Course Title: A Study of Satyarth Prakash

Course Code: IC-001

Credit Hours: 3

Level: Undergraduate / Postgraduate

Course Description

This course explores the philosophical, social, and religious reform thought of Swami Dayanand Saraswati through a detailed study of his magnum opus Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth). The text, originally written in Hindi, presents a rational interpretation of Vedic thoughts and Vedic critique of superstitions, social evils, ritualism, and sectarian dogmas. The course will focus on Dayanand's revival of Vedic thought, logic, ethics, theism, and his contributions to Indian reform movements.

Course Objectives

Students completing this course will be able to:

Comprehend the central themes of Satyarth Prakash

Analyze the Vedic and rationalist principles advocated by Dayanand Saraswati

Examine key critiques against popular sects, blind faith, and ritualism

Evaluate the impact of Dayanand's reform movement on Indian society and nationalism

Apply critical thinking and ethical reasoning based on Vedic philosophy

Modules & Weekly Schedule

Module I: Life and Mission of Swami Dayanand Saraswati (Week 1)

Biography and intellectual journey

Arya Samaj: Foundation and goals

The role of Satyarth Prakash in Vedic reform

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Introduction & Preface

Module II: Vedic Theism and Rejection of Idol Worship (Weeks 2–3)

Concept of Ishwar in Vedic philosophy

Rejection of Murti-puja and polytheism

Vedas as Apauruṣeya (non-human origin)

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Translated by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya Chapters 1–3

Rigveda Samhita by Swami Dayanand Saraswati (select mantras on God and creation)

Module III: Principles of Vedic Ethics and Rationalism (Weeks 4–5)

Truth, non-violence, Brahmacharya, social service

Logic and scriptural interpretation

Opposition to superstition and magic

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Chapters 4–5

Introduction to the Vedas by R.P. Arya

Module IV: Reform of Hindu Practices and Institutions (Weeks 6–7)

Critique of caste by birth, untouchability

Opposition to child marriage and promotion of widow remarriage

Vedic education and women’s upliftment

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Chapters 6–7

Module V: Inter-Religious Critique and Dialogue (Weeks 8–10)

Responses to Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, etc.

Methods of rational and respectful criticism

Dayanand’s view of religious pluralism

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Chapters 11–14

Module VI: Vedic Science, Cosmology and Education (Weeks 11–12)

Time, creation, cosmology in Vedic view

Ancient Indian sciences and measurements

Role of Gurukula and modern application

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Chapters 8–10

Vedic Culture and Civilization by R.P. Arya

Module VII: Political and Social Legacy of Swami Dayanand (Weeks 13–14)

Influence on freedom fighters: Lala Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo, Bhagat Singh

Arya Samaj’s role in education and national awakening

Summary of Vedic dharma and call for universal reform

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Chapter  & Conclusion

Primary Texts

Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Satyarth Prakash (English Translation by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Ravi Prakash Arya, Introduction to the Vedas,

Ravi Prakash Arya, Vedic Culture and Civilization

Rigveda Bhashya by Swami Dayanand Saeaswati

Supplementary Resources

Harbilass Sharda, Life and Teachings of of Swami Dayanand

Vedic Science Magazine (selected issues on reform, education, and science)

Lala Lajpat Rai’s writings on Arya Samaj