Question

The Arya Samajists opposed child marriage and encouraged widow remarriage.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint: The Arya Samaj was founded by Dayanand Saraswati on 10th April 1875. It was based on the infallibility of the Vedas. They believe in one God.

Complete answer:
Dayanand wanted to reform the orthodox Hindu religion. He wanted to highlight the prominence of the Vedas in the reformation of the Hindu society. He established Vedic schools which were called Gurukuls. These schools provided education to boys and girls separately in Vedic principles. This form of education was undertaken to relieve Indian education from foreign domination. The Arya Samaj promoted widow remarriage and the emphasis of women’s education. They wanted to abolish the idea of child marriage.
The principles of Arya Samaj were:
1. They abolished untouchability and believed solely on the teachings of the Vedas.
2. They stood against Polygamy, which was the process of marrying more than one woman.
3. They successfully fought against the orthodox Brahmin community and believed in Monotheism.
4. Propagated the principle of equality.
5. Propagating strong ideas of nationalism.
6. Lifting up the status of women.
7. Dayanand wanted to create a strong Hindu Indian network of youths who would fight against western culture and British rule.
Therefore, Option A is correct.

Note: The Arya Samaj did not involve itself directly into politics. Dayanand gave a call for the abolition of British goods and to adopt ‘Swadeshi’ goods. He wanted an Indian culture that would counter the western culture. The Arya Samaj played a significant role in bringing socio-religious changes in pre-independent India. While answering the question do not get confused between Arya Samaj and Brahmo Samaj. Arya Samaj was founded by Dayanand Saraswati and Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Rammohan Roy.