Introduction
Jyotirao Govindrao Phule, commonly known as Jyotiba Phule, was a social reformer, educator, and anti-caste activist who fought against untouchability, caste discrimination, and women’s oppression in 19th-century India. He is regarded as the father of India’s social revolution for his efforts in women’s education, widow remarriage, and upliftment of Dalits and backward classes.
Early Life and Background
- Born: 11 April 1827, Satara, Maharashtra.
- Family: Belonged to a Mali (gardener) caste, considered Shudras (low caste) under Brahminical hierarchy.
- Education:
- Initially attended Scottish Mission High School, Pune.
- Self-educated in social issues and British liberal philosophy.
Influences
- Deeply influenced by British ideas of justice, equality, and democracy.
- Exposed to caste discrimination when he was insulted for attending a Brahmin friend’s wedding.
- Inspired by Thomas Paine’s book “The Rights of Man”, which shaped his reformist views.
Social Reforms and Contributions
1. Women’s Education Pioneer
- 1848: Established the first school for girls in Pune, along with his wife Savitribai Phule (India’s first female teacher).
- Opened 18 schools for girls, lower castes, and widows.
- Advocated education as the key to social empowerment.
2. Fight Against Caste System
- Opposed Brahminical dominance and untouchability.
- Encouraged Dalits (lower castes) and backward classes to seek education.
- Supported reservations in education and government jobs for lower castes.
3. Widow Remarriage and Women’s Rights
- Established homes (Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha) for widows and abandoned women.
- Encouraged widow remarriage, which was taboo in 19th-century India.
4. Satyashodhak Samaj (1873)
- Founded Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) in 1873.
- Aim: To fight against caste discrimination and promote equality.
- Advocated inter-caste marriages and self-respect movements.
- Encouraged peasants and laborers to challenge Brahminical oppression.
5. Writings and Books
- Gulamgiri (1873) – Criticized the Brahminical dominance over lower castes.
- Shetkarayacha Aasud (The Whipcord of Farmers, 1881) – Focused on farmers’ rights and exploitation.
- Wrote plays and pamphlets exposing religious hypocrisy and caste discrimination.
Death and Legacy
- Died: 28 November 1890, Pune, Maharashtra.
- Legacy:
- Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (Agricultural University) in Maharashtra named after him.
- Inspired Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Dalit movement.
- Recognized as “Mahatma” (Great Soul) by social activists.
- His birthday, 11 April, is celebrated as “Jyotirao Phule Jayanti” across India.
MCQs on Jyotirao Phule
1. When was Jyotirao Phule born?
a) 1818
b) 1827
c) 1831
d) 1850
→ Answer: b) 1827
2. Which social reform movement was founded by Jyotirao Phule?
a) Arya Samaj
b) Brahmo Samaj
c) Satyashodhak Samaj
d) Ramakrishna Mission
→ Answer: c) Satyashodhak Samaj
3. Who was the wife of Jyotirao Phule and a pioneer in women’s education?
a) Pandita Ramabai
b) Savitribai Phule
c) Sarojini Naidu
d) Kamini Roy
→ Answer: b) Savitribai Phule
4. What was the title of the book written by Jyotirao Phule criticizing caste oppression?
a) Hind Swaraj
b) Satyarth Prakash
c) Gulamgiri
d) Anandmath
→ Answer: c) Gulamgiri
5. What was the main objective of Satyashodhak Samaj?
a) Spread Hindu rituals
b) Remove caste discrimination
c) Promote Western education
d) Support British rule
→ Answer: b) Remove caste discrimination
6. Where was Jyotirao Phule born?
a) Pune
b) Nashik
c) Satara
d) Mumbai
→ Answer: c) Satara
7. Which social issue was NOT directly addressed by Jyotirao Phule?
a) Women’s education
b) Widow remarriage
c) Industrial development
d) Caste discrimination
→ Answer: c) Industrial development
8. When did Jyotirao Phule pass away?
a) 1890
b) 1902
c) 1920
d) 1931
→ Answer: a) 1890
Short Answer Questions on Jyotirao Phule
Q1: When and where was Jyotirao Phule born?
A: 11 April 1827, in Satara, Maharashtra.
Q2: What was the main objective of Satyashodhak Samaj?
A: To fight caste discrimination, promote social equality, and support inter-caste marriages.
Q3: Name two books written by Jyotirao Phule.
A: Gulamgiri (1873) and Shetkarayacha Aasud (1881).
Q4: Who was the first female teacher in India and wife of Jyotirao Phule?
A: Savitribai Phule.
Q5: How did Jyotirao Phule contribute to women’s education?
A: He established the first school for girls in Pune (1848) and opened 18 schools for women, Dalits, and backward classes.
Q6: What was Jyotirao Phule’s major contribution to the upliftment of Dalits?
A: He fought against untouchability, promoted education for Dalits, and encouraged them to demand their rights.
Q7: What is the significance of Gulamgiri?
A: It was a book criticizing Brahminical dominance and caste oppression, comparing it to American slavery.
Q8: When did Jyotirao Phule die?
A: 28 November 1890, in Pune, Maharashtra.
Conclusion
Jyotirao Phule was a revolutionary social reformer who fought against caste discrimination, promoted women’s education, and advocated for the upliftment of backward classes. His efforts in eradicating untouchability and empowering lower castes laid the foundation for social justice movements in India, inspiring leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. His work remains a guiding force for equality and human rights in India.
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