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Question

Who was the founder of 'Arya Samaj'?

The correct answer is

Swami Dayanand Saraswati

The question asks about the founder of 'Arya Samaj'. Understanding the prominent social and religious reform movements of the 19th century is important in Indian history.

Understanding the Arya Samaj

The 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.

Founder of Arya Samaj

The Arya Samaj was founded by a significant figure in Indian religious and social reform. Let's examine the options provided:

  • Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Known as the 'Father of Modern India', he founded the Brahmo Sabha (later Brahmo Samaj) in 1828. His focus was on combating social evils like Sati and promoting modern education.
  • Swami Vivekanand: A chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897. He is well-known for his speech at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 and for spreading Vedanta philosophy in the West.
  • Swami Dayanand Saraswati: A sannyasi (ascetic) and social reformer who believed the Vedas were the word of God and contained all truth. He advocated a return to Vedic principles and worked against social issues like idol worship, caste discrimination, and child marriage.
  • Raja Radhakant Dev: A conservative leader who founded the Dharma Sabha in 1830 as a counter-movement to the Brahmo Samaj, advocating for the preservation of traditional Hindu practices.

Based on historical records, the founder of the Arya Samaj was Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

About Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Arya Samaj

Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj on April 10, 1875, in Bombay (now Mumbai).

Key principles and activities of the Arya Samaj under Swami Dayanand Saraswati included:

  • Belief in one God (monotheism) and rejection of idol worship.
  • Acceptance of the Vedas as the ultimate source of knowledge and authority.
  • Emphasis on Vedic rituals and practices.
  • Promotion of social reform, including women's education, opposition to child marriage, and removal of untouchability.
  • Advocacy for the use of Hindi language.
  • The slogan "Go back to the Vedas".

Swami Dayanand Saraswati's work through the Arya Samaj had a significant impact on religious and social awakening in India.

Movement Founder Year of Foundation
Brahmo Samaj Raja Ram Mohan Roy 1828
Arya Samaj Swami Dayanand Saraswati 1875
Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekanand 1897
Dharma Sabha Raja Radhakant Dev 1830

Therefore, the founder of 'Arya Samaj' is Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

Revision Table: Indian Reform Movements

Movement Founder Key Principles
Arya Samaj Swami Dayanand Saraswati Return to Vedas, Monotheism, Social Reform, Education
Brahmo Samaj Raja Ram Mohan Roy Monotheism, Abolition of Sati, Western Education
Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekanand Spreading Vedanta, Social Service

Additional Information: Swami Dayanand Saraswati

Swami Dayanand Saraswati's original name was Mul Shankar Tiwari. He was a profound scholar of the Vedas and Sanskrit. His major work, 'Satyarth Prakash' (The Light of Truth), published in 1875, outlines his beliefs and the principles of Arya Samaj. His efforts contributed significantly to the religious and social awakening, promoting rationalism and challenging superstitious practices prevalent in society.

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