Arya Samaj Movement | Modern Indian History

Arya Samaj is a monotheistic Indian Hindu reform movement that promotes values and practices based on the belief in the infallible authority of the Vedas. The samaj was founded by the sannyasi (ascetic) Dayananda Saraswati in the 1870s. Arya Samaj was the first Hindu organization to introduce proselytization in Hinduism. The organization has also worked towards the growth of the civil rights movement in India since the 1800s.

Genesis

The genesis of the Arya Samaj movement can be traced back to the social and religious conditions of India in the 19th century when the country was under British colonial rule. The British policies of Western education, missionary activities, social reforms, and political interference had a profound impact on Indian society and culture, leading to a sense of cultural crisis and identity loss among many Hindus. Some Hindus felt the need to revive and reform their ancient faith in response to the challenges posed by the modern world.

Dayananda Saraswati, who was born in Gujarat in 1824, was one of those who sought to reform Hinduism from within. He was a scholar of Sanskrit and Vedas, and a critic of idolatry, caste system, superstitions, and ritualism. He advocated a return to the pure and original teachings of the Vedas, which he regarded as the source of all knowledge and truth. He also emphasized the universal brotherhood of all human beings, regardless of caste, creed, or gender. He founded the Arya Samaj in Bombay in 1875, with the motto “Krinvanto Vishvam Aryam” (“Make all men noble”). He traveled across India to spread his message and established branches of Arya Samaj in various regions. He also wrote several books and pamphlets to explain his views and counter the arguments of his opponents. He died in 1883 after being poisoned by a group of orthodox Hindus who opposed his reforms.

Contribution

The Arya Samaj movement made significant contributions to the social, religious, educational, and political spheres of India in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of its notable contributions are:

• It challenged the orthodox and ritualistic aspects of Hinduism and promoted a rational and ethical religion based on the Vedas.
• It opposed social evils such as child marriage, sati (widow immolation), untouchability, polygamy, female infanticide, and caste discrimination, and advocated for social equality, especially for women and lower castes.
• It established a network of schools and colleges, including the famous Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) schools, to provide modern education along with Vedic teachings to both boys and girls.
• It supported the nationalist movement against British rule and inspired many freedom fighters such as Lala Lajpat Rai, Ram Prasad Bismil, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, etc.
• It fostered a sense of Hindu identity and pride among its followers and influenced other reform movements such as Brahmo Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission, Theosophical Society, etc.

Character

The character of the Arya Samaj movement can be seen from different perspectives. On one hand, it can be regarded as a progressive and reformist movement that aimed to modernize Hinduism and society according to the changing times. It adopted a scientific and rational approach to religion and rejected blind faith and superstition. It also embraced some aspects of Western culture such as democracy, human rights, education, etc., while retaining its Vedic roots.

On the other hand, it can also be seen as a conservative and reactionary movement that tried to preserve and revive an ancient form of Hinduism that was perceived to be under threat from foreign influences. It adopted a dogmatic and militant attitude towards other religions such as Christianity and Islam, which it considered false and inferior. It also resisted some aspects of Western culture such as individualism, materialism, secularism, etc., which it considered as corrupting influences.

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Arya Samaj Short Note | [PDF] The Arya Samaj Movement

Here are the top 30 frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about The Arya Samaj Movement: Genesis, Contribution, and its Character for the UPSC exam:

1. What is the Arya Samaj Movement?

Ans:- The Arya Samaj Movement is a Hindu reform movement founded by Dayananda Saraswati in the 19th century. It aimed to revive and reform Hinduism based on the infallible authority of the Vedas.

2. When and where was the Arya Samaj Movement founded?

Ans:- The Arya Samaj Movement was founded by Dayananda Saraswati in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1875.

3. What were the social and religious conditions of 19th-century India that led to the genesis of the Arya Samaj Movement?

Ans:- The 19th century in India was marked by British colonial rule, Western education, missionary activities, social reforms, and political interference. These factors created a sense of cultural crisis and identity loss among many Hindus, leading to the need for revival and reform of their ancient faith.

4. Who was Dayananda Saraswati?

Ans:- Dayananda Saraswati was the founder of the Arya Samaj Movement. He was born in Gujarat in 1824 and was a scholar of Sanskrit and the Vedas. He criticized idolatry, caste system, superstitions, and ritualism, advocating a return to the pure and original teachings of the Vedas.

5. What were the contributions of the Arya Samaj Movement?

Ans:- The Arya Samaj Movement made significant contributions in various spheres, including challenging orthodox Hinduism, advocating for social equality and reform, establishing educational institutions, inspiring the nationalist movement, and shaping Hindu identity.

Click to read details:- Arya Samaj Short Notes