The correct answer is option A: 1 and 2.

The Arya Samaj was indeed founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. It aimed at promoting the authority of the Vedas and rejected the worship of idols. Let us delve deeper into the details.

The Arya Samaj and its Founder
- The Arya Samaj is a Hindu reform movement that emerged in the late 19th century in India.
- It was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, who was born in 1824 in Gujarat, India.
- Swami Dayanand Saraswati was a highly influential and renowned figure in the religious and social sphere of that time.
- He was a staunch advocate of religious and social reforms, and he sought to restore the purity and authenticity of ancient Vedic teachings.
- Swami Dayanand Saraswati believed in the power of knowledge and emphasized the importance of education as a means to uplift society.

The Objectives of the Arya Samaj
- The Arya Samaj aimed at promoting the authority of the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures.
- It sought to counter the influence of British colonialism and the growing influence of other religions by emphasizing the primacy of Vedic teachings.
- The Arya Samaj advocated for the abolition of social evils such as caste discrimination, child marriage, and untouchability.
- It aimed to promote the principles of truth, righteousness, and morality in personal and social life.
- The Samaj also aimed at spreading knowledge and education, particularly through the establishment of schools and colleges.

Rejection of Idol Worship
- One of the key principles of the Arya Samaj was the rejection of idol worship.
- Swami Dayanand Saraswati believed that idol worship was a deviation from the true teachings of the Vedas.
- According to him, the Vedas emphasized the worship of one formless and omnipresent God.
- He argued that the worship of idols was a superstitious practice that had crept into Hinduism over time and needed to be abandoned.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the statement that the Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875 and aimed at promoting the authority of the Vedas while rejecting the worship of idols is correct. The Arya Samaj played a significant role in the religious and social reform movements in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.