to reinterpret Zoroastrian religious teachings in the context of modern values.
  • This approach helped the Parsi community maintain its cultural identity while adapting to societal changes during British rule in India.