Q. Who founded the Arya Samaj, a reform movement advocating Vedic authority and social reforms?
Answer:
Dayanand Saraswati
Notes: Dayanand Saraswati (1824-1883), founder of Arya Samaj, advocated Vedic authority, opposed caste, idol worship, child marriage, and superstitions. He promoted women's rights, education, and social reforms. His key work is Satyarth Prakash. Arya Samaj supports universalism and rejects Puranas and Tantra.