Mahatma Jotirao Phule (1827–1890), a pioneering social reformer from Maharashtra, is regarded as the “Father of Indian Social Revolution.” His writings and reforms went beyond caste to address the plight of all oppressed sections—Shudras, Ati-Shudras, women, peasants, and the poor.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule: Writings and Social Reform Efforts

I. Writings

1. Gulamgiri (Slavery, 1873) – Exposed Brahmanical dominance; dedicated to American abolitionists; highlighted parallels between caste oppression in India and racial slavery in the US.
2. Shetkaryacha Asud (Cultivator’s Whipcord, 1881) – Attacked exploitation of peasants by Brahmin landlords, moneylenders, and colonial revenue system.
3. Sarvajanik Satya Dharma (1891) – Outlined a universal religion based on truth, social equality, and rational morality rather than rituals.
4. Ballads and Poems – Criticized Brahmanical myths like Parashurama; reinterpreted figures like Baliraja as symbols of justice and equality.

II. Efforts of Social Reform

1. Education Movement – With Savitribai Phule, opened first girls’ school in Pune (1848) and later schools for Dalits and OBC children.
2. Women’s Welfare – Started home for widows and orphans (1854); set up infant home (Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha) for unwanted girl children.
3. Satyashodhak Samaj (1873) – Aimed to liberate Shudras and Ati-Shudras from priestly control; encouraged prayers without Brahmin intermediaries. (compared caste oppression to American slavery)
4. Anti-Caste Activism – Organized inter-caste dining, barred Brahmins from officiating rituals, and celebrated festivals like Baliraja Jayanti to counter Brahmanical dominance.
5. Campaign against Religious Orthodoxy – Opposed child marriage and supported widow remarriage; criticized Vedic rituals as exploitative.
6. Public Wells Movement – Opened his own well in Pune for Dalits, challenging caste-based restrictions on water use.
7. Religious Freedom – In Satsar (The Essence of Truth), Phule upheld Pandita Ramabai’s right to convert to Christianity.

Limitations of Phule’s Work

1. Regional Impact – His reforms were concentrated in Maharashtra, especially Pune; influence was limited in other provinces during his lifetime.
2. Limited Reach among Masses – The movement mainly involved urban educated lower castes; rural poor and tribals remained less touched.
3. Resistance from Orthodox Society – Strong opposition from upper-caste elites and orthodox Brahmins restricted the spread of his ideas.
4. Economic Alternatives Missing – Though he critiqued exploitation (in Shetkaryacha Asud), he did not provide practical economic models for agrarian reforms or redistribution.
5. Colonial Context – Phule often saw the British as allies against Brahmanism, which limited his critique of colonial exploitation.

Phule’s radical ideas of education, equality, and dignity directly shaped Shahu Maharaj’s reservation policies and Ambedkar’s Dalit movement, leaving a lasting legacy enshrined in constitutional guarantees of equality (Articles 14–15), abolition of untouchability (Article 17), social justice for weaker sections (Article 46), and affirmative action through reservations (Articles 15(4), 16(4)).

Alternative Way

1. Shudras and Ati-Shudras (Lower Castes)

• Gulamgiri (1873): Denounced Brahmanical exploitation; compared caste oppression to slavery in America.
• Satyashodhak Samaj (1873): Gave Shudras–Ati-Shudras space for worship without Brahmin priests.
• Inter-caste dining and rituals: Practised equality by challenging Brahmin monopoly in social and religious life.

2. Women

• First girls’ school in Pune (1848): Started with Savitribai Phule.
• Widow homes (1854): Shelter for widows and prevention of female infanticide.
• Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha: Institution for protecting unwanted girl children.
• Advocacy: Supported widow remarriage, opposed child marriage, and campaigned against Sati.

3. Peasants

• Shetkaryacha Asud (1881): Criticized oppression of farmers by landlords, moneylenders, and British revenue policies.
• Highlighted agrarian distress and gave peasants a voice of resistance.

4. Dalits (Untouchables)

• Schools for Dalit children: First to extend modern education to untouchables.
• Public Wells Movement: Opened his private well in Pune to allow Dalits access to water.
• Advocated dignity and social inclusion of untouchables into mainstream society.

5. Working Poor / Labourers

• In writings, condemned bonded labour (balutedari system) that tied lower castes to hereditary, exploitative services.
• Demanded recognition of their economic contribution and social dignity.

6. Political and Public Advocacy:

• Opposed the filtration theory in education and submitted recommendations to the Hunter Commission (1882).
• Served as a municipal member in Pune, advocated for public health, water supply, and worker rights.
• Co-founded Bombay Millhands Association with Narayan Meghaji Lokhande for labor welfare