Shuddhi Movement was started by:

The correct answer is Arya Samaj.

Key Points

• The Shuddhi Movement was initiated by the Arya Samaj to reconvert individuals who had converted to other religions back to Hinduism.
• The movement was a response to large-scale religious conversions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in India.
• It was spearheaded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, and later actively pursued by leaders like Swami Shraddhanand.
• The Shuddhi Movement aimed to preserve the cultural and religious identity of Hindus and counter conversion efforts by Christian missionaries and Islamic groups.
• It was instrumental in spreading the reformist ideals of Arya Samaj, which included Vedic education, social reform, and religious revivalism.

Additional Information

• Arya Samaj:
  • Arya Samaj was founded in 1875 by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in Bombay (now Mumbai).
  • It promoted the principles of Vedic knowledge, monotheism, and social reform, including the abolition of caste discrimination and child marriage.
  • The organization played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement by fostering a sense of nationalism among Hindus.
• Swami Dayanand Saraswati:
  • He was a prominent Hindu reformer and religious leader who advocated for the revival of Vedic teachings.
  • His famous slogan, "Back to the Vedas," emphasized the need to return to the original principles of Hinduism.
  • He authored the book "Satyarth Prakash", which outlined his vision for social and religious reforms.
• Swami Shraddhanand:
  • He was a prominent Arya Samaj leader who played a key role in the Shuddhi Movement.
  • He worked extensively on promoting education, especially through the establishment of Gurukul Kangri University near Haridwar.
• Significance of Shuddhi Movement:
  • It was a religious and social reform movement aimed at strengthening Hindu unity and identity.
  • The movement also focused on eradicating untouchability and promoting social inclusivity within Hinduism.
  • It created awareness about the importance of preserving one's cultural and religious heritage.