Explore the life, contributions, and the upliftment of marginalized sections by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on his 200th birth anniversary (11 April), with key insights for APSC and UPSC exam preparation. Read More below.
Why in News?
The 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule is being observed nationwide. Narendra Modi paid tribute, highlighting his role in promoting equality, education, and empowerment of marginalized communities.
Mahatma Jyotirao Phule
Jyotirao Govindrao Phule (1827–1890), popularly known as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, was a prominent social reformer and thinker of 19th-century India. Born on 11 April 1827 in Pune, Maharashtra, in a Mali (gardener) family, he worked tirelessly to promote social justice, education, and equality, especially for women and the oppressed sections of society.
Key Contributions
1. Pioneer of Modern Education
- Established one of the first schools for girls in India.
- Focused on education for marginalized and backward communities.
- Emphasized the role of mothers in shaping future generations.
2. Social Reform and Anti-Caste Movement
- Founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873.
- Advocated equality, rational thinking, and social justice.
- Opposed caste discrimination and Brahmanical dominance
- Used the term “Dalit” to refer to oppressed communities.
3. Women Empowerment
- Promoted widow remarriage and opposed child marriage.
- Strongly supported women’s education.
- Worked closely with Savitribai Phule, India’s first woman teacher.
- Founded an orphanage (1854) to care for abandoned children and widows.
4. Humanitarian Values
- Dedicated his life to upliftment of the oppressed.
- Advocated dignity, equality, and rights for all sections of society.
Important Books by Jyotirao Phule
| Book Title | Central Theme / Philosophy |
|---|---|
| Gulamgiri (Slavery) | A sharp critique of the caste system; draws parallels between the oppression of lower castes in India and African slaves, dedicated to the anti-slavery movement in America. |
| Shetkarayacha Aasud (The Cultivator’s Whipcord) | Exposes exploitation of farmers by bureaucracy and moneylenders; critiques the impact of British administration on rural India. |
| Sarvajanik Satya Dharma Pustak | Proposes a “Universal Religion of Truth” based on equality, rationalism, and rejection of ritualism; published posthumously. |
| Tritiya Ratna | A play highlighting exploitation due to superstition and ignorance; promotes education as the “third eye” for social awakening. |
UPSC Mains 2025 PYQ
Q. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern
classes. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15
UPSC CSE Prelims 2016 PYQ
Q. Satya Shodhak Samaj organised:
a) A movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar
b) A temple-entry movement in Gujarat
c) An anti-caste movement in Maharashtra
d) Peasant movement in Punjab
Correct Answer: C
About Lucent IAS
Lucent IAS is a premier coaching institute in Guwahati, dedicated to empowering APSC aspirants with a result-oriented approach. Recognized as a top destination for APSC Coaching, we offer comprehensive guidance ranging from Foundation Courses and Advanced Mains preparation to our signature Assam-Centric study modules. With expert faculty, small batch sizes for personalized mentoring, and the acclaimed Saadhana Test Series, Lucent IAS is committed to helping you crack the Civil Services Examination.
Publications From LUCENT IAS
- “The Assam Odyssey: The Complete Assam Centric Resource useful for APSC CCE and various other Departmental Examinations. Read More
- InExam PYQ Explained.Read More
- Mains Tattva: The Craft of Answer Writing (GS Paper PYQs). Read More
- Maanchitra – An Illustrative Colour-Coded Informative Map of Assam. Read More
- প্ৰাৰম্ভ (Prarambha). Read More
- অসম ওডিচী – The Assam Odyssey (Assamese Edition). Read More
Start your journey to success today. Visit us at lucentias.com or call +91-6913007777 for more details.