WOMEN’S LIBERATION: The Arya Samaj Movement in India

The present work explores the decisive and distinctive contribution of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Arya Samaj in the realm of social reform, particularly the comprehensive, structured and multi-layered programme that they initiated for women’s liberation. The Samaj was able to accord critical importance to women’s issues which no earlier or contemporary movement could accomplish. The indisputable contribution of Arya Samaj towards betterment in women’s status in the early decades of the twentieth century needs to be understood as the main focus during these years had shifted to the agitation against the British leading to the hegemony of the nationalist struggle. Digressing from the dominant image of the Samaj as a communal organization responsible for worsening of inter-communal relations, the author projects it as a vibrant movement combating superstition, challenging the caste system, championing the cause of women’s education, striving for betterment in widows’ conditions and pleading for liberalization of marriage.

The primary campaigns of the Arya Samaj were in the realm of women’s education as they were able to translate the theoretical debates of the nineteenth century into concrete programmes. The Samajists also displayed exceptional commitment in formulating strategies and programmes for rehabilitation of widows who led appallingly miserable lives. Despite the fact that the movement derived inspiration from ancient tradition, their perspective and efforts with regard to women’s issues were clearly a sincere struggle for gender equality and social resurgence. Quite undeniably, the movement had far-reaching impact as far as betterment in the conditions of women was concerned.