Phule: a constant gardener of social revolution
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)
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Context |
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Early Life and Awakening
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Born in 1827 in a lower caste traditionally engaged in gardening.
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Faced caste discrimination at a wedding, which inspired him to challenge social inequality.
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Influenced by progressive education and rationalist literature.
Educational Reforms
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Started the first school for girls in 1848, followed by 18 more schools within three years.
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Opened night schools for workers and farmers by 1855.
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Faced opposition from orthodox sections of society.
Social Activism and Ideological Stand
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Opposed orthodox reformers and supported government efforts for social justice.
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Founded a truth-seeking society (Satya Shodhak Samaj) in 1873 to challenge upper-caste reform movements.
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Rejected the 1857 revolt, fearing it would restore oppressive rule.
Views on Caste and Slavery
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Compared caste-based discrimination to American slavery.
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Highlighted deep-rooted oppression under previous regimes.
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Advocated compulsory primary education and incentives for poor children.
Constructive Vision for Society
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Suggested reforms in agriculture, dam construction, and forest management.
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Encouraged involvement of soldiers in civil works to benefit both health and economy.
Religious Beliefs and Rationalism
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Criticized religious texts for promoting inequality.
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Called for universal human equality and rejected caste-based sacredness.
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Advocated gender equality and questioned male-dominated customs.
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Practice Question: Jyotiba Phule’s social reform movement laid the foundation for modern Indian egalitarian thought.” Discuss his contributions towards caste and gender equality in colonial India. (250 Words /15 marks) |
