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India’s history is enriched by the tireless efforts of numerous social reformers, whose progressive ideologies revolutionised longstanding socio-cultural norms. Prominent among these visionaries are Mahatma Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, who pioneered numerous transformative changes in 19th-century India, including significant strides in female education and empowerment, and the termination of caste and gender-based discrimination.
About Jyotirao & Savitribai Phule
Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule were wedded as children as was customary in their time. Savitri was only ten years old when she was married to thirteen-year-old Jyotirao in 1840. However, this practice which they were victims of, they later opposed vehemently, also promoting widow remarriages.
Jyotirao Phule’s Life and Ideology
Jyotirao Phule was a renowned social activist, philosopher, anti-caste social reformer and writer from Maharashtra, also popularly known as Jyotiba Phule. He completed his education at the Scottish Missionary High School in Pune in 1841.
Phule was deeply influenced by Thomas Paine’s book “The Rights of Man”, and believed that the ultimate solution to socio-cultural evils was the enlightenment of women and lower caste members. His ideology revolved around liberty, egalitarianism, and socialism. Some of Phule’s major publications include Tritiya Ratna (1855), Powada: Chatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Yancha (1869), Gulamgiri (1873), Shetkarayacha Aasud (1881).
On May 11, 1888, he was honoured with the title of ‘Mahatma’ by Maharashtrian social activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar. As a revolutionary social reformer, he focused on providing education to young girls and women, being the first to educate his wife.
Savitribai Phule’s Contributions
Savitribai Phule established the Mahila Seva Mandal in 1852 to raise awareness about women’s rights. She created a platform where women from all castes could gather and share their thoughts. Savitribai is also known for publishing Kavya Phule in 1854 and Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar in 1892. In her poem, “Go, Get Education,” she encourages oppressed communities to seek education and free themselves from oppression.
Savitribai took a stand against child marriage and promoted widow remarriage. She initiated the first Satyashodhak marriage—a marriage without a dowry, Brahmin priests or Brahminical rituals in 1873.
Legacy of Jyotirao & Savitribai Phule
The Phules’ series of impactful initiatives commenced with the establishment of a girl’s school for Shudras and Ati-Shudras in Poona by 1848. In the 1850s they started educational trusts, namely the Native Female School, Pune; and The Society for Promoting the Education of Mahars, Mangs and Etceteras.
In 1853, they opened a care centre for pregnant widows to ensure safe deliveries and prevent infanticide. This center named Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, was located in their home.
The couple, along with other like-minded individuals, founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (The Truth-Seeker’s Society) on September 24, 1873. The society was instrumental in advocating social reforms that went against prevalent traditions, including economical weddings, inter-caste marriages, eradication of child marriages, and widow remarriage. The Satyashodhak Samaj’s primary goal was to provide education to individuals from lower castes, scheduled castes, and scheduled tribes, helping them realise the exploitative traditions of society.
Through their tireless efforts, the Phules fostered a spirit of reform and change that inspired other significant social reformers such as Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi. Their legacy continues to inspire generations today, reminding us of the importance of equality, education, and social justice.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024