The Arya Samaj aimed to reform which aspect of society?

• A. Political structures
• B. Religious practices
• C. Economic policies
• D. Social norms

Answer: (B)

The Arya Samaj, founded in 1875 by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, primarily aimed to reform religious practices within the Hindu community. Its foundational principle was to promote a return to the Vedas, encouraging a rational interpretation of Hindu scriptures and denouncing superstitions, idol worship, and social inequalities prevalent at the time.

The movement sought to establish a more progressive form of Hinduism that would align with modern values, including promoting education, women's rights, and social justice. By focusing on reforming religious practices, the Arya Samaj played a significant role in revitalizing Hindu beliefs and practices, steering them towards a more enlightened understanding based on reason and verified teachings.

In contrast, the other options pertain to areas the Arya Samaj did influence to some degree, such as social norms through its advocacy for education and women's rights, but they were not the primary focus of the movement. Political structures and economic policies were not specific targets for reform by the Arya Samaj; instead, the group's main concentration remained firmly on religious practices and the promotion of a monotheistic faith within Hinduism.