Arya Samaj and the Freedom Movement

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.