nationalist struggle during the Swadeshi movement following the Partition of Bengal were inspired by Vivekananda. (d) Theosophical Society The Theosophical Society was founded by Madame H.P. Blavatsky ( – ) and Colonel H.S Olcott ( – ). Founded in the USA in , it later shifted to India at Adyar, Chennai in .
Theosophical Society stimulated a study of the Hindu classics, especially the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. The Theosophical Society also played an important role in the revival of Buddhism in India. Western interest Swami Vivekananada The primary achievements of the Arya Samaj were in the field of social reform and spread of education. The Samaj started a number of Dayananda Anglo–Vedic schools and colleges.
(b) Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Ramakrishna (l836– ), a simple priest of Dakshineswar near Kolkata, emphasised the spiritual union with god through ecstatic practices such as singing bhajans. An ardent worshipper of goddess Kali, the sacred mother, he declared that the manifestations of the divine mother were infinite. In his view, all religions contain the universal elements which, if practised, would lead to salvation. He said, “Jiva is Siva” (all living beings are God).
Service for man, must be regarded as God.’ Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math Ramakrishna Mission Ramakrishna’s primary achievement was his ability to attract educated youth who were dissatisfied with the rational orientation of religious reform organizations such as the Brahmo Samaj. After his death in , his disciples organised themselves as a religious community and undertook the task of making his life and teaching known in India and abroad. The chief spirit behind this task was Vivekananda. Following the organizational structure of Christian missionaries, Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Mission which did not restrict itself to religious activities but was actively involved in social causes such as education, health care and relief in times of calamities.
Social and Religious Reform Movements in the 19th Century in Hindu scriptures gave educated Hindus great pride in their tradition and culture. Contribution of Annie Besant In India the movement became further popular with the election of Annie Besant