Swami Dayananda- Encyclopaedia of Saints of India (Part-6)

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Swami Dayananda played a most significant role in the foundation of the Arya Samaj during the nineteenth century. The theme contains seventeen chapters having deep linkage with the socio-religious philosophy of Swamiji who was eminently dedicated to the vedic culture. His teachings indeed greatly influenced the people, mostly of the Northern region and Lahore became the biggest centre of Arya Samaj. The chapters deal with his concept of nationalism, the development of D.A.V. institutions, conception of God and soul, Muslim and Christian influences, status of women, Shuddhi and society, equality and justice for all, prominence of vedic cult and last but not the least social and religious upliftment.

This work would be useful for teachers, researchers, students and learned persons who are interested in the vedic philosophy as preached by Swami Dayananda and the Arya Samaj. Indeed it would have an academic market in India and abroad.

Contents include: Life of Swami Dayananda (1825-83); Religious Philosophy and Teachings: Arya Samaj, Organisation and Rituals; Dayanand and Indian Renaissance; Social and Religious Upliftment; Politics and the Arya Samaj: Dayanand and Nationalism: The D.A.V. Institutions; Ten Principles of Arya Samaj: Conception of Godhead; The Soul; Muslim and Christian Influences; Impact on Religion, Education and Culture; Shuddhi and Society; Status of Women; Equality and Justice for All: The Legacy.

Dr. S.R. Bakshi, Ph.D., D.Litt. is an eminent. scholar of Modern Indian History and is the author of several works on Indian nationalism and freedom movement. His recent works include 'Encyclopaedic History of Indian Culture and Religion' (in 5 Vols.), The Great Marathas' (in 5 Vols.), The Great Rajputs' (in 6 Vols.), 'B.R. Ambedkar: His Political and Social Ideology' (in 2 Vols.), 'Encyclopaedic History of The Sikhs and Sikhism' (in 6 Vols.), The Great Moghuls' (in 8 Vols.), and Development of Women, Children and Weaker Sections' (in 5 Vols.). Dr. Bakshi is member of several academic institutions having deep bearing on historical research.

Dr. Sangh Mittra, LL.B. Ph.D. from Lucknow University, is Dy. Director (Research) in Indian Council of Historical Research. Her Ph.D. thesis on 'Iconographic Study of Minor Brahmanical Deities in Northern India' is published along with more than 20 Research Papers in reputed historical journals. She is Life Member of several academic institutions and a reputed examiner of Ph.D. thesis of Universities of North India. Besides she has actively participated in numerous national and international Seminars.

Swami Dayananda's life was unique in every respect; running away from home he started real education at thirty-six. His food and clothing were casual; he remained unmarried and had no fixed income. He was a physical giant with nerves and sinews of steel. He, in fact, was a moral revolutionary who could stand up against all odds for cause of truth; he was a saviour of Hinduism, a deliverer of India and a benefactor of all mankind.

Romain Rolland was the first to call Swami Dayananda 'a Martin Luther, fighting against his own misled and misguided church of Rome'. Indeed his aim in life was to purge Hinduism of all this dust and dirt of the ages so that it could stand in its pristine glory. He held that the Vedic religion was the only true one.

In those times, there were conversions galore out of Hinduism, mostly to Christianity. In Bengal, it was intelligentsia or elite, who though small in numbers made big news because of their status; as for the poor depressed classes, they served as a vast recruiting ground for the missionaries all over. Swami Dayananda appeared as a 'dam' to stop this out-rushing flow.

To Dayananda goes the credit for reaffirming the unparalleled continuity of our culture with our hoary past, extending back to the Vedas. For to Swamiji, Vedas were the bedrock of our foundation that stays unshaken through the earthquakes of the millennia. He has rediscovered the great roots of our civilisation going upto eternity, when we were being made to forget them all.

**Contents and Sample Pages**