Explain the social philosophy of Swami Dayananda Saraswati.

Social and Moral Philosophy of Swami Dayananda Saraswati:

1. Introduction:
Founder of the Arya Samaj (1875), Swami Dayananda Saraswati was a visionary socio-religious reformer and the architect of India's Vedic renaissance, renowned for his call: "Back to the Vedas".

2. Core Pillars of His Social Philosophy:

• Rejection of Birth-Based Caste Hierarchy: Vehemently denounced untouchability and caste discrimination; advocated the pristine Vedic Varna system based purely on merit, character, and action (Guna, Karma, Svabhava).
• Women's Emancipation and Gender Equality: Championed female literacy and granted women the right to study Vedic scriptures (Upanayana sanskara); fiercely campaigned against child marriage and purdah while endorsing widow remarriage.
• Universal Education and Rationalism: Through his magnum opus Satyarth Prakash, advocated compulsory education, Vedic Gurukuls, critical scientific inquiry, and eradication of blind superstitions.
• Advocacy of Swaraj and Swadeshi: First modern thinker to articulate the concept of Swaraj, stating that "Foreign rule, howsoever benevolent, can never be a substitute for self-rule."

3. Conclusion: Dayananda's social philosophy provided the ethical framework for India's national independence movement, egalitarian social order, and indigenous empowerment.