Tag: MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE

Born: April 11, 1827, in the Mali caste (traditionally gardeners and florists). Experienced caste-based humiliation at a Brahmin friend’s wedding in 1848, sparking his resolve to challenge social hierarchies. Influenced by: Cynthia Farrar’s girls’ school in Ahmednagar. Thomas Paine’s Age of Reason, which critiqued religious orthodoxy. Pioneering Educational Reforms 1848: Phule and Savitribai Phule co-founded India’s first school for girls. Opened 18 schools in 3 years; night schools followed by 1855 for workers and women. Faced opposition from orthodox society for promoting education among oppressed groups. Social and Political Stance Advocated for women's emancipation and Dalit upliftment through collaboration with the British administration. Clashed ideologically with Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Vishnu Shastri Chiplunkar. Despite ideological differences, bailed out Tilak and Agarkar from jail, showcasing moral integrity. Satyashodhak Samaj (1873) Founded the Society of Truth Seekers to challenge Brahminical hegemony. Provided a non-upper caste alternative to existing reform movements like: Brahmo Samaj Prarthana Samaj Arya Samaj Views on the 1857 Revolt Opposed the Sepoy Mutiny, seeing it as a reactionary movement favoring Peshwa theocracy. Believed that social reform and education were more vital than militant resistance. Key Writings and Ideas Gulamgiri (Slavery, 1873): Compared caste oppression in India to slavery in America. Highlighted the brutality of Brahminical domination during Peshwa rule. Shetkaryanche Asud (Farmer’s Whip) Called for: Use of military manpower in rural infrastructure (dams, bunds). Return of cow pastures to farmers. Abolition of forest department oppression. Pragmatic solutions to cow slaughter, suggesting goat/sheep consumption or cattle imports. Educational Reforms: Proposed compulsory primary education till age 12. Suggested scholarships and prizes to motivate marginalized families. Called for inclusion of working-class children in education. Religious Rationalism Defended Pandita Ramabai's right to religious conversion. Advocated religious freedom and rational spirituality. Argued against sectarianism, emphasized universal humanity. Philosophy & Legacy Emphasized: Equality of all humans, regardless of caste. Critique of religious orthodoxy, polygamy, and patriarchy. Wrote Manav Mahammand, admiring Prophet Muhammad’s fight against superstition. Final work: Sarvajanik Satya Dharma Pustak – advocated rational, inclusive humanism. Rejected the idea of any one religion or caste having divine superiority. Impact Phule’s life remains a beacon of social justice, rational thought, and compassion. Continues to inspire anti-caste movements, educational reformers, and progressive thinkers in India.

Tag: MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE

MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE

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