Day-2 Answer Writing Challenge : Model Answer

Question: 2.  Highlight the role of Arya samaj in bringing  reforms in Hindu society of pre-Independence era?

Answer: 

The Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875, played a significant role in bringing reforms to Hindu society during the pre-independence era. This religious and social reform movement aimed to revive and purify Hinduism by advocating for a return to the Vedas (the oldest sacred scriptures of Hinduism) and challenging various social and religious practices that were considered regressive. Here are some key ways in which the Arya Samaj contributed to reforming Hindu society:

1. Promotion of Vedic Knowledge:
   • Arya Samaj emphasized the study and propagation of Vedic knowledge, advocating for a return to the original teachings of the Vedas. They believed that this would lead to a more rational and morally upright society.
2. Rejection of Idol Worship:
   • Swami Dayananda and the Arya Samaj strongly opposed idol worship, which was prevalent in many Hindu traditions. They argued that it had no basis in the Vedas and encouraged monotheism, focusing on the worship of the one true God (Ishwar).
3. Advocacy for Social Equality:
   • The Arya Samaj was a proponent of social equality and condemned caste-based discrimination. They advocated for the removal of the caste system, untouchability, and promoted the idea that all individuals, regardless of their birth, had equal rights.
4. Promotion of Women’s Rights:
   • Arya Samaj leaders worked to improve the status of women in society. They campaigned against practices such as child marriage and the mistreatment of widows. They encouraged women’s education and participation in social and religious activities.
5. Educational Reforms:
   • The Arya Samaj played a crucial role in the establishment of educational institutions that provided a modern, secular, and Vedic education. These institutions aimed to promote both scientific and moral education.
6. Opposition to Superstitions and Rituals:
   • The Arya Samaj criticized various superstitious practices and rituals that had crept into Hinduism over the centuries. They advocated for a more rational and simplified approach to religious practices.
7. Promotion of Hindi Language:
   • The Arya Samaj played a role in promoting the Hindi language and script, as they believed it to be a more accessible medium for the spread of Vedic knowledge.
8. Political Activism:
   • While primarily a religious and social reform movement, the Arya Samaj also had a political impact. Many of its members were involved in the Indian freedom struggle, and their reformist ideas contributed to the broader movement for social and political change in British-ruled India.

In summary, the Arya Samaj was instrumental in bringing about a reformist and rationalist approach to Hinduism. By advocating for the study of the Vedas, rejecting regressive practices, and promoting social and gender equality, the Arya Samaj played a crucial role in reshaping Hindu society in the pre-independence era and laying the groundwork for broader social and political reforms in India.