# Dayananda Saraswati

> Indian social reformer (1824-1883)

**Wikidata**: [Q224906](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q224906)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dayananda_Saraswati)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dayananda-saraswati

## Summary
Dayananda Saraswati was an Indian social reformer (1824–1883) who founded the Arya Samaj, a Hindu religious organization dedicated to promoting Vedic principles and social reform. He is best known for his advocacy of self-rule (Swaraj) and his efforts to reform Hindu society by rejecting caste discrimination and promoting education and rationalism.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 12, 1824 (place not specified)
- **Nationality**: Indian (citizenship: Q129286)
- **Education**: Not explicitly mentioned in the source material
- **Known for**: Establishing the Arya Samaj and advocating for Hindu social reform
- **Employer(s)**: Founder of Arya Samaj (inception: 1875)
- **Field(s)**: Religious reform, social activism, philosophy

## Contributions
- **Arya Samaj**: Founded in 1875, this Hindu religious organization promoted Vedic principles, rejected caste discrimination, and emphasized education and rationalism. It became a significant force in Indian social reform movements.
- **Advocacy for Swaraj**: Dayananda Saraswati advocated for self-rule, aligning with the broader Swaraj movement in India, which sought to challenge British colonial rule.
- **Notable Work**: *Satyartha Prakash* (1879), a philosophical work that outlined his beliefs on Vedic principles and social reform.

## FAQs
- **What was Dayananda Saraswati's primary role?**
  He was a social reformer who founded the Arya Samaj and promoted Vedic principles, education, and the rejection of caste discrimination.
- **Where was Dayananda Saraswati active?**
  He worked primarily in India, where the Arya Samaj was established and gained influence.
- **What was the Arya Samaj?**
  It was a Hindu religious organization founded by Dayananda Saraswati in 1875, dedicated to promoting Vedic principles and social reform.
- **What was Dayananda Saraswati's notable work?**
  He authored *Satyartha Prakash* (1879), a philosophical work outlining his beliefs on Vedic principles and social reform.
- **What was Dayananda Saraswati's impact on Indian society?**
  His work laid the foundation for the Arya Samaj, which influenced Hindu social reform and challenged caste discrimination.

## Why They Matter
Dayananda Saraswati's work had a lasting impact on Indian society by challenging caste discrimination and promoting education and rationalism. The Arya Samaj, which he founded, became a significant force in Hindu religious and social reform movements. His advocacy for Swaraj also aligned with broader Indian independence movements, making him a key figure in the struggle against British colonial rule. Without his efforts, the Arya Samaj and its principles would not have been established, shaping Hindu religious and social thought in India.

## Notable For
- Founder of the Arya Samaj (1875), a Hindu religious organization dedicated to promoting Vedic principles and social reform.
- Advocate for self-rule (Swaraj) in India, aligning with broader independence movements.
- Author of *Satyartha Prakash* (1879), a philosophical work outlining his beliefs on Vedic principles and social reform.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Dayananda Saraswati was born on February 12, 1824. Little is known about his early life or education, but he later became a prominent figure in Indian social reform.

### Founding of Arya Samaj
In 1875, Dayananda Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj, a Hindu religious organization dedicated to promoting Vedic principles and social reform. The Arya Samaj rejected caste discrimination and emphasized education and rationalism, becoming a significant force in Indian social reform movements.

### Advocacy for Swaraj
Dayananda Saraswati advocated for self-rule (Swaraj), aligning with the broader Swaraj movement in India, which sought to challenge British colonial rule. His work contributed to the broader struggle for Indian independence.

### Philosophical Work
Dayananda Saraswati authored *Satyartha Prakash* in 1879, a philosophical work that outlined his beliefs on Vedic principles and social reform. This work had a significant influence on Hindu religious and social thought in India.

### Legacy
Dayananda Saraswati's legacy includes the establishment of the Arya Samaj, which continues to influence Hindu religious and social thought. His advocacy for Swaraj and his efforts to reform Hindu society have left a lasting impact on Indian history.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. LIBRIS. 2012
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. CiNii Research
6. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Catalogo of the National Library of India