The founders of the Paramhansa Mandali founded in Maharashtra believed in which one of the following ?

The Paramhansa Mandali was founded in 1849 in Maharashtra by Dadoba Pandurang, Mehtaji Durgaram, and others as a secret society [1][2]. The organization's ideology was deeply rooted in monotheism, with the core belief that only one God should be worshipped [1]. Beyond religious reform, the founders were primarily focused on social equality and were dedicated to breaking rigid caste rules [1][2]. To demonstrate this commitment, members of the Mandali would consume food cooked by individuals from lower castes during their meetings [1][2]. They rejected the polytheism of popular Hinduism and the Brahmanical monopoly over knowledge, advocating instead for a religion based on love, moral conduct, and rationality [1]. The Mandali also supported progressive social causes such as widow remarriage and women's education [1].

Sources

1. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 9: A General Survey of Socio-Cultural Reform Movements > Paramahansa Mandali > p. 214
2. [2] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 7: Social and Cultural Awakening in the First Half of the 19th Century > MODERN INDIA > p. 132