Q.11 Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.(UPSC CSE 2025,GS PAPER-1) (Answer in 250 words,15 marks)

THE INTRODUCTION:

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s primary contribution was his efforts for the rights and empowerment of subaltern classes. His writings and social reform efforts was not limited to a single issue but interconnected the struggles of women, lower castes, and peasants.

THE BODY

Contributions of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule to specific sections of all subaltern classes:

• • Lower Castes:
    • Education:He recognized that the lack of education in lower classes was a reason for their oppression and made efforts in this direction. For example, he established schools specifically for backward communities like the Mahars and Mangs.
    • Social Equality:He championed for the social equality among all classes and abolition of the inhuman caste system and untouchability. He is credited with introducing the Marathi word “Dalit” to describe those outside the traditional varna system.
    • Symbolic Actions: He is just not limited to his literary works and took several symbolic actions as well. For example, Phule famously opened his private well to everyone, including Dalits, at a time when they were forbidden from using public water sources.
    • Satyashodhak Samaj: Another effort for lower caste was through formation of organisations. As, in 1873, he founded the Satyashodhak Samaj to unite people from all castes and religions against social and religious oppression.
    • Associated writings: Through his writings, he argued that the Brahminical social order was a form of slavery. For example, especially his work Gulamgiri written in 1873, were a powerful critique of the caste system.
  • Women:
    • Education:Phule understood that educating women was key to their empowerment and to the overall progress of society. For this, Phule, along with his wife established the first school for girls in India in 1848 and later opened more schools for girls. His wife became first woman teacher, ensuring women’s active role in social reform.
    • Widow Emancipation:Another area for women emancipation was efforts made for widows. For which, Phule advocated for widow remarriage and also established an “infanticide prevention home” for infants born to exploited widows.
  • Peasants:
    • Advocating rights:Phule was a strong advocate for the rights of peasants and agricultural labourers, who were often exploited by landlords and middlemen. For example, he advocated for a shift in agricultural policy, emphasizing education for peasants to free themselves from debt and poverty.
    • Associated Writings:Phule’s activism extended to the economic hardships faced by the peasantry which was seen in his writings. In his book, Shetkaryacha Asud, he exposed how farmers were exploited by moneylenders, the bureaucracy, and the colonial state.

THE CONCLUSION:

Jyotirao Phule’s challenged caste-based exploitation and religious orthodoxy, and championed women’s emancipation and access to public resources for the oppressed. His writings and social reforms made him a significant figure in the development of modern Indian social thought and feminist discourse.