Arya Samaj: Origin and Principles

Founding and Objectives

• Founded by: Swami Dayanand Saraswati
• Year: 1875
• Place: Bombay (now Mumbai)
• Motto: Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam (Make the world noble)
• Main Objective: Revive Vedic traditions and remove social evils.

Key Principles of Arya Samaj

1. “Back to the Vedas” – Promotion of Vedic knowledge.
2. Opposition to Idol Worship – Rejected murti puja.
3. Condemnation of Superstitions – Rejected blind faith, astrology, and rituals.
4. Equal Rights for All – Opposed caste discrimination.
5. Women Empowerment – Supported widow remarriage, girls’ education.
6. Education Reforms – Established gurukuls and DAV (Dayanand Anglo Vedic) schools.
7. Promotion of Hindi and Sanskrit – Encouraged use of Vedic languages.
8. Social Reform – Worked against child marriage, untouchability, and Sati system.

Impact of Arya Samaj

• Spread of Vedic Education – Many Gurukuls and DAV schools established.
• Influence on Nationalism – Inspired Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, Madan Mohan Malaviya.
• Reconversion Movement (Shuddhi Movement) – Converted people back to Hinduism.
• Social Reforms – Helped abolish many social evils.

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MCQs on Arya Samaj

1. When was Arya Samaj founded?
a) 1865
b) 1875
c) 1885
d) 1895
→ Answer: b) 1875

2. Who founded Arya Samaj?
a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
b) Swami Vivekananda
c) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
→ Answer: c) Swami Dayanand Saraswati

3. What was the main motto of Arya Samaj?
a) Atmanam Vidhi
b) Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam
c) Satyameva Jayate
d) Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah
→ Answer: b) Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam

4. What was the main objective of Arya Samaj?
a) Spread Buddhism
b) Promote idol worship
c) Revive Vedic traditions
d) Spread Christianity
→ Answer: c) Revive Vedic traditions

5. Which of the following social evils was opposed by Arya Samaj?
a) Widow remarriage
b) Idol worship
c) Education for women
d) Promotion of Sanskrit
→ Answer: b) Idol worship

6. Which leader was influenced by Arya Samaj?
a) Lala Lajpat Rai
b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
c) Mahatma Gandhi
d) Subhas Chandra Bose
→ Answer: a) Lala Lajpat Rai

7. What was the Shuddhi Movement started by Arya Samaj?
a) A movement for women’s rights
b) A campaign against idol worship
c) A reconversion campaign to bring back converted Hindus
d) A movement to promote English education
→ Answer: c) A reconversion campaign to bring back converted Hindus

8. Which of the following institutions was started under Arya Samaj?
a) Banaras Hindu University
b) Aligarh Muslim University
c) Dayanand Anglo Vedic (DAV) Schools
d) Presidency College
→ Answer: c) Dayanand Anglo Vedic (DAV) Schools

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Short Answer Questions

Q1: When and by whom was Arya Samaj founded?
A: Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875 in Bombay.

Q2: What was the main slogan of Arya Samaj?
A: Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam (Make the world noble).

Q3: What was the main objective of Arya Samaj?
A: To revive Vedic teachings, remove social evils, and oppose idol worship.

Q4: Name any two social evils opposed by Arya Samaj.
A: Idol worship and caste discrimination.

Q5: What was the Shuddhi Movement of Arya Samaj?
A: It was a reconversion campaign to bring back people who had converted to other religions.

Q6: Name one famous educational institution started by Arya Samaj.
A: Dayanand Anglo Vedic (DAV) Schools.

Q7: Which freedom fighter was inspired by Arya Samaj?
A: Lala Lajpat Rai.

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