The Renaissance of Bengal: A Convergence between Secular and Sacred Traditions of Indian Thought
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/n52fsx78Keywords:
Secularism, Indian Philosophy, Renaissance, Neo-Vedanta, Social Reform, Modern IndiaAbstract
Modern Indian is intrinsically connected with the eighteenth-century Renaissance in Bengal. To understand the legacy of Bengal Renaissance, we need to understand its pioneers like Rammohan Roy, Vidyasagar, Swami Dyananda Swaraswati, Swami Vivekananda and others. This paper aims to explore the ideological foundation and inspiration behind Renaissance. Classical Indian Philosophy was the inspiration before the protagonist of the Neo-Vedanta/Practical Vedanta, Swami Vivekananda. On the contrary, the famous humanist reformer of nineteenth-century Bengal, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar preferred to act to resolve humanitarian problems and remained silent on philosophical/spiritual issues. Thus, there was a convergence between spiritual/religious traditions and secular humanitarian outlook in the Renaissance of Bengal.
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