ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the socio-political thought of Swami Dayānanda Saraswati, who was a prominent Vedic scholar and occupies a unique position in the history of political ideas of modern India. As a staunch believer of Vedic tradition, he denounced idol worship and other rituals that were widely present in the society during his time. Among his biggest contributions to mankind was the establishment of the Ārya Samāj for the purpose of promoting true Vedic learning and the uplifting of the downtrodden. He stood for the universal brotherhood and human dignity irrespective of race, caste, colour, or creed. He also believed in the equality of men and women based on equal opportunity. He was convinced that through the spread of Vedic education the urge of regeneration of Indian society could be met. He was the first to insist people use only swadeshi things manufactured in India and discard the foreign things. He was the first to recognise Hindi as the national language of India.
