ROLE OF ARYA SAMAJ IN THE LEGALIZATION AND SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE OF HINDU BIGAMY
Balram Panwar
Law
June 2024
The Arya Samaj, a well-known socio-religious reform organization in India, was started in 1875 by Swami Dayananda Sarasvati to revive Vedic principles and eradicate current social issues.. This research looks at the Arya Samaj's larger social reform program as well as its position on bigamy. The Arya Samaj was adamantly against polygamy and supported monogamous unions as compliant with Vedic principles, which it said were necessary for social peace and family security. The Arya Samaj worked to empower women and challenge customs that violated their rights by launching massive educational campaigns, founding organizations such as Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) schools, and actively engaging in public discourse. This indirectly decreased the social acceptance of bigamy. Furthermore, the movement's advocacy for legislative changes like the Hindu Marriage Act was essential in securing a legal environment that supported monogamy. The Arya Samaj greatly reduced the number of polygamous marriages by bringing Hindu culture up to date and bringing it in line with progressive ideals, fostering a more fair and equal social environment
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