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

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.

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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