Which of the following statements about the social base of the Arya Sa

Which of the following statements about the social base of the Arya Samaj in British India is/are correct?

  • 1. It was located mainly in Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh.
  • 2. It mainly comprised the trading castes.
  • 3. It was much more limited than that of the Brahmo Samaj.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2017
The correct answer is A) 1 and 2 only. Statements 1 and 2 correctly describe the social base of the Arya Samaj in British India, while statement 3 is incorrect.
– Statement 1 is correct. The Arya Samaj, founded by Dayanand Saraswati, had its strongest influence and following primarily in Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh (areas like Agra, Meerut).
– Statement 2 is correct. The support base of the Arya Samaj largely came from the educated urban middle classes, including prominent representation from trading castes like Khatris, Aroras, and Baniyas, as well as professional groups.
– Statement 3 is incorrect. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Arya Samaj had grown significantly, especially in North India, and arguably had a broader and more active social base compared to the Brahmo Samaj, which remained more concentrated in Bengal and intellectual circles.
The Arya Samaj was a reform movement within Hinduism that advocated for a return to the Vedas, monotheism, and social reforms like opposing idol worship, caste system, and child marriage, while promoting education and women’s rights. Its focus on social reform and education resonated with certain sections of the North Indian urban population.