Reform Movement in North India

Introduction

Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875, is a reformist movement within Hinduism. It emphasizes the Vedas' authority and advocates for monotheism, social equality, and Vedic teachings. The Arya Samaj promotes monotheism and rejects idol worship, caste-based discrimination, and many rituals and practices that it considers to be innovations in Hinduism. Its teachings are based on the authority of the Vedas, which it considers to be the infallible scriptures. Dayananda Saraswati, a sannyasi or ascetic, founded Arya Samaj on April 10, 1875, with the aim of reforming and revitalizing Hinduism by purifying it from what he saw as corruptions and deviations. Arya Samaj was unique among Hindu groups of its time in actively practicing and advocating for proselytization, aiming to spread its teachings and principles beyond its immediate followers. Samaj played a significant role in various social and religious reforms in India. It campaigned against social evils like caste discrimination, child marriage, and untouchability. It also worked towards promoting education, particularly Vedic education, among all sections of society. The Arya Samaj movement had a profound impact on Indian society, contributing to the rise of a reformed and revitalized Hindu identity. It influenced various aspects of Indian life, from education and social reforms to political activism. Today, Arya Samaj continues to exist and operate, with its principles and teachings still influencing a segment of the Hindu population. It remains a significant force in promoting Vedic teachings and values in contemporary Indian society. In summary, Arya Samaj and Swami Dayananda Saraswati played a pivotal role in the reform and revitalization of Hinduism in the 19th century. Their emphasis on Vedic authority, monotheism, and social reform has left a lasting impact on Indian society and continues to be relevant in the modern context. This information can be beneficial for aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Service Exam, especially in the context of Modern Indian History.

Key Aspects

1. Background: Dayananda Saraswati, born as Mulshankar in 1824 in Gujarat, founded the Arya Samaj Movement as a reaction against Western influences and to rejuvenate Hinduism.
2. Wandering Ascetic: Before establishing the Arya Samaj, Dayananda wandered as an ascetic for 15 years, from 1845 to 1860, in pursuit of truth and spiritual understanding.
3. Establishment of Arya Samaj: The first Arya Samaj unit was established in Bombay in 1875, with its headquarters later set up in Lahore.
4. Philosophy and Vision: Dayananda's teachings are encapsulated in his work "Satyarth Prakash" (The True Exposition). He envisioned a classless, casteless, and united India, free from foreign rule, with Vedic principles as the foundation. His motto was "Back to the Vedas."
5. Interpretation of Vedas: Dayananda emphasized the Vedas as the cornerstone of Hinduism. He believed in interpreting the scriptures individually and criticized later Hindu scriptures like the Puranas and misinterpretations by priests.
6. Critique of Hindu Practices: Dayananda critiqued various Hindu practices, including idolatry, caste rigidity, untouchability, and superstitious beliefs. He advocated for reforms and a return to Vedic principles.
7. Spiritual Beliefs: Dayananda rejected the traditional Hindu belief in maya (illusion) and the quest for moksha (salvation) through escapism. He emphasized karma, reincarnation, and the importance of performing good deeds for the benefit of others.
8. Chaturvarna System: While Dayananda subscribed to the Vedic chaturvarna system, he believed that one's varna should be determined by merit and occupation, not by birth.
9. Reforms in Marriage: The Arya Samaj introduced reforms in marriage customs, setting the minimum marriageable age at 25 for boys and 16 for girls, aiming to combat child marriages prevalent at that time.
10. Legacy: Dayananda Saraswati's Arya Samaj Movement had a profound impact on Indian society. His teachings and reforms aimed at revitalizing Hinduism and addressing social issues continue to influence modern Hindu thought and practices.

In summary, Dayananda Saraswati and the Arya Samaj Movement played a significant role in the revival and reform of Hinduism, emphasizing Vedic principles, social reforms, and individual spiritual growth.

Important Facts related to Arya Samaj

The Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875, was a significant reform movement within Hinduism during the 19th century. Here are key aspects of Arya Samaj's background and its founder:

1. Founder - Swami Dayananda Saraswati (1824-83):
• Swami Dayananda Saraswati, born in 1824, was a Sanskrit scholar and an ascetic.
• Unlike some contemporary reformers, Dayananda had no formal education in English.
• He issued the slogan "Back to the Vedas," emphasizing a return to the original teachings of the Vedas.
2. Philosophical Orientation:
• Swami Dayananda Saraswati was deeply rooted in Vedic philosophy and learning. He considered the Vedas as the eternal and infallible source of knowledge.
• His views were similar to those of earlier reformers like Ram Mohan Roy, emphasizing monotheism and the rejection of idol worship.
3. Slogan - "Back to the Vedas":
• The central theme of Arya Samaj was a return to the pure teachings of the Vedas. Dayananda believed that many Hindu practices had deviated from Vedic principles.
4. Social Values of Arya Samaj:
• Arya Samaj propagated social values such as the fatherhood of God and the fraternity of humanity.
• It advocated gender equality, justice, and fair play among individuals and nations.
• The movement supported intercaste marriages, widow remarriages, and opposed practices like child marriage.
5. Shared Programs with Brahmo Samaj:
• Arya Samaj and Brahmo Samaj, led by reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, shared common social reform agendas.
• Both movements opposed polytheism, idol worship, caste-based restrictions, child marriage, and advocated for female education and widow remarriage.
6. Key Reforms:
• Arya Samaj actively promoted intercaste marriages to break down caste barriers.
• It challenged practices like polytheism, image worship, caste-based restrictions, and advocated for social justice.
7. Views on Vedas:
• Dayananda Saraswati, like other reformers of his time, held the Vedas in high regard, considering them as timeless and error-free.
8. Legacy:
• Arya Samaj, with its emphasis on Vedic principles and social reforms, left a lasting legacy in the reformist landscape of Hinduism. It played a significant role in challenging orthodox practices and promoting progressive ideals.

In summary, Arya Samaj, under the leadership of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, emerged as a reform movement that sought to revive and purify Hinduism by returning to the original teachings of the Vedas and advocating for social reforms aligned with Vedic principles.

Key features of Arya Samaj:

1. Vedic Authority:
• Believed in the infallibility of the Vedas and considered them the ultimate source of truth and knowledge.
• Held that post-Vedic texts, such as the Puranas, were responsible for the deviation from pure Vedic teachings.
2. Rejection of Certain Beliefs:
• Opposed idol worship and the concept of reincarnation.
• Supported the idea of 'Karma' and soul transmigration.
• Rejected the doctrine of fate/destiny (Niyati).
3. Monotheism:
• Advocated belief in a single God without a physical form.
4. Opposition to Brahmanical Dominance:
• Rejected Brahmanical dominance over Hindu spiritual and social life.
• Condemned the Brahmins' claim to be intermediaries between humans and God.
5. Merit-Based Varna System:
• Supported the concept of the Four Varna System but emphasized that it should be based on merit rather than birth.
6. Equality for All:
• Promoted the idea that everyone, irrespective of caste or gender, has an equal position in the spiritual and social realms.
7. Women's Rights:
• Advocated for women's equality in society.
• Supported widow remarriage, female education, and opposed practices like polygamy, child marriage, and Sati.
8. Language and Education:
• Supported the spread of Hindi and Sanskrit.
• Considered good education as the foundation of a just and robust social order.
• Conducted significant work in the field of education, particularly for women.
9. Social Condemnations:
• Condemned practices such as animal sacrifices, religious pilgrimages, feeding the dead through sraddhas, sorcery, and charms.
• Viewed these practices as socio-religious sins resulting from a lack of understanding of Vedic teachings.
10. Focus on Morality and Ethics:
• Emphasized the importance of moral and ethical conduct in individuals and society.

The Arya Samaj, through its teachings and reforms, aimed to revive and purify Hinduism by returning to the principles of the Vedas and challenging practices that deviated from these principles. It played a significant role in shaping social and religious discourse during its time.

Ten Guiding Principles of the Arya Samaj

The Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, outlined ten guiding principles that encapsulate the core tenets and values of the Samaj:

1. God is the Originator of All Real Knowledge:
• Acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all true knowledge.
2. God Alone is Deserving of Worship:
• Emphasizes the worship of the one God who possesses attributes such as truth, knowledge, omnipotence, and immortality.
3. Vedas are the Genuine Scriptures:
• Recognizes the Vedas as the authentic scriptures of wisdom.
4. Embrace Truth, Reject Lies:
• Encourages adherents to embrace truth and reject falsehood.
5. Guiding Concept - Dharma:
• Advocates that the guiding concept for all activities should be dharma, involving careful consideration of right and wrong.
6. Promotion of Global Well-Being:
• Declares the primary goal of the Arya Samaj as promoting global well-being in material, spiritual, and social dimensions.
7. Compassion and Justice for All:
• Stresses the importance of treating everyone with compassion and justice.
8. Removal of Ignorance, Expansion of Knowledge:
• Calls for the removal of ignorance and the expansion of knowledge.
9. Advancement Tied to Others:
• Asserts that one's advancement should be linked to the advancement of all others.
10. Collective Well-Being Over Individual Well-Being:
• Prioritizes the collective well-being of humanity over individual well-being.

These guiding principles reflect the Arya Samaj's commitment to monotheism, Vedic authority, truth, justice, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge. The emphasis on global well-being and the interconnectedness of individual progress with the progress of society align with the Samaj's broader vision for a harmonious and righteous world.

The Arya Samaj holds significant historical and social importance for several reasons:

1. Social Reforms:
• The Arya Samaj played a crucial role in advocating and implementing social reforms. It set the minimum marriageable age, promoted intercaste marriages, and worked against prevalent social issues like child marriage and gender discrimination.
2. Humanitarian Work:
• The Samaj gained recognition for its humanitarian efforts in response to natural disasters such as earthquakes, famines, and floods. Additionally, it took a lead in promoting education, reflecting its commitment to social welfare.
3. Educational Contributions:
• The establishment of the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (D.A.V.) College in Lahore in 1886 exemplifies the Samaj's commitment to education. The D.A.V. institutions have continued to contribute significantly to education in India.
4. Cultural and National Identity:
• The Arya Samaj played a role in instilling self-esteem and confidence among Hindus, countering notions of white supremacy and Western civilization. It contributed to the preservation of Hindu civilization and cultural identity.
5. Shuddhi Movement:
• The shuddhi movement, initiated by the Arya Samaj, aimed at reintegrating converts to Christianity and Islam back into Hindu society. It also sought to bring individuals considered untouchables into the fold of Hinduism.
6. Communal Consciousness:
• The shuddhi movement during the 1920s led to increased communal political consciousness. It had repercussions on social interactions and relations, influencing the dynamics of Hindu-Muslim relations.
7. Reaction to Western Influences:
• Founded in response to Western influences, the Arya Samaj, under Swami Dayananda Saraswati's leadership, emphasized a return to Vedic principles. It represented a reaction against certain aspects of Westernization.
8. Promotion of Vedic Values:
• The Samaj's emphasis on the Vedas as the ultimate source of knowledge and its call to go "Back to the Vedas" contributed to the promotion of Vedic values and principles.

The Arya Samaj's multifaceted contributions, ranging from social reforms to education and cultural identity, have left a lasting impact on Indian society and history.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati

Swami Dayananda Saraswati, a prominent social and religious reformer, left a lasting impact on Hinduism and Indian society through his teachings and initiatives. Here are some key aspects of his life and contributions:

1. Early Life and Spiritual Quest:
• Born as Mul Shankar Tiwari on February 12, 1824, in Tankara, Gujarat, he began questioning the purpose of life after experiencing personal losses.
2. Ascetic Life and Yoga Practice:
• Engaged to be married during his teens, he chose to lead an ascetic life and ran away from home. He practiced Yoga during this period, guided by his spiritual instructor, Virajanand Dandeesha.
3. Commitment to Vedic Principles:
• Swami Dayananda observed what he perceived as deviations from the original Vedic principles in Hinduism. He pledged to restore the Vedas to their rightful place in Hindu faith and life.
4. Reform Efforts:
• He spoke against the practice of making contributions to priests, emphasized the concept of One God, and condemned idol worship. He challenged the revered role of priests in Hinduism and expressed hostility towards caste diversity.
5. Education Initiatives:
• Swami Dayananda founded Vedic schools to provide education to both boys and girls from all castes. Students received free literature, clothing, shelter, and food while being instructed in the Vedas and ancient writings.
6. Arya Samaj:
• On April 7, 1875, Swami Dayananda established the Arya Samaj, a reformist movement that aimed at promoting Vedic values and eradicating social evils. Arya Samaj conducted campaigns against untouchability and advocated for caste equality.
7. Literary Contributions:
• Swami Dayananda authored several books, with "Satyarth Prakash" being one of his most significant contributions. Other notable works include "Sanskarvidhi" and "Rig Veda Bhashyam."
8. Social Causes:
• He actively campaigned for the protection of widows and supported various social causes, including assistance for victims of natural or man-made disasters.
9. Dayanand Anglo Vedic (D.A.V.) Institutions:
• The establishment of the Dayanand Anglo Vedic Trust and Management Society in Lahore in 1886 aimed to unify the samaj's operations and promote education.

Swami Dayananda Saraswati's teachings and initiatives continue to influence Hindu thought, and the Arya Samaj remains an important institution in the context of social and religious reform in India.