The correct answer Neither 1 nor 2. Explanation & Key Takeaways: • Statement 1 is not correct: Swami Dayanand Saraswati favoured the study of western sciences as they deal with the problems of men in real world instead of following traditional beliefs. • Statement 2 is not correct: Vedas were considered as infalliable by the institution, whereas Swami Dayanand Saraswati believed that selfish and ignorant priests had perverted Hindu religion with the aid of Puranas, which were full of false teachings. Clarification: • Veda and Puranas are two different text. Swami Dayanand Saraswati said Go Bact to Vedas not to puranas. Related Concepts: Main principles and objectives of the Arya Samaj are as follows: • Vedas are infallible and the only true source of knowledge. • Opposed idol worship, as well as reincarnation theory of God. • However, they accepted the doctrine of 'Karma' and the transmigration of soul. • Believed in transcendental one God. • Rejected Brahmanical dominance of spiritual and social life of Hindus. • Advocated equal status for women in the society. • Advocated widow remarriage, female education and opposed polygamy, child marriage, Sati, etc. • Backed propagation of Hindi and Sanskrit. • Considered good education as base of a good and solid social system. It did phenomenal work in the field of education even for women. • Denounces socio-religious evils such as animal sacrifices, religious pilgrimages, feeding the dead through sraddhas, magic and charms etc. According to Swami Dayanand, these evils exist in the society due to ignorance of the teaching of the Vedas.