Rammohan Ray is called the 'Father of Modern India' in recognition of his epoch-making social, educational and political reforms. Bruce Robertson argues that Ray's intellectual and spiritual roots have been misunderstood even by those who have been most lavish in their praise. Made a hero for standing up to the British government in politics, his memory has been tainted by an ill-informed consensus, namely that he gave in to Europeans on matters of religion.

Nothing could have been further from the truth, Robertson argues. While Ray's political legacy may be said to have endured, his enormous contribution to modern Indian religious sectarian dialogue, where his greatest originality may be found, is sadly forgotten. Robertson argues that Ray set the agenda for modern India in his vision of a self-determining, modern, pluralistic society founded upon the Upanishadic principles of freedom of sadhana and one rule of law for all.