Swami Dayanand Saraswati
Explanation
The Arya Samaj was a socio-religious reform movement established to revive the pristine purity of Vedic Hinduism. It sought to reject later accretions such as idol worship, polytheism, and the rigid caste system, advocating instead for the infallibility of the Vedas.
Historical Analysis
- Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 at Bombay. He authored the Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth) and gave the call "Go back to the Vedas".
- Raja Rammohun Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828, focusing on monotheism and the abolition of Sati.
- Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 to propagate the teachings of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, and to serve humanity.
- Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was a pivotal figure in the Bengal Renaissance, primarily associated with women's education and the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856.
Key Takeaway: Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 to reform Hindu society based on Vedic principles, rejecting idolatry and promoting social equality.