Jyotirao
Phule | |
---|---|
![]() Photograph of Jyotirao Phule | |
Born | |
Died | 28 November 1890 | (aged 63)
Other names | • Jyotiba Phule[2] • Mahatma Phule[2] |
Alma mater | • Scottish Mission highschool, Poona (1842)[2] |
Notable work | • Brahmananche Kasab (1869) [1]
• Shetkaryancha Aasud[2] (1883) • Gulamgiri[2] (1873) • Trutiya Ratna (1855) |
Spouse | Savitribai Phule |
Children | 1 |
Family | • Govindrao Phule (father) [2] • Chimanabai Phule (mother) [2] |
Era | 1827- 1890 |
Language | Marathi |
Main interests | Ethics, humanism, education, social reformation |
Jyotirao Govindrao Phule (11 April 1827 – 28 November 1890) was an Indian social activist, businessman, anti-caste social reformer and writer from Maharashtra.[3][4] His work extended to many fields, including eradication of untouchability and the caste system and for his efforts in educating women and oppressed caste people.[5] He and his wife, Savitribai Phule, were pioneers of women's education in India.[5][6] Phule started his first school for girls in 1848 in Pune at Tatyasaheb Bhide's residence or Bhidewada.[7] He, along with his followers, formed the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) to attain equal rights for people from lower castes. People from all religions and castes could become a part of this association which worked for the upliftment of the oppressed classes. Phule is regarded as an important figure in the social reform movement in Maharashtra.The honorific Mahātmā (Sanskrit: "great-souled", "venerable"), was first applied to him in 1888 at a special program honoring him in Mumbai.[8][9][10]