Jyotirao Phule
Social reformer who fought caste discrimination and opened schools for girls
- Lived
- 63 yrs
- 1827 – 1890
- Works listed
- 2
- Book
- Honours
- 0
- Awards & distinctions
- Profile views
- 0
- 0 followers
Jyotirao Phule was a social reformer and writer from Maharashtra who campaigned against caste discrimination and for the education of women and oppressed castes. With his wife Savitribai he opened one of India’s first schools for girls, and he founded the Satyashodhak Samaj. He died in 1890.
Biography
An awakening
Jyotirao Phule belonged to the Mali (gardener) community and studied at a Scottish mission school in Pune. Being insulted at the wedding of a Brahmin friend because of his caste made him determined to fight caste inequality.
Schools for girls
In 1848 he and his wife Savitribai opened a school for girls in Pune, and soon schools for children of oppressed castes. He also opened his own water tank to people considered untouchable and set up a home to protect pregnant widows and prevent infanticide.
Satyashodhak Samaj
In 1873 he founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) to promote equality and rational religion, and published Gulamgiri (Slavery), a powerful critique of caste, dedicated to the movement against slavery in the United States.
Legacy
He was given the title “Mahatma” in 1888 and died in Pune on 28 November 1890. B. R. Ambedkar regarded him as one of his three teachers, with the Buddha and Kabir.
Timeline
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1827
Born in Satara district, Bombay Presidency (now Maharashtra)
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1848
Opens a school for girls in Pune
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1863
Opens a home for pregnant widows
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1873
Founds the Satyashodhak Samaj; publishes Gulamgiri
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1888
Honoured with the title Mahatma
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1890
Dies in Pune
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1890
Died, aged 63
Notable works
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1873
Gulamgiri Book
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1883
Shetkaryacha Asud Book
Did you know?
-
1
He dedicated Gulamgiri to the fight against slavery in America.
-
2
B. R. Ambedkar considered him one of his teachers.
-
3
He opened his own water tank to all castes.
Connections
Related people
Frequently asked
Who is Jyotirao Phule?
Jyotirao Phule was a social reformer and writer from Maharashtra who campaigned against caste discrimination and for the education of women and oppressed castes. With his wife Savitribai he opened one of India’s first schools for girls, and he founded the Satyashodhak Samaj. He died in 1890.
When did Jyotirao Phule die?
Jyotirao Phule died on 28 November 1890 at the age of 63.
Where is Jyotirao Phule from?
Jyotirao Phule was born in Satara district, Bombay Presidency (now Maharashtra).
What is Jyotirao Phule known for?
Jyotirao Phule is best known for Gulamgiri; the Satyashodhak Samaj; India’s early schools for girls with Savitribai Phule.
Who is Jyotirao Phule married to?
Spouse: Savitribai Phule.
References
- Jyotirao Phule — Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Retrieved 2 November 2026.
- Jyotirao Phule — Hindi Wikipedia. Wikipedia (Hindi). Retrieved 2 November 2026.
- Jyotirao Phule (Q314394) — structured data. Wikidata. Retrieved 2 November 2026.
Includes material from the Wikipedia article “Jyotirao Phule”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. That text is available under the same licence. Learn more
External links
About this profile
- Researched by the TrackFame editorial team; reviewed by Sanjay Sokal under our editorial policy
- First published 2 November 2026
- Last updated
Cite this page
“Jyotirao Phule.” TrackFame, last updated 3 November 2026. https://trackfame.com/person/jyotirao-phule
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