India's first girls' school and beyond: Jyotirao Phule's fight for equality

Jyotirao Phule dedicated his life to fighting caste discrimination and empowering marginalised communities. He promoted education for women and lower castes, challenging societal norms. His work laid the foundation for equality and social justice in India.

Jyotirao Phule, a social reformer, educator, and revolutionary thinker, played a very important role in India’s social reform movement in the 19th century. Phule, best known to have established India's first girls' school, worked to eliminate untouchability and the caste system while promoting education for women and oppressed communities.

Along with his wife, India's first female teacher Savitribai Phule, he pioneered women's education in India, opening their first girls' school in 1848 in Pune at Tatyasaheb Bhide's residence.

To fight for equal rights for lower castes, Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj, a group open to people of all castes and religions, dedicated to uplifting marginalised communities.

Born on April 11, 1827, in the Bombay Presidency, in a small village in Maharashtra to a lower-caste family, he fought against all odds despite his background. His early experiences with caste discrimination deeply influenced his worldview.

Phule’s father was a gardener, and he grew up witnessing the harsh realities of caste-based discrimination. This environment inspired him to seek knowledge and advocate for change.

Here is more about Jyotirao Phule's reforms and social contributions:

PROMOTION OF EDUCATION

• Phule focused on promoting education for women and lower-caste communities.
• In 1848, he established the first school for girls in Pune, challenging conservative norms and advocating for gender equality.
• The curriculum included modern subjects such as science, mathematics, and social studies, breaking away from religious texts.
• His educational initiatives reached boys and girls from marginalised communities, helping dismantle caste prejudices.

OPPOSITION TO CASTE DISCRIMINATION AND UNTOUCHABILITY

• Phule strongly opposed caste discrimination and untouchability, calling for equality and dignity for all.
• He criticised the Brahminical system, which perpetuated caste-based oppression.
• Founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873 to promote social equality, rational thinking, and the elimination of caste discrimination.
• Encouraged lower castes to assert their rights and fight for their dignity.

WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND EMPOWERMENT

• Phule was a pioneer in advocating for women's education, work, and autonomy.
• He founded schools for girls with the help of his wife, Savitribai Phule, who was actively involved in his reforms.
• Opposed child marriage and the purdah system, advocating for women's active participation in society.
• Worked to break gender stereotypes by promoting women’s rights and access to education.

CHALLENGING SOCIAL CUSTOMS

• Criticised religious practices and superstitions used to control people.
• Advocated for rational thinking and scientific reasoning, challenging traditional beliefs.
• Wrote works like Gulamgiri and Shetkaryancha Aaaja, exposing oppression and promoting social justice.

ECONOMIC REFORMS

• Phule fought for equitable land distribution and criticised British colonial policies that dispossessed local farmers.
• Advocated for land rights for marginalised communities, believing that those who worked the land should own it.
• His economic philosophy resonated with the peasant and working-class movements, focusing on resource accessibility for all.

Jyotirao Phule passed away on November 28, 1890, in Pune, India, after suffering a stroke that left him paraplegic.

His death marked the end of a significant life dedicated to social reform and the upliftment of marginalised communities, particularly in advocating for women's education and rights.