Q. Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.
Possible Introductions
Fact-based
Mahatma Jotirao Phule (1827–1890), often called the “Father of Indian Social Revolution,” launched reform movements in Maharashtra addressing caste, gender, education, and agrarian exploitation, making him a pioneer of subaltern emancipation.
Contextual
Unlike many reformers who focused on upper-caste issues, Phule targeted the marginalized—Shudras, Ati-Shudras, women, peasants, and workers, giving voice to the voiceless.
Philosophical
Phule believed that true Swaraj cannot exist without social justice, linking national progress with upliftment of the oppressed.
Directive Analysis
“Discuss” → requires examining the range of Phule’s reforms and how they related to different subaltern groups.
Main Body
1. For Caste Oppressed Communities (Shudras & Ati-Shudras)
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- Critiqued Brahmanical domination in texts like Gulamgiri (Slavery, 1873).
- Founded Satyashodhak Samaj (1873) to promote equality and self-respect.
- Advocated for representation in education & administration.
- Called for annihilation of caste much before Ambedkar.
2. For Women & Girl Child
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- With wife Savitribai, opened first school for girls (1848, Pune).
- Campaigned against child marriage, enforced widowhood, and female infanticide.
- Set up Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha (home for widows & orphans).
- Supported widow remarriage and women’s right to education.
3. For Peasants and Agrarian Classes
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- Exposed exploitation by moneylenders, zamindars, and colonial state.
- Demanded fair taxation and protection of ryots.
- Writings like Shetkaryacha Asud (Cultivator’s Whipcord, 1881) highlighted farmer distress.
- Considered peasantry as backbone of India’s economy.
4. For Workers and Untouchables
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- Criticized inhuman treatment of manual scavengers and bonded laborers.
- Advocated dignity of labour—breaking caste-based occupational barriers.
- Called for public works and fair wages for labourers.
5. Wider Subaltern Vision
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- Envisioned a society based on liberty, equality, fraternity—influencing later thinkers like Ambedkar, Periyar.
- His reforms went beyond caste to include class, gender, and occupational subalterns.
Sweet Spot – Table
| Subaltern Group | Phule’s Intervention | Example Work/Action |
|---|---|---|
| Caste Oppressed | Equality, anti-Brahmanism | Gulamgiri (1873) |
| Women | Education, widow support | First girls’ school, Pune (1848) |
| Peasants | Exposed agrarian exploitation | Shetkaryacha Asud (1881) |
| Untouchables | Dignity of labour | Satyashodhak Samaj |
| Orphans/Widows | Shelter & rights | Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha |
Possible Conclusions
Balanced
Phule’s social reform touched almost every marginalized class, laying the foundation for India’s social justice discourse.
Policy-linked
Many provisions of Indian Constitution (Articles 14–17, 46) reflect Phule’s ideals of equality and dignity.
Philosophical
As Phule wrote, “Without education, wisdom was lost; without wisdom, morality was lost; without morality, development was lost.” His vision centred on empowering the weakest.
Legacy
Phule’s work transcended his time, inspiring Ambedkarite and Dalit movements, and remains crucial for debates on caste, gender, and distributive justice in contemporary India.
