Founded by
Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a social reformer who fought a battle to eliminate the evil custom of
Sati, the Brahma Samaj was a Hindu theistic society. It was formed in 1820 to oppose the polytheistic belief and idol worship in
Hinduism. The first name of the society was ‘Brahmo Sabha,’ literally meaning the 'church of one God.' Later, the name changed to Adi Brahmo Samaj. In the 19th century, the Samaj formed a bridge between Christianity and Hinduism. The society believed in one God and its idea was based on universal brotherhood. Many Hindus and foreigners were attracted to this new concept.
The leadership was given to Devendranath Tagore, a famous social reformer and poet, when Ram Mohan left for Europe. Under his leadership, the Brahma Samaj grew into a spiritual fraternity. Keshab Chandra Sen was the next leader. He wanted to include Christian ideals in the Brahma Samaj movement. He began the compilation of a scripture including the passages from the Holy Books of many religions- Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Muslim. Gradually, the society divided
into Adi Brahmo Samaj, Naba-Bidhan Samaj and Sadharan Brahmo Samaj because of the differences in belief. These three societies joined again later and formed Brahmo Sammilan Samaj. The Brahma Samajs were formed in several Indian cities and abroad at that time.
