Question

Which movement, led by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, advocated for a return to the teachings of the Vedas?

• A. Prarthana Samaj
• B. Arya Samaj
• C. Aligarh Movement
• D. Brahmo Samaj

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Arya Samaj

Arya Samaj: A Reform Movement

• The Arya Samaj was a monotheistic social reform movement founded in 1875 in Mumbai by Swami Dayananda Saraswati.
• Its core objective was to revive and reform Hinduism by advocating a return to the Vedas, which Swami Dayananda considered the infallible word of God.
• The movement emphasized the concept of "Back to the Vedas!", rejecting later accretions, idolatry, and superstition in Hindu practices.
• Swami Dayananda Saraswati's teachings, compiled in his book Satyarth Prakash, stressed monotheism, the equality of all humans, and the importance of education for both men and women.
• Key principles of Arya Samaj included:
  • Belief in one God (Brahman).
  • Rejection of idol worship and elaborate rituals.
  • Acceptance of the Vedas as the ultimate authority.
  • Emphasis on the ten principles (Dasa Shilpa) which included striving for good, being truthful, and working for the welfare of all.
  • Promotion of education and social reform, including the upliftment of women and the abolition of the caste system.
• The Arya Samaj played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and the Hindu renaissance of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• It established numerous schools and colleges across India, such as the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) Schools and Colleges, which aimed to provide a blend of traditional Indian values and Western education.
• The movement's emphasis on social justice and equality resonated with many, contributing to its widespread influence.