- Born in 1827 in Satara, Maharashtra and belonged to ‘mali’ caste.
- Educated in a missionary school named. Scottish Mission’s High School, Pune.
- Ideology: Liberal; Egalitarian; Socialism
- Religious Beliefs: Hinduism
- He revolted against the domination of the Brahmins and struggled for the rights of peasants and other low-caste people.
- Along with his wife Savitribai, she was pioneer for women’s education in India and fought for the education of girls. Established a girl’s school in 1851 where his wife taught.
- Believed to be the first Hindu to start an orphanage for unfortunate children.
- Established an ashram for young widows & eventually became an advocate of idea of widow remarriage.
- Founded Satya Shodhak Samaj (Society of Seekers of Truth) in 1873. Phule condemned the Vedas, ancient holy scriptures of Hindus. Deenbandhu, the weekly journal of Satya Shodhak Samaj was founded by Krishnarao Pandurang Bhalekar. It served as an outlet for ideas of the Samaj and articulated grievances of the peasants and workers,
- First person to coin the term ‘Dalits’ to apply to all people considered lower caste and untouchables by Brahmins.
- Decided to construct a common bathing tank outside his house to exhibit his embracing attitude towards all human beings and wished to dine with everyone, regardless of their caste.
- Publications: Tritiya Ratna; Powada: Chatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Yancha; Shetkarayacha Aasud & Gulamgiri (1885).
Satyashodhak Samaj After Phule
- After the death of Phule, Satya Shodhak movement receded in the background. Later, it was revived by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur who established Satya Shodhak Samaj in 1913 at Kolhapur.
- Established educational institutions, hostels and scholarships for the students from depressed classes.
- Organised several non-Brahman and Kshatriya caste conferences.
