IMPACT OF ARYA SAMAJ IN RAJASTHAN

IMPACT OF ARYA SAMAJ IN RAJASTHAN

1. Arrival of Swami Dayanand Saraswati in Rajasthan:
   • Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, played a pivotal role in the social and religious reform movement in Rajasthan. His influence in the region began in 1865 when he visited Karauli at the official invitation of King Madanpal. This marked the initial entry of Arya Samaj ideologies into Rajasthan, setting the stage for subsequent reforms and the spread of Vedic principles.
   • Swami Dayanand visited Bharatpur in 1881, where his teachings further inspired the establishment of Arya Samaj branches. In the same year, Arya Samaj took root in Ajmer, while the Vedic Dharma Sabha was formed in Jaipur, emphasizing a return to Vedic traditions and values.
2. Visit to Udaipur and Literary Contributions:
   • In 1881, Swami Dayanand Saraswati visited Udaipur upon the invitation of Kaviraj Shyamaldas, a respected scholar and advisor in the royal court. During his stay in the Naulakha Palace at Gulab Bagh, Udaipur, he revised and authored the second edition of his renowned book, Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth). This text is a cornerstone of Arya Samaj’s philosophy, advocating for monotheism, social reforms, and a return to the teachings of the Vedas.
3. Establishment of Paropkarini Sabha in Udaipur:
   • By 1883, Maharana Sajjan Singh, the ruler of Udaipur, was appointed as the chairman of the Paropkarini Sabha, a charitable organization aimed at social upliftment and spreading the ideals of Arya Samaj. At this time, the Sabha’s headquarters was established in Ajmer, which served as a center for the dissemination of Arya Samaj teachings throughout Rajasthan.
4. Development of Printing Press in Ajmer:
   • A significant contribution of Arya Samaj to Rajasthan was the establishment of the Vedic Yantralaya printing press in Ajmer. This press played a crucial role in printing literature and spreading the reformist ideas of Arya Samaj, including the distribution of Vedic scriptures, Swami Dayanand’s writings, and pamphlets promoting social reforms like education and widow remarriage.
5. Swami Dayanand’s Influence on the Royals of Jodhpur:
   • Swami Dayanand Saraswati had considerable influence over Maharaja Jaswant Singh II of Jodhpur and other prominent figures, such as the Prime Minister of Jodhpur, Sir Pratap Singh, and Rao Raja Tej Singh. His interaction with these leaders encouraged progressive governance and the adoption of more liberal policies in the administration. However, Swami Dayanand met a tragic end when he was poisoned in October 1883 in Ajmer by Nanhijan, a close associate of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

1. Prominent Arya Samaj Activists in Rajasthan:
   • Several key figures emerged as ardent supporters of Arya Samaj’s principles in Rajasthan:
     • Chandkaran Sharda and Harvilas Sharda in Ajmer: Chandkaran Sharda wrote influential texts like Dalitsandhar and advocated for widow remarriage, aligning with Arya Samaj’s stance against caste discrimination. Harvilas Sharda played a significant role in the passage of the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, popularly known as the Sharda Act, which aimed to curb the practice of child marriage in India.
     • Jugalkishore Chaturvedi and Master Adityendra in Bharatpur: They worked tirelessly to promote Arya Samaj values in Bharatpur, focusing on social reform and educating the masses.
     • Kalyan Singh and Shyamlal Verma in Jaipur: These activists spearheaded the Hindi Rajbhasha Movement in 1922, advocating for the use of Hindi as the official language and aligning with Arya Samaj’s emphasis on promoting indigenous languages.
     • Vishnu Pandya and Vasudev Khandelwal: Vishnu Pandya founded Arya Samaj in Mewar, while Vasudev Khandelwal established it in Alwar, further extending the reach of the movement across Rajasthan.
2. Social and Political Impact of Arya Samaj in Rajasthan:
   • Spread of Political Consciousness: Arya Samaj played a crucial role in awakening political awareness in Rajasthan. Its teachings laid the groundwork for the support of various social movements, including peasant movements and the Praja Mandal movements, which sought to improve the conditions of farmers and address the concerns of common people under princely rule.
   • Reduction of Social Evils: The Arya Samaj’s emphasis on Vedic values led to a decline in practices like caste-based discrimination, child marriage, and untouchability. The movement advocated for equality and social justice, leading to gradual changes in societal norms.
   • Influence on Governance: Due to Swami Dayanand’s influence on the rulers, especially those in princely states like Udaipur and Jodhpur, there was a noticeable shift towards more progressive governance. The Arya Samaj’s emphasis on reform and rational thinking encouraged rulers to adopt a more liberal and humanitarian approach in their administration.
   • Promotion of Education and Freedom of Expression: Arya Samaj established educational institutions across Rajasthan, which contributed to an increase in literacy and awareness among the populace. Additionally, the promotion of vernacular newspapers fostered a culture of freedom of expression and critical thinking, aligning with the reformist zeal of the movement.
   • Support for Indigenous Goods: The Arya Samaj also supported the use of indigenous goods, aligning with the broader Swadeshi movement. This helped in fostering economic self-reliance and encouraged the local population to value and support Indian-made products over imported ones.

In conclusion, the Arya Samaj, under the leadership of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, had a profound impact on the social, political, and cultural landscape of Rajasthan. It not only promoted religious reforms but also laid the foundation for social equality, political awareness, and modernization in the region. The movement’s influence extended across different parts of Rajasthan, from Ajmer and Bharatpur to Jaipur and Udaipur, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of the state.