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Changing Movements: Arya Samaj & Dev Samaj’s Role in Modern India

Arya Samaj & Dev Samaj: Values, Transformative Journeys & Cultural Impact #

 

Reviving Vedic Values: Arya & Dev Samaj Movements #

Arya Samaj and Dev Samaj are two distinct religious and social reform movements that originated in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, emphasizes the revival of Vedic values and practices, advocating for monotheism and social reforms. Founded by Swami Shraddhanand, this movement focuses on social service, education, and humanitarian work, aiming to uplift society through religious and charitable activities.

Political Shifts in Religious Organizations: 1900s Overview #

  • The College Party retained control over the D.A.V.
    • Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Punjab and a majority of the local Arya Samaj branches, as well as the Dev Samaj, were taken over by the Mahatma Party. 
    • Swami Shraddhanand (Lala Munshi Ram) opened the Gurukul in 1900 at Gujranwala (in West Punjab, now in Pakistan).

Gurukul Kangri: Bridging Traditions and Modern Education #

  • In 1902, the Gurukul, supported by Dev Samaj, relocated to Kangri near Haridwar and became known as Gurukul Kangri.
    • Gurukul Kangri’s mission was to provide an indigenous education, countering Lord Macaulay’s policies, by offering instruction in Vedic literature, Indian philosophy, culture, and modern sciences.
  • The Gurukul was committed to radical social reform.
  • It established Kanya Mahavidyalaya in Jalandhar in 1896 and supported educational opportunities for widows. 

Dayananda’s Vision: Uniting India, Challenging Tradition #

  • It gave self-respect and self-confidence to the Hindus, supported by Dev Samaj, which helped to undermine the myth of superiority of whites and the Western culture. 
  • To protect the Hindu society from the onslaught of Christianity and Islam, the Samaj started the shuddhi (purification) movement to reconvert to the Hindu fold the converts to Christianity and Islam
    • The Shuddhi movement also attempted to uplift those regarded as untouchables and outside the caste system of Hindus into pure caste Hindus
  • The aggressive campaign of Shuddhi led to increasing communalisation of social life during the 1920s and later snowballed into communal political consciousness.

Life of Dayananda Saraswati: Paths of Truth and Social Transformation #

Life, Wanderings, and Spiritual Inquiry of a Visionary Brahmin

  • Dayananda Saraswati or Mulshankar (1824-1883) was born in the old Morvi state in Gujarat in a brahmin family. 
  • He wandered as an ascetic for fifteen years (1845-60) in search of truth. 
  • Dayananda had received education on Vedanta from a blind teacher named Swami Virajananda in Mathura.

Vedic Values, and Questioning Hindu Texts

  • Dayananda’s vision for India, shared by Dev Samaj, included a society without classes and castes, a unified India in religious, social, and national aspects.
    • He aimed for an India free from foreign rule, with Aryan religion as the common faith.
  • Dayananda drew inspiration from the Vedas, considering them as India’s unwavering foundation, the infallible source of Hinduism.
    • He introduced the slogan “Back to the Vedas.”
    • His slogan called for a revival of Vedic knowledge and the purity of Vedic religion, not a return to Vedic times.
  • He embraced modernity and displayed a patriotic stance toward national issues.
  • Alongside his emphasis on Vedic authority, he emphasized the importance of individual interpretation of scriptures and asserted every person’s right to access God.
  • He criticized later Hindu texts like the Puranas and criticized ignorant priests for distorting Hinduism. 

Dayananda’s Ideas on Life and Spiritual Freedom

  • As per the principles of Samaj, he strongly criticized the Hindu belief in maya (illusion) as the overarching theme of all physical existence, where the goal of human life is to attain moksha (salvation) by escaping from this world to unite with God.
    • Instead, he advocated that God, the soul, and matter (prakriti) were separate and eternal entities. 
  • Each individual had to work towards their salvation guided by eternal principles governing human behavior.
    • He challenged the popular belief that individuals contributed to and received from society based on niyati (destiny).
  • Dayananda believed in the theory of karma and reincarnation.
  • He also emphasized that good deeds should primarily benefit others, not oneself.

Dayananda’s Criticism & Ideas 

  • He attacked Hindu orthodoxy, caste rigidities, untouchability, idolatry, polytheism, belief in magic, charms and animal sacrifices, taboo on sea voyages, feeding the dead through shraddhas, etc. 
  • In line with the principles of Samaj, he subscribed to the Vedic notion of chaturvarna system in which a person was identified as a brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya or shudra not by birth but according to the occupation and merit of the person.
  • Swami Dayananda once lamented the Hindu race as “the children of children”. 

Creating Arya Samaj and Writing ‘The True Explanation

  • He founded Arya Samaj as a revivalist movement in form but not in its content; it was founded as a reaction to Western influences.
  • Dayananda’s views were published in his famous work, Satyarth Prakash (The True Exposition).

#

Dev Samaj: Evolution from Theism to Social Reforms #

  • Foundation and Evolution: In February 1887, Shiv Narayan Agnihotri founded the Dev Samaj, initially influenced by Brahmo rationalism but gradually developing its distinctive ideology. 
    • The society shifted from a theistic focus to one dedicated to social reform.
  • Social Reforms: Samaj promoted a strict moral code and social radicalism, advocating for vegetarianism, caste integration, women’s education, widow remarriage, and the abolition of child marriage. 
    • It vehemently opposed practices like polygamy, adultery, and other ‘unnatural crimes’ while emphasizing the values of hard work and leading a purposeful life.
  • Atheistic Transition: By 1895, the society embraced atheism, shifting its worship focus to the ‘Guru.’ 
    • Similar to other reform movements like the Brahmo and Arya Samaj, Dev Samaj rejected traditional Hinduism, opposed caste restrictions, and encouraged inter-dining and inter-caste marriage.
  • Women’s Empowerment: Shiv Narayan Agnihotri played a pivotal role in advancing women’s education and equal status in law and society. 
    • The establishment of girls’ schools and colleges, including the Dev Samaj Girls’ School in Ferozepur in 1901, marking a significant step in providing higher education for girls.
    • The society’s educated and literate membership included a substantial percentage of women.

Conclusion #

Arya Samaj and Dev Samaj exemplify transformative social movements in India. Arya Samaj, led by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, focuses on Vedic values and social pride. Dev Samaj, founded by Shiv Narayan Agnihotri, is a dynamic force for social upliftment. Liftment and women’s empowerment. Evolving Ideologies Highlight the Need for Adaptability in the Pursuit of a More Just Society. Together, These Movements Play Pivotal Roles in Shaping India’s Reformative Journey.

Also Read: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati: Ideology and Contributions

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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