Jyotiba Phule Born: 11 April, 1827 Passed Away: 28 November, 1890

Later Years Jyotiba realized the importance of education and felt that the society can emerge out of darkness only when every individual has access to education. He began educating his wife at home. Fortunately, his wife shared his idealistic beliefs In 1848, he gave a concrete shape to his aspirations and opened the first ever school for girls. He asked his wife to teach the girls for which she gladly agreed. But the society was not ready to accept this and Jyotiba and his wife were made to leave their house. The school was open to girls from all sections of the society. Girls from different religions, castes, and socio-economic background would come to study. However, the school was temporarily closed due to shortage of funds. .

Childhood & Early Life He was born as Jyotirao Phule in Satara district of Maharashtra. . His father Govindrao worked as a vegetable vendor and his family belonged to the “Mali” caste, considered inferior to the Brahmins. His mother’s name was Chimana and he had one brother.   He attended primary school but left his studies to work in the farms. However, his neighbors who recognized the child’s intelligence convinced his father to let him continue his education.  His father arranged his marriage when he was around 13 years of age as was the custom during those days.    Jyotiba went to the local Scottish Mission’s High School and passed out in 1847. While in school he read the biographies of Shivaji and George Washington which inspired him. He was also greatly influenced by Thomas Paine’s ‘Rights of Man’ Jyotiba went to the local Scottish Mission’s High School and passed out in 1847. While in school he read the biographies of Shivaji and George Washington which inspired him. He was also greatly influenced by Thomas Paine’s ‘Rights of Man’. 

CONTRIBUTIONS  Jyotiba Phule was one of the prominent social reformers of the nineteenth century India. He led the movement against the prevailing caste-restrictions in India. He revolted against the domination of the Brahmins and for the rights of peasants and other low-caste fellow. Jyotiba Phule was believed to be the first Hindu to start an orphanage for the unfortunate children.