GS Paper 1:
Topics Covered: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
Context:
Social reformer Jyotirao Phule’s birth anniversary was observed on April 11th.
- He was a multifaceted personality who worked tirelessly for social equality, women empowerment and boosting education.
- Phule is widely respected as a champion of social justice and source of hope for countless people.
Phule was born into a family that belonged to the Mali caste, that grew fruits and vegetables for a living.
Key contributions to the society:
- Along with his wife Savitribai Phule, worked for the uplift of women and children in the marginalised communities.
- In 1848, he started his first school for girls at Bhide Wada in Pune.
- In 1873, he formed the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) along with his followers to fight for basic rights for people belonging to the lower castes.
- They also fought to stop infanticide and promote widow remarriage.
- To end the stigma of social untouchability, he opened his house to people of the lower caste and allowed them to use his water-well.
- The couple set up ‘Balyata Pratibandak Gruha’, a childcare centre for the protection of pregnant widows and rape victims.
Title “Mahatma”:
In 1888, he was given the title of ‘Mahatma’ (‘great soul’) by another social activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar.
His famous works:
Tritiya Ratna (1855), Gulamgiri (1873), Shetkarayacha Aasud, or Cultivator’s Whipcord (1881), Satyashodhak Samajokt Mangalashtakasah Sarva Puja-vidhi (1887).
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Important literary works of Mahatma Phule.
- Who gave him the title Mahatma?
- Objectives of Satyashodhak Samaj.
- Which state has launched a scheme on Jyotirao Phule and what is it related to?
- Notable contributions of Savitribai Phule.
Sources: Indian Express.
