Who Gave the Title of Mahatma to Jyotiba Phule?
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar gave the title of Mahatma to Jyotiba Phule on 11 May 1888. He was a social activist, thinker, and writer from Maharashtra known for his pioneering work in the field of women’s education, the caste system, and Dalit rights. He was given the title of Mahatma at the age of 63 for his efforts toward fighting the social evils that existed in Indian society.
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Title of Mahatma to Jyotiba Phule
Jyotiba Phule’s work was extended to various fields, such as eradicating the caste system and untouchability, the education of women, etc. The following are the reasons for the title of Mahatma to Jyotiba Phule:
- He worked for widow remarriage.
- He attacked the orthodox Brahmins and other upper castes and called them hypocrites.
- Constructed a common bathing tank outside his house
- He believed in gender equality.
- Three schools were opened by him.
- Worked for the abolishment of untouchability and the caste system in Maharashtra
- He was the first to use the term ‘Dalit’ for the depiction of discouraging masses.
Mahatma to Jyotiba Phule
He and his followers founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in order to achieve equal rights for lower caste people. People of all religions and castes could join this organization dedicated to the upliftment of oppressed classes. Hence, Jyotiba Phule became a revolutionary figure in Indian history and was regarded as a pivotal figure in Maharashtra’s social reform movement.
In 1888, Maharashtrian social activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar gave him the honorific Mahatma title. His wife, Savitribai Phule, was equally involved and supported his ideologies. She opened the first school for women in India.
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