With reference to Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, consider the following statements:
1. He opposed the societal norms that prohibited women from accessing and reading the Vedas.
2. He introduced the Shuddhi Movement to elevate the status of the lower caste to the upper caste by adopting some cultural ideals of the Brahmins.
3. He wrote Satyarth Prakash, which emphasized restoring Hinduism to its pristine purity.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question

With reference to Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, consider the following statements:
1. He opposed the societal norms that prohibited women from accessing and reading the Vedas.
2. He introduced the Shuddhi Movement to elevate the status of the lower caste to the upper caste by adopting some cultural ideals of the Brahmins.
3. He wrote Satyarth Prakash, which emphasized restoring Hinduism to its pristine purity.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati strongly opposed idol worship, superficial rituals, and social restrictions, including the prohibition on women reading the Vedas. His efforts through the Arya Samaj aimed to bring equality and reform in Hindu society by promoting education for women and abolishing regressive practices.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Shuddhi Movement, initiated by Dayanand Saraswati, was not focused on elevating lower castes to upper castes. Instead, it aimed to reconvert Hindus who had converted to other religions like Islam or Christianity. It was a process of purification and reintegration into Hinduism. The movement also welcomed individuals from disadvantaged social groups back into the Hindu fold, promoting inclusivity within Hinduism. His slogan, "Back to the Vedas," emphasized returning to the pure teachings of the Vedas.

Statement 3 is correct: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati authored the book Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth), which served as a guide to his philosophy and vision for society. The book called for restoring Hinduism to its original, pure form, focusing on rationalism, social reform, and the rejection of corrupt practices in religion.

Indian Reform Movements

Contribution of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
With reference to Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, consider the following statements: 1. He opposed the societal norms that prohibited women from accessing and reading the Vedas. 2. He introduced the Shuddhi Movement to elevate the status of the lower caste to the upper caste by adopting some cultural ideals of the Brahmins. 3. He wrote Satyarth Prakash, which emphasized restoring Hinduism to its pristine purity. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3