Consider the following statements regarding Jyotirao Govindrao Phule: ...
Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was a social reformer who worked against social evils like untouchability and the caste system and was a strong advocate of women empowerment and education of girl child. Phule was born on April 11, 1827, in present-day Maharashtra and belonged to the Mali caste of gardeners. He and his wife Savitrirao Phule fought for the education of girl students and opened a school in 1848. Phule vehemently opposed child marriage and supported widow remarriage. In 1863, he, along with his wife, opened an infanticide prevention centre where pregnant widows could safely give birth and care for infants. Phule along with his followers formed Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873 which meant „Seekers of Truth‟ in order to attain equal social and economic benefits for the lower castes in Maharashtra. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Jyotirao Phule was a propagator of rational thinking and encouraged the education of Dalits and the girl child. He dedicated his book Gulamgiri (slavery) to the African American movement to end slavery. It is believed by many that it was Phule who first used the term Dalit‘ for the depiction of oppressed masses often placed outside the varna system‘. Phule was critical of the Congress and National movement for its neglect of the conditions of weaker sections and oppressed classes. He believed that mostly the upper caste leaders were involved in the nationalist movement and dominated Congress. He believed that once the British would leave, the people of the upper caste would use their power and authority to oppress and subjugate the people belonging to lower castes. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Phule not only wanted the country to become independent of the British control but also from various social evils that had crept in the society. Phule was bestowed with the title of Mahatma in 1888, by a Maharashtrian social activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Jyotirao Govindrao Phule: ...
Answer:
Introduction:
Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was a social reformer, thinker, and activist who played a significant role in the upliftment of the lower castes and weaker sections of the society during the 19th century in India. He established the Satyashodhak Samaj and was critical of the Congress for its neglect of the weaker sections and lower castes. However, he was not given the title of Mahatma by M.G Ranade. Let's analyze each statement in detail.
Establishment of Satyashodhak Samaj:
- Jyotirao Govindrao Phule established the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873.
- The Satyashodhak Samaj aimed to fight against social discrimination and inequality prevalent in society.
- It challenged the Brahminical social order and worked towards the upliftment of the oppressed classes, including the lower castes and women.
- The Samaj advocated for social justice, equality, education, and the abolition of caste-based discrimination.
Criticism of Congress:
- Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was critical of the Indian National Congress for its neglect of the weaker sections and lower castes.
- He believed that the Congress, dominated by upper-caste elites, did not adequately address the issues and concerns of the marginalized communities.
- Phule argued that the Congress focused more on political independence from British rule, rather than social and economic reforms necessary for the upliftment of the oppressed classes.
Title of Mahatma:
- The statement that Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was given the title of Mahatma by M.G Ranade is incorrect.
- The title "Mahatma" was commonly used to address individuals who were considered great souls or leaders in the Indian independence movement, such as Mahatma Gandhi.
- However, Phule, although highly respected and revered for his work, did not receive the title of Mahatma.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, out of the given statements, only statement 1 and 2 are correct. Jyotirao Govindrao Phule indeed established the Satyashodhak Samaj and was critical of the Congress for its neglect of the weaker sections and lower castes. However, he was not given the title of Mahatma by M.G Ranade.
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