Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, a teacher at Hindu College, Calcutta, in the 1820s, promoted radicalideas and encouraged his pupils to question all authority. Referred to as the Young BengalMovement, his students attacked tradition and custom, demanded education for women andcampaigned for the freedom of thought and expression.
The Derozians, however, failed to have a long-term impact. Derozio was removed from theHindu College in 1831 because of his radicalism. The main reason for their limited success wasthe prevailing social conditions at that time, which were not ripe for the adoption of radicalideas. Further, support from any other social group or class was absent.The Derozians lacked any real link with the masses; for instance, they failed to take up thepeasants’ cause. In fact, their radicalism was bookish in character. But, despite their limitations,the Derozians carried forward Roy’s tradition of public education on social, economic andpolitical questions.
For instance, they demanded induction of Indians in higher grades of services, protection ofryots from oppressive zamindars, better treatment to Indian labour abroad in British colonies,revision of the Company’s charter, freedom of press and trial by jury.
