The Arya Samaj was an important movement during the last quarter of the 19th century which tried to reform the Hindu society. It was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875.
It introduced and contributed to the following reforms in the Indian society :
I. It vehemently opposed the caste system and propagated against the practice of untouchability.
II. It condemned the practice of ‘Sati’ and child marriage.
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III. It prevented conversion of the Hindus to other religions.
IV. It worked actively for the uplift of women and their education.
V. It started a network of schools and colleges (known as the D.A.V. schools or colleges) for the spread of education.
It condemned idol worship and useless religious rites and repudiated the authority of the Brahmans.