In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, North India witnessed major reform movements led by Arya Samaj and Dev Samaj. Founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875, Arya Samaj aimed to reform Hinduism by returning to Vedic principles. Meanwhile, Shiv Narayan Agnihotri’s Dev Samaj (1887) promoted ethical living and social reforms. These movements targeted superstitions, casteism, idolatry, and promoted women’s education and equality.

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• Arya Samaj founded in 1875 by Swami Dayanand to reform Hinduism based on Vedic principles
• Fought caste system, idolatry, priesthood, polytheism, animal sacrifice, and social inequality
• Supported adult marriage, women’s education, and inter-caste unions
• Believed Vedas infallible; rejected Puranas and priest-driven rituals
• Set up schools and Gurukuls to blend traditional and Western education
• Launched Shuddhi Movement to reconvert Muslims/Christians back to Hinduism
• Shuddhi led to communal tensions; Swami Shraddhanand assassinated in 1926
• Dev Samaj, founded in 1887 by Shiv Narayan Agnihotri in Lahore, stressed morality and ethical living
• Dev Samaj rejected traditional gods, but elevated Agnihotri as spiritual guide
• Both movements promoted women’s rights, caste reform, and social progress