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Dayanand Saraswati: Life and Contributions

Swami Dayanand Saraswati, born on 12 February 1824, founded Arya Samaj in 1875 to promote Vedic principles, reject idol worship, and oppose social evils like caste discrimination. He authored “Satyarth Prakash”, advocated for women’s rights, and inspired Indian leaders. He died on 30 October 1883 due to poisoning.


Early Life

  • Born: 12 February 1824, in Tankara, Gujarat.
  • Birth Name: Mool Shankar Tiwari.
  • Family: Belonged to a Brahmin family, father was Karshanji Lalji Tiwari.
  • Influenced by: Vedantic texts, Upanishads, and Yoga.
  • Turning point: Witnessing a rat eating prasad in a temple, which made him question idol worship.

Philosophy and Contributions

  • Founded Arya Samaj (1875): A Hindu reform movement based on Vedic principles.
  • Back to Vedas: He promoted returning to Vedic teachings and rejected superstitions.
  • Opposed Social Evils:
    • Idol worship
    • Caste discrimination
    • Child marriage
    • Sati system

Religious and Social Reforms

  • Satyarth Prakash (1875): His famous book, meaning The Light of Truth.
  • Education Reforms: Advocated Vedic education and founded Gurukuls.
  • Women’s Rights: Supported widow remarriage and women’s education.
  • Nationalism: His ideas inspired leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Swami Shraddhanand.
  • Hindu Revivalism: Opposed foreign influence on Hinduism and emphasized self-reliance.

Death

  • Died: 30 October 1883, due to poisoning by a cook in Jodhpur.
  • His last words: “O Lord! Let my country awake to true knowledge.”

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. When was Swami Dayanand Saraswati born?

a) 1824
b) 1835
c) 1788
d) 1857
→ Answer: a) 1824

2. Which organization was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati?

a) Ramakrishna Mission
b) Arya Samaj
c) Theosophical Society
d) Brahmo Samaj
→ Answer: b) Arya Samaj

3. What was the original name of Swami Dayanand Saraswati?

a) Mool Shankar
b) Ranjit Shankar
c) Keshav Chandra
d) Swami Vivekananda
→ Answer: a) Mool Shankar

4. Which of the following books was written by Swami Dayanand Saraswati?

a) Gita Rahasya
b) Satyarth Prakash
c) Anand Math
d) Hind Swaraj
→ Answer: b) Satyarth Prakash

5. What was Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s famous slogan?

a) Go Back to the Vedas
b) Jai Hind
c) Swaraj is my Birthright
d) Do or Die
→ Answer: a) Go Back to the Vedas

6. Who among the following was inspired by Swami Dayanand Saraswati?

a) Lala Lajpat Rai
b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
c) Mahatma Gandhi
d) Rabindranath Tagore
→ Answer: a) Lala Lajpat Rai

7. Where did Swami Dayanand Saraswati die?

a) Ahmedabad
b) Jodhpur
c) Varanasi
d) Haridwar
→ Answer: b) Jodhpur

8. What was the main goal of Arya Samaj?

a) Promote idol worship
b) Spread Western education
c) Revive Vedic traditions
d) Support caste-based discrimination
→ Answer: c) Revive Vedic traditions


Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is Swami Dayanand Saraswati famous for?

A: He was a Hindu reformer who founded Arya Samaj and promoted Vedic teachings while opposing idol worship, caste discrimination, and other social evils.

Q2: What was Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s most famous book?

A: Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth).

Q3: What was the famous slogan given by Swami Dayanand Saraswati?

A: Go Back to the Vedas.

Q4: Name any two social reforms introduced by Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

A: 1) Opposition to idol worship
2) Promotion of women’s education

Q5: Who was influenced by Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s ideas?

A: Leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Swami Shraddhanand.

Q6: When and how did Swami Dayanand Saraswati die?

A: He died on 30 October 1883 after being poisoned by a cook in Jodhpur.


This note covers all essential facts needed for competitive exams. Let me know if you need more details! 🚀

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