Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in Bombay on April 10, 1875, was a Hindu reform movement. It sought to revive Vedic principles, oppose social evils, and promote equality. The movement became a major force in education, social reform, and national awakening.

BulletsIn

• Founded 1875 by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in Bombay
• Movement stressed “Back to the Vedas”
• Rejected idolatry, polytheism, caste dominance, priestly monopoly
• Promoted women’s equality, widow remarriage, banned child marriage, Sati, polygamy
• Stressed education, founded DAV institutions, spread Hindi and Sanskrit
• Started Shuddhi movement to reconvert Hindus from other faiths
• Supported four Varna system by merit, not birth
• Advocated one formless God, no intermediaries
• Promoted humanitarian work during disasters, upliftment of poor
• Sparked controversies: Shuddhi, cow protection led to communal clashes