Question

Which of the following is not correct about Arya Samaj?
A) The Arya Samajists opposed child marriages and encouraged the remarriage of widows.
B) It was founded in 1875.
C) Its main motive was to promote faith in one God.
D) None of the above is correct.

Answer 1

Hint: Arya Samaj is an Indian Hindu reform movement that promotes values and practises dependent on the faith in the trustworthy authority of the Vedas. The samaj was established by the sannyasi Dayanand Saraswati on 10 April 1875. Individuals from the Arya Samaj have a belief in one God and reject idol worshipping.

Complete answer:
The Arya Samajists wanted an Indian culture that countered the western culture.
Option A) The Arya Samajists opposed child marriages and encouraged remarriage of widows: ThIS option is incorrect as the above statement ‘The Arya Samajists opposed child marriages and encouraged remarriage of widows’ is correct. The Arya Samajists promoted widow remarriage, the emphasis on women’s education and they also wanted to abolish the idea of child marriage.

Option B) It was founded in 1875: This option is incorrect as Arya Samaj was founded by the sannyasi Dayanand Saraswati on 10 April 1875, which makes the option true.

Option C) Its main motive was to promote faith in one God: This option is incorrect as Arya Samajists believed in one God and rejected the worship of idols, which makes the option true.

Option D) None of the above is correct: This option is correct as Arya Samaj was founded by the sannyasi Dayanand Saraswati on 10 April 1875 and its members opposed child marriages and encouraged remarriage of widows and they only believed in one God and rejected the worship of idols. Thus, the given option is false. The Samaj played a significant role in bringing socio-religious changes in pre-independent India.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note: The core beliefs and practices of Arya Samaj were:
- They abolished untouchability and believed exclusively in the Vedic lessons.
- They stood against Polygamy, which was the system of marrying more than one woman.
- They effectively fought against the orthodox Brahmin people groups and trusted in Monotheism.
- All knowledge we get is through God.
- They spread the principle of equality.
- They spread strong thoughts regarding nationalism.
- They promoted the lifting up of the status of women.
- Dayanand and his followers wanted to create a strong Hindu Indian organization of youths who would battle against western culture and British rule.