Arya Samaj (“Noble Society”) is a monotheistic Indian Hindu reform movement that promotes values and practices based on the belief in the infallible authority of the Vedas. The samaj was founded by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati on 10 April 1875. Members of the Arya Samaj believe in one God and reject the worship of idols.

Arya Samaj was the first Hindu organization to introduce proselytization in Hinduism. The Arya Samaj was established in Bombay on 10 April 1875 by Dayananda Saraswati (born “Mool Shankar” in Kathiawar, Gujarat 1824 – died Ajmer, 1883)

An alternative date for the foundation of the samaj is 24 June 1877 because it was then, in Lahore when the samaj became more than just a regional movement based in Punjab.