Hautetalk: Was Jyotirao Phule A Feminist? Let’s Take A Look At This Revolutionary Thinker!
From his unwavering belief to his tireless efforts, Jyotiba Phule is easily among the early pioneers of feminist thought in India.
Jyotirao Phule, aka Jyotiba Phule, dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the marginalised. While the term “feminist” as we understand it today might not have been common then, through his work we can understand his commitment to the upliftment and empowerment of women. Hence, we can absolutely consider him a pioneering feminist thinker and a male feminist who was remarkably ahead of his time.
Jyotirao Phule: A Pioneer Of Women’s Equality
His vision of a society centred around the liberation of women from the shackles of tradition and patriarchal dominance. He keenly observed the systemic oppression they faced – denial of education, forced widowhood, social ostracism, and the burden of societal expectations. His most significant contribution in this regard was the groundbreaking work he undertook with his equally revolutionary wife, Savitribai Phule. Together, they defied societal norms and opened the first school for girls in Pune in 1848.
This act, seemingly simple, was a radical challenge to the conventional Brahminical ideology that denied education to women and Shudras. Savitribai, facing immense hostility and abuse, became the first female teacher in India. She tirelessly worked to bring the light of knowledge to girls who had been deliberately kept in the dark.
Furthermore, he questioned scriptures that downgraded women to a subordinate status and continued their oppression. He advocated for widow remarriage, a practice strongly opposed by orthodox society. Jyotiba Phule also recognised the immense suffering inflicted upon young widows who were forced into a life of isolation. Also, his partnership with Savitribai was not just a marriage but a powerful alliance in the fight for social justice. They were truly a couple way ahead of their time.
Jyotirao Phule actively campaigned against practices like child marriage, which robbed young girls of their childhood. His advocacy for the rights of pregnant women and his concern for their well-being were also remarkably progressive for his era. While Jyotiba Phule might not have explicitly used the language of modern feminism, his actions and ideas undeniably align with its core beliefs. From his unwavering belief to his tireless efforts, Jyotiba Phule is easily among the early pioneers of feminist thought in India.
Image credits: mahatmaphule.net
First Published: April 11, 2025 8:37 PM
