Explain the work done by the following with regard to socio-religious reforms:

(a) The Arya Samaj

(b) The Theosophical Society

(a) The Arya Samaj — The Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. Arya Samaj spread rapidly especially in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. It was based on following Ideals:

1. Supremacy of Vedas — It regarded the Vedas as divine revelation to mankind.
2. Monotheism — It preached against idol-worship and taught people to have faith in one God.
3. Opposition to Social Evils — It disregarded the caste system, opened its membership to lower castes and other depressed classes. It condemned child marriage and other maladies prevalent in India.
4. Shudhi Movement — It was started to bring back the hindu converts.
5. Equality of Women — It encouraged female education, widow remarriage and discouraged child marriage and purdah system.
6. Satyarth Prakash — It is a book written by Swami Dayanand which contains the philosophy, religious and social teachings of the Arya Samaj.

The Arya Samaj opened many schools and colleges. They are called the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (D.A.V.) schools and colleges.

(b) The Theosophical Society — Theosophical Society was headquartered in Adyar, Madras and was popularised in India by Mrs. Annie Besant. The society advocated the revival of the ancient religions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Zoroastrianism. They preached the universal brotherhood of man. The society opened schools for boys, for women, for the depressed classes and encouraged participation in the Boy Scout movement. The society started the Central Hindu School in Benares. The society opposed child marriage and advocated abolition of caste, the uplift of outcaste and improving the condition of widows. It played a significant role in arousing self-confidence and nationalism among the Indians.