Context: Jyotiba Phule
200th birth anniversary of Jyotiba Phule (1827–1890) is being commemorated; known as a pioneer of anti-caste movement and women’s education in India.
Core contributions
- Anti-caste reform
• Challenged Brahmanical dominance and caste hierarchy
• Focused on upliftment of Shudras and Dalits - Women’s education
• Along with Savitribai Phule, started first girls’ school in Pune (1848)
• Promoted education as tool of empowerment - Satyashodhak Samaj (1873)
• Founded for social equality, rationalism, and truth-seeking
• Opposed caste-based rituals and priesthood - Social reforms
• Against child marriage and untouchability
• Supported widow remarriage and dignity of women
Important works
- Gulamgiri (1873)
• Exposed caste oppression; compared it with slavery - Shetkaryacha Asud
• Highlighted exploitation of peasants - Trutiya Ratna (1855)
• First modern social Marathi play; attacked superstition
Sarvajanik Satya Dharma
• Idea of universal religion based on equality and justice
