Savitribai Phule established the first school for girls in 1848 and created an invaluable legacy by championing causes such as social equality, widow remarriage, and inter-caste marriage. Savitribai Phule was a prominent social reformer and a significant figure in India's struggle for freedom. Her husband, Jyotirao Phule, educated her, and she dedicated her life to the cause of women's education.
Savitribai Phule was born in the small village of Naigaon in Maharashtra. She hailed from an economically disadvantaged family belonging to the Mali community. She was married to social reformer Jyotirao Phule at the tender age of nine. At the time of her marriage, she was illiterate—a common situation for women in India back then. However, recognizing her determination, Jyotirao took on the responsibility of educating her.
Jyotirao Phule became her mentor and introduced her to education, paving the way for her to become a teacher. Under Jyotirao's guidance, Savitribai completed her education with great determination. With the support of friends, she excelled in the field of education and became India's first female teacher. Alongside her husband, Savitribai fought against caste discrimination.
She helped establish the 'Satyashodhak Samaj,' a social reform organization. Savitribai firmly raised her voice for the rights of widows. Securing the right to remarriage for widows was a primary objective of her efforts; through this, she challenged the traditional norms that alienated widows from the social mainstream. Dedicating their lives to social reform, Savitribai and Jyotirao fought against untouchability and strove for the upliftment of backward castes through public awareness campaigns.
Their unwavering commitment to eradicating social injustice left an indelible mark on India's history. Savitribai fought against regressive practices such as child marriage, female foeticide, and the ‘Sati’ system, while also advocating for widow remarriage and inter-caste marriages. A social reformer and poet, Savitribai Phule played a pivotal role in the struggle for women's rights in India during British rule.
In 1848, Savitribai and her husband, Jyotirao Phule, established the first school for girls in India at Bhide Wada in Pune. Born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon, Maharashtra, Savitribai was the eldest daughter of Lakshmi and Khandoji Nevase Patil. At the age of nine, she was married to 13-year-old Jyotirao Phule, who later became a prominent social reformer in Maharashtra.
Initially illiterate, Savitribai was educated and made literate by her husband, Jyotirao Phule—an endeavor that involved challenging social norms opposed to women's education. Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained steadfast in her mission. Savitribai Phule, along with her husband Jotiba Phule, established the country's first school for girls in 1848. Going beyond just education, she championed causes such as women's rights, social equality, and widow remarriage.
Savitribai was also a renowned poet and social reformer. At that time, education for women was a rarity. Defying prevailing social norms, Savitribai and Jotiba Phule opened India's first girls' school at Bhide Wada in Pune in 1848. Despite facing opposition, Savitribai expanded the number of schools to three by 1851, with a total of 150 female students; more girls were drawn to Savitribai's schools than to government-run ones.
However, due to familial opposition to their initiatives, Savitribai and Jotiba Phule were forced to leave their home. Savitribai also established educational institutions for marginalized communities. In recognition of her contributions to education, the British government honored her as the 'Best Teacher' in 1852. Savitribai Phule played a pivotal role in promoting women's education in India.
By challenging social conventions and opening the first school for girls in Pune in 1848, she paved the way for future generations of women to receive an education. To combat the widespread practices of female foeticide and infanticide—which often targeted Brahmin widows—she established the 'Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha' (Home for the Prevention of Infanticide) in 1863.
She actively opposed child marriage and the practice of Sati, while also advocating for the rights of widows to remarry and live independently if they so chose. Savitribai founded the 'Mahila Seva Mandal' to champion women's rights; she fought specifically against the inhumane practice of forcibly shaving the heads of widows.
She, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, founded the 'Satyashodhak Samaj' to fight against caste discrimination and advocate for the rights of marginalized sections of society, such as Dalits and women. Savitribai Phule’s legacy as a pioneering figure in women's education is etched in golden letters in the history of India. By establishing the first school for girls in 1848, she challenged the social norms of the time and set a precedent for educational equality.
In collaboration with Jyotirao Phule, she fought against caste discrimination and founded the 'Satyashodhak Samaj.' Savitribai championed causes such as the rights of widows, opposition to regressive social practices, and widow remarriage. Her literary works offered commentary on various social issues. The annual observance of 'Savitribai Phule Jayanti' serves as a reminder of her contributions; her legacy continues to inspire movements for social justice, education, and gender equality in India today.
Savitribai Phule, a great social reformer, passed away on March 10, 1897. She left behind a legacy of tireless work dedicated to education and social equality. Her passing marked the end of a life devoted to challenging social norms and fighting against injustice. She died while making a courageous attempt to save the life of a ten-year-old boy during the plague epidemic.
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