Explore the Arya Samaj founded by Dayananda Saraswati, its reforms, social impact, and the split that led to further developments in Indian education and society.
Dayananda Saraswati and the Reformative Arya Samaj Movement in India
The Arya Samaj Movement: Vision and Principles
Founding: The Arya Samaj Movement was founded by Dayananda Saraswati in 1875 in Bombay, later establishing its headquarters in Lahore.
Dayananda's Views: Through Satyarth Prakash, he advocated for a united India free of foreign rule, guided by Aryan religion inspired by the Vedas.
Revival: The slogan βBack to the Vedasβ promoted modern solutions to national problems and a revival of Vedic learning.
Criticism of Hindu Orthodoxy: He opposed caste rigidities, untouchability, and idolatry, emphasizing karma, reincarnation, and ethical deeds.
Chaturvarna System: Advocated status based on merit and occupation rather than birth.
Social Reforms Led by Arya Samaj
Marriage Age: Fixed the minimum marriage age at 25 for boys and 16 for girls.
Guiding Principles: Promoted social welfare, justice, knowledge, and love for all.
Social Ideals: Encouraged intercaste marriages, widow remarriages, and equality of sexes.
Engagement with Reformers: Collaborated with Keshab Chandra Sen and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
Social Service: Established the Dayananda Anglo-Vedic College and helped during calamities.
Split and Further Developments within Arya Samaj
Differences in Curriculum: A split in 1893 occurred over adopting government curriculum versus promoting Sanskrit and Vedic studies.
Vegetarianism: Divided over dietary preferences, with one faction supporting vegetarianism.
Gurukul Kangri: Founded in 1900 to revive Vedic education and counter colonial education.
Social Reforms: Established Kanya Mahavidyalaya to promote womenβs education.
Shuddhi Movement: Focused on reconversion, which increased communal tensions in the 1920s.
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