Rashtrapita Jyotirao Phule's Early life

Early life

Jotirao Govindrao Phule was born in Satara district of Maharastra in a family belonging to Mali Rights of Man (1791), Phule developed a keen sense of social justice, becoming passionate of the Indian Tea system. He argued that education of women and the lower castes was a vital priority in addressing social inequalities.

(Fulmali) caste, caste perceived to be inferior caste by certain sections of the society. His father, Govindrao, was a vegetable vendor. Originally Jotirao’s family, known as Gorhays, came from Katgun, a village in Taluka- Khatav, District- Satara. His grandfather Shetiba Gorhay settled down in Poona. Since Jotirao’s father and two uncles served as florists under the last of the Peshwas, they came to be known as ‘Phules’. (Reference- P.G. Patil, Collected Works of Mahatma Jotirao Phule, Vol-II, published by Education department, Govt. of Maharashtra). His mother died when he was 9 months old. After completing his primary education Jotirao had to leave school and help his father by working on the family’s farm. He was married at the age of 12. His intelligence was recognised by a Muslim and a Christian neighbor, who persuaded his father to allow Jotirao to attend the local Scottish Mission’s High School, which he completed in 1847. The turning point in Jotiba’s life was in year 1848, when he was insulted by family members of his Brahmin friend, a bridegroom for his participation in the marriage procession, an auspicious occasion. Jotiba was suddenly facing the divide created by the caste system. Influenced by Thomas Paine books 

SATYASHODHAK SAMAJ

On 24 September 1873, Jotirao formed ‘Satya Shodhak Samaj’ (Society of Seekers of Truth) with himself as its first president and treasurer. The main objectives of the organisation were to liberate the Shudras and Ati Shudras and to prevent their ‘exploitation’ by the upper caste like Brahmans. Through this Satya Shodhak Samaj, Jotirao refused to regard the Vedas as sacrosanct. He opposedidolatry and denounced the chaturvarnya system (the caste system). Satya Shodhak Samaj propounded the spread of rational thinking and rejected the need for a Brahman priestly class as educational and religious leaders. He was an aboriginal of India and established Satyadharma and never renounced his faith. He was against those Brahmins who were using religion and blind faith of masses for their own monetary gains. But Jyotiba had many Brahmin personal friends and he even adopted a Brahmin boy as his heir. He made a will giving his large property after his death to this Brahmin boy.