Draft:Din Dayalu Sharma (Haryana)
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Early Life and Education
[edit]Pandit Din Dayalu Sharma (1863–1937) was a distinguished Hindu religious leader and social reformer who played a pivotal role in the promotion and defense of Sanatan Dharma during colonial India. Born in May 1863 in Jhajjar, Haryana, into a Gaur Brahmin family, he was raised in a deeply religious environment. His father, Pandit Ganga Sahai, was well-versed in Persian, while his mother was a devoted follower of Lord Krishna.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
Sharma received his early education in Persian and Urdu at a maktab before enrolling in an English-medium madrasa in Hasangarh. However, his interest soon shifted toward Hindu philosophy and scriptures. Under the tutelage of Pandit Uday Prakash Dev Sharma, he developed a deep understanding of Sanskrit and the Vedic texts, which later became the foundation of his religious and social work.[1]
Religious and Social Work
[edit]In the early 1880s, Sharma became actively involved in socio-religious initiatives aimed at protecting Hindu traditions. In 1883, he founded the Panchayat-i-Taraqqi-i-Hanud (Council for the Advancement of Hindus), later renamed Society Rifah-i-Am to accommodate Muslim members. The organization sought to promote Hindu interests while fostering social cohesion among different communities. He also launched the newspaper Hariyana to voice concerns about religious and social issues but distanced himself from the publication due to editorial conflicts.
In 1885, Sharma took over as the editor of Mathura Akhbar, a monthly Urdu publication dedicated to the defense of Hindu religious ideals. His work as an editor and writer further strengthened his influence among Hindu scholars and religious leaders. During this period, he extensively traveled to religious centers like Mathura and Lahore, engaging in debates with Christian missionaries and other reformist groups.[1][2]
Founding of the Sanatan Dharma Sabha
[edit]Recognizing the need for an organized body to protect traditional Hindu values, Sharma founded the Sanatan Dharma Sabha in 1886 in Jhajjar. The organization quickly expanded across North India, advocating for the preservation of Hindu customs, the promotion of Sanskrit and Hindi, and the establishment of religious institutions. The Sabha also took a strong stand against perceived threats to Hindu traditions, particularly from reformist movements that sought to modernize religious practices.
The primary objectives of the Sanatan Dharma Sabha included preaching Sanatan Dharma, eradicating social evils, fostering Sanskrit education, and reinforcing faith in Hindu deities and scriptures. Under Sharma’s leadership, branches of the Sabha were established in major cities such as Bhiwani, Hisar, Sirsa, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Rewari, and Gurgaon, among others.[1]
Bharat Dharma Mahamandal and Expansion
[edit]Sharma’s vision extended beyond regional activism. After attending the second Indian National Congress session in 1886, he sought to create a nationwide platform for Hindu religious affairs. This led to the formation of the Bharat Dharma Mahamandal in Haridwar, an organization aimed at unifying Hindus under a common religious framework.
The Mahamandal played a crucial role in defending orthodox Hindu practices against external influences. It promoted Sanskrit education, organized religious discourses, and worked towards strengthening Hindu religious institutions. The inaugural session attracted notable religious figures, including Colonel Olcott of the Theosophical Society, Raja Harbans Lal of Sheikhupura, Diwan Ramsita of Kapurthala, Bal Mukand Gupta, and Pandit Ambika Dutt Vyas. The organization went on to hold regular sessions in Haridwar, Mathura, and Lahore, consolidating its influence across North India.[1]
Educational Contributions
[edit]Sharma was a firm believer in the power of education to preserve Hindu culture and traditions. He played a key role in the establishment of several Sanatan Dharma schools and colleges that provided both religious and secular education. Some of the most notable institutions associated with his efforts include Hindu College in Delhi, Sanatan Dharma College in Lahore (now in Ambala), Visudhananda Vidyalaya in Calcutta, and Marwar Vidyalaya in Bombay.[1]
The Sanatan Dharma Sabha actively promoted Sanskrit and Hindi education, advocating for the inclusion of these languages in courts and administrative affairs. The organization also helped set up pathshalas, libraries, and reading rooms to facilitate religious learning and scriptural studies.[1]
Social Reforms
[edit]Although deeply committed to orthodox Hinduism, Sharma also recognized the need for certain social reforms. Under his leadership, the Sanatan Dharma Sabha worked to oppose child marriage, support widow remarriage, eradicate untouchability, and promote ethical living. The organization took a strong stand against the use of tobacco and liquor, discouraged extravagant litigation expenses, and opposed prostitution at social events.[1]
Additionally, Sharma’s efforts led to the establishment of orphanages and shelters for destitute individuals. His approach to social reform was gradual, focusing on internal community strengthening rather than radical changes.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i Radice, William (1998). Swami Vivekananda and the Modernization of Hinduism. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-564012-0.
- ^ a b Jones, Kenneth W. (1989). Socio-Religious Reform Movements in British India. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24986-7.
- ^ Gupta, Jugal Kishore (1991). History of Sirsa Town. Atlantic Publishers & Distri.
- ^ Mittal, Satish Chandra (1986). Haryana, a Historical Perspective. Atlantic Publishers & Distri.
- ^ Gopal, Madan (1986). Balmukund Gupta. Sahitya Akademi.
- ^ Chakrabarty, Bidyut; Jha, Bhuwan (2019-11-27). Hindu Nationalism in India: Ideology and Politics. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-000-75399-8.
- ^ Jaffrelot, Christophe (2010). Religion, Caste, and Politics in India. Primus Books. ISBN 978-93-80607-04-7.