RAS question
The Ramsnehi sect of Rajasthan was founded by:
Correct answer: (D) Sant Ramcharan ji.
The Ramsnehi sect of Rajasthan was founded by Sant Ramcharan ji, described in the Rajasthan District Gazetteer as Swami Ramcharanji Maharaj.
Explanation
The Ramsnehi sect belongs to Rajasthan's devotional tradition and is linked directly with Sant Ramcharan ji. The official Rajasthan District Gazetteer for Karauli states that the peeth of the sect is at Shahpura in Bhilwara district and identifies Swami Ramcharanji Maharaj as the originator of the Ramsnehi sect. The sect emerged in the 18th century, centred its devotion on Ram as the formless God, and is associated with the Shahpura, Raipur, Sinhthal, and Khedapa branches. Rajasthan District Gazetteers, Karauli also explains the sect's broad religious appeal, noting its attempt to bridge divisions such as Hindu-Muslim, Jain-Vaishnava, Saguna-Nirguna, Bhakti-Yoga, and Dwij-Shudra.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Jambhoji is associated with the Bishnoi tradition, not the founding of the Ramsnehi sect.
- (B) Dadu Dayal is linked with Dadu Panth; the same Rajasthan Gazetteer separately treats the Dadu sect after the Ramsnehi entry.
- (C) Lal Das ji is connected with a different sect, whereas Rajasthan District Gazetteers, Karauli identifies Swami Ramcharanji Maharaj as the originator of the Ramsnehi sect.
Concept
Rajasthan History, Art & Culture includes founder-sect-centre mapping for regional devotional movements. RAS often returns to these links because they separate Rajasthan's Bhakti and saint traditions by founder, peeth, and doctrinal emphasis.