Arya Samaj and the Freedom Movement : 1875 1918

Covering the period up to the end of the First World War, this volume offers an important perspective on how the Arya Samaj helped shape the intellectual and organisational foundations of the Indian national movement during its formative phase.

Arya Samaj and the Freedom Movement, Volume One: 1875-1918 examines the complex relationship between religious reform and polit­ical awakening in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century India. Focusing on the formative decades of the Arya Samaj following its establishment in 1875, the volume explores how the movement’s emphasis on social reform, education, and a return to Vedic ideals contributed to the shaping of modern political consciousness. The book traces the role played by Arya Samaj leaders, institutions, and networks in mobilising public opinion, promoting nationalist thought, and fostering a spirit of self-reliance and social transformation. It situates these developments within the broader currents of India’s emerging freedom struggle, highlighting the intersections between religious reform, social activism, and anti-colonial politics.