Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati:
1.He founded the Prarthana Samaj.
2.He wrote Satyarth Prakash.
3.He emphasized the Upanishads as the ultimate source of truth.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanations –
Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect. The Prarthana Samaj was founded by Atmaram Pandurang in 1867 and later popularized by reformers like Mahadev Govind Ranade. Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, on the other hand, founded the Arya Samaj in 1875. Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati emphasized the Vedas, not the Upanishads, as the ultimate source of truth. His slogan, “Back to the Vedas,” reflects his belief in the supremacy of Vedic knowledge.
Statement 2 is correct. Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati authored Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth), which is a seminal text outlining his philosophy, critiques of other religions, and advocacy for returning to Vedic principles.
Source: AIR
