Revisiting The Legacy Of Swami Dayanand Saraswati: Reform, Resistance, And Religious Revival In Colonial India

Abstract

The 18th-century conquest of India by the British East India Company led to significant socio-economic changes and geographical expansion. During their rule, the British initially adopted an imperialist stance before transitioning to a reformist approach, interfering with Hindu social customs while claiming to support moral advancement. Numerous revivalist and reformist organizations emerged in response, devoted to preserving and transforming Hindu customs.

Founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in the 19th century, the Arya Samaj emerged as a prominent revivalist organisation.The Arya Samaj extended its influence across northern India, focusing on social reform and Vedic principles. Past research on the Arya Samaj has explored various facets of its socio-religious reforms. For instance, Indu Bala examines the socio-religious reform efforts of the Arya Samaj, particularly their impact on marginalized populations and women’s issues.She highlights Arya Samaj's activities in Lahore and Punjab while analysing Swami Dayanand Saraswati's views on women's rights and status in Hindu culture.[1]However, her research is limited to the Punjab and Lahore regions.

1. Gangaiah (2010–2011) explores the collaboration between the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj in combating caste prejudice against Harijans. Gangaiah also details Arya Samaj’s activities in Andhra Pradesh, including the "Shuddhi Movement" and its anti-untouchability campaigns. Additionally, she examines the role played by local zamindars in securing freedom for Harijans in various Andhra districts.

 The socio-religious movement of the Arya Samaj in colonial Punjab is studied by Richa Raj, who highlights the group's contribution to the Swadeshi movement within a broader Hindu nationalist and cultural framework. She draws attention to the help provided by Arya Samaj in the areas of technical and industrial education, famine relief, and the construction of widows' homes and orphanages in Punjab, Rajputana, Hissar, and the Central Provinces.[2] Lala Lajpat Rai's noteworthy involvement in Punjab's Arya Samaj activities is also highlighted in the article. She ignores the Arya Samaj's initiatives for women's advancement, nevertheless.