Founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati on April 10, 1875, in Bombay (Mumbai), the Arya Samaj emerged as a Hindu reform movement dedicated to reviving Vedic values and opposing social evils. It emphasized truth, equality, education, and the worship of one God. The movement played a crucial role in social reform, education, and national awakening during colonial India.

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•  Founded in 1875 by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in Bombay.
•  Aimed to restore purity of Hinduism through Vedas, rejecting idol worship and superstitions.
•  Promoted monotheism — belief in one formless, eternal God.
•  Opposed caste discrimination, Sati, child marriage, and polygamy.
•  Advocated widow remarriage, female education, and gender equality.
•  Supported use of Sanskrit and Hindi; founded Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) schools and colleges.
•  Launched Shuddhi Movement to reconvert people who left Hinduism.
•  Founded Cow Protection Association in 1882 to preserve Indian traditions.
•  Encouraged self-reliance, national pride, and humanitarian relief during natural disasters.
•  Strengthened India’s social unity and inspired future reform and freedom movements