Swami Dayanand Saraswati: Analyzing the Statements

This question asks us to identify the statement that is incorrect regarding Swami Dayanand Saraswati, a prominent social and religious reformer in India.

Evaluating Statements about Swami Dayanand Saraswati

Let's examine each statement:

• Statement 1: He founded the Arya Samaj.

  This statement is correct. Swami Dayanand Saraswati established the Arya Samaj in 1875 in Bombay (now Mumbai). The organization aimed to reform Hinduism and promote Vedic values.

• Statement 2: He was opposed to idolatry and priesthood.

  This statement is correct. Swami Dayanand advocated for a return to the pure teachings of the Vedas, which he believed did not support idol worship (puja) or the rigid hereditary system of priesthood.

• Statement 3: He believed in the infallibility of the Vedas.

  This statement is correct. Swami Dayanand considered the Vedas to be the ultimate source of truth and infallible. His call to action was "Back to the Vedas" (Veda-anusar-chalo), emphasizing their divine origin and authority.

• Statement 4: He was against the study of western sciences.

  This statement is incorrect. Contrary to this claim, Swami Dayanand Saraswati encouraged the integration of modern knowledge with Vedic wisdom. He believed that Indians should study both traditional Indian scriptures and contemporary sciences to progress and overcome colonial influence. He did not advocate for rejecting Western sciences; rather, he wanted Indians to excel in all fields of knowledge.

Conclusion on Incorrect Statement

Based on the analysis, the statement that Swami Dayanand Saraswati was against the study of western sciences is factually wrong. He supported a comprehensive education that included both ancient Vedic knowledge and modern scientific advancements.