Rise and Growth of Arya Samaj Movement (1863-1947)

The religious and social reform movement of nineteenth century in India was the outcome of India's reaction to western challenge. Initially the British imperialism adversely affected the political and economic life of India. But when the British Empire got sound footing in India then the British tried to colonize or subdue the Indian culture. Such British efforts resulted in cultural conflict between the British rulers and Indian people. It was a kind of politico-cultural conflict because the British were using their political authority to overpower the Indian culture. Thus, the vibrant movements for social and religious reforms during the nineteenth century were the first all India response to the cultural and moral challenges posed by the colonial rule.

The Arya Samaj movement belongs to radical stream, which had wide influence in northern India. It had modest presence in erstwhile princely states of Rajputana and the British territory of Ajmer-Merwara. Since the inception Swami Dayanand had attraction towards the princely states of Rajputana. The arrival of Swami Dayanand in Rajasthan has great significance because he brought a ray of hope in the colonial and feudal atmosphere.

Though, sizable works has been done on the history of Arya Samaj movement in India. But most of these works are of general nature or focuses on erstwhile British provinces of Punjab and United Provinces. Few of these have given scanty informations about Rajasthan. Therefore, the history of Arya Samaj movement in Rajasthan cannot be ignored for a long time. The present work is an effort to bridge the gap existed in the history writings on Arya Samaj. The religious, social and political contribution of Arya Samaj in Rajasthan has been focused in this study.

The study is based on wide range of primary and as well as on secondary sources procured from national Archives of India, Rajasthan State Archives and various libraries.

Prof. (Dr.) Brij Kishore Sharma is former professor and Head. Deptt. of History and Director Academic. Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University Kota (Rajasthan). He has also taught in the Deptt. of History and Indian culture. University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Deptt. of History, Jai Narayan Vyas University, Jodhpur and Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Udaipur. He is also former Senior fellow (ICSSR, New Delhi) and Senior Academic Fellow (ICHR, New Delhi). His major publications include: Agrarian Movement in India, Peasant Movements in Rajasthan, Tribal Revolts, Perspectives on Modern Economic and Social History, Economic and Political Contribution of Caste Associations in Northern India (A Case Study of All India Jat Mahasabha), Mass Movements and Freedom Struggle in Rajasthan, Caste Politics in India since Independence A Study of Rajasthan, Samantvad Evam Kisan Sangharsh, Adhunik Rajasthan ka Arthik Ithihas, Rajasthan mein Kisan Evam Adivasi Andolan, Bharat ka Itihas (1740-1947) and Contemporary India (1947-2000). The author has participated in about 75 national and international conferences and seminars. He has also been a member executive of Indian History Congress. He has published about 55 research papers/ articles. He has also completed eight research projects sanctioned by Indian Council of Historical Research, University Grant Commission, Distance Education Council, New Delhi, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Kolkata.

The religious and social reform movement of nineteenth century in India was the outcome of India's reaction to western challenge. Initially the British imperialism adversely affected the political and economic life of India. But when the British Empire got sound footing in India then the British tried to colonize or subdue the Indian culture. Such British efforts resulted in cultural conflict between the British rulers and Indian people. It was a kind of politico-cultural conflict because the British were using their political authority to overpower the Indian culture. Thus, the vibrant movements for social and religious reforms during the nineteenth century were the first all India response to the cultural and moral challenges posed by the colonial rule.

A very modest beginning was made by Raja Ram Mohan Roy through the Brahamo Samaj. He discovered the ancient Indian knowledge and wisdom in the light of western knowledge. The Arya Samaj movement belongs to radical stream, which had wide influence in northern India. It had modest presence in erstwhile princely states of Rajputana and the British territory of Ajmer-Merwara. Since the inception Swami Dayanand had attraction towards the princely states of Rajputana. The arrival of Swami Dayanand in Rajasthan has great significance because he brought a ray of hope in the colonial and feudal atmosphere.