Although the Social and religious reform movements in India were superficially aiming at religious reforms, their nature was not solely religious. These reform movements are said to be the symbols of Indian reawakening. The reawakening of India was mainly spiritual, and before elevating to the echelon of a national movement, it sought to reform many of the social and religious aspects of the Indian culture. Thus, this renaissance of the Indian culture was distinct from that ofthe Europe of 16th century, and after coming in contact with western culture the Indians developed a unique sense ofpride for their own heritage. At that time Swami Dayanand Saraswati coined and popularized the slogan of "Back to the Vedas" to Indians. Arya Samaj also had an important impact on national awakening because its basic aim was Indian independence and its actual essence was nationalism. Swami Dayanand was the first great religious leader who used the words Swa, Swaraj, Swabhasha and Swadeshi. He started The Arya Samaj movement, which originated from, and embodied romantic nationalism, i.e., a feeling of affection and pride for one's Country. It is obvious that the religious movement which began in the 19th century was not only related to religion but it also laid stress on individual freedom, social equality, justice, democracy and national independence.
Arya Samaj, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Religious, Cultural, Swadeshi, Freedom Movement, Nationalism, British, Hinduism, Western, Reawakening, Europe
