Educational Reforms
First Girls' School (1848)
Established the first school for girls in Pune, breaking social barriers and challenging traditional norms.
- Started with just 9 students
- Faced strong opposition from orthodox society
- Paved the way for women's education in India
Native Library (1848)
Founded a library to promote reading and education among the masses.
Social Reforms
Satyashodhak Samaj (1873)
Founded the Truth-Seeker's Society to fight against social discrimination and promote equality.
- Challenged the caste system
- Promoted rational thinking
- Advocated for social justice
Widow Remarriage
Advocated for widow remarriage and fought against child marriage.
Literary Contributions
Gulamgiri (1873)
His most famous work, meaning "Slavery", critiquing the caste system and social inequality.
"Without education, wisdom was lost; without wisdom, morals were lost; without morals, development was lost; without development, wealth was lost; without wealth, the Shudras were ruined."
Shetkaryacha Asud (1883)
Advocated for farmers' rights and critiqued the exploitation of farmers.
Women's Rights
Women's Education
Pioneered women's education alongside his wife, Savitribai Phule.
- Established schools for girls
- Fought against gender discrimination
- Promoted women's empowerment