On the verge of the Indian freedom movement, several reformers endeavoured to enlighten society by eliminating all the social obscurity. Jyotiba Phule was one such personality who aimed to uphold the underprivileged section by empowering them with rights and justice.
His Satyashodhak Samaj brought a significant change to society during the 19th century. This article consists of all essential details on Satyashodhak Samaj for UPSC and other vital examinations.
This article is useful for the Essay and GS Paper I part of the UPSC Syllabus.
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What is Satyashodhak Samaj?
Jyotiba Phule founded Satyashodhak Samaj in Pune, Maharashtra, on 24th September 1873. It was a reformational society that promoted education, increased social rights, justice and political access in the deprived sections.
Moreover, its primary focus was on uplifting and supporting Dalits, Shudras, and women in Maharashtra. Jyotiba Phule’s wife, Savitribai, used to administer the social activities for the women’s section.
History of Satyashodhak Samaj
Jyotirao established it to stand against the unfair caste system and orthodox brahminical status in this society. He challenged the brahmins who claimed themselves to be God’s messenger and a connecting medium to the almighty.
The Samaj rejected the approach of Vedic culture, Upanishad, and the predominance of Aryan society. Instead, according to him, Aryan society tries to suppress and deprive the non-Aryans, which he protested.
Shahu Maharaj, a Maratha ruler of princely state Kolhapur, continued the movement after the death of Phule. Later, Bhaurao Patil and other Maratha leaders like Nana Patil, Keshavrao Jedhe, Madhavrao Bagal, and Khanderao Bagal kept this movement alive. However, the Samaj gradually dissolved during the 1930s as these leaders started to join the Indian National Congress.
The candidates can read more related topics for their upcoming competitive exams from the links provided below:
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19th Century Social And Religious Reforms In India And Their Impacts |
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Objectives of Satyashodhak Samaj
Followings are some primary objectives of Satyashodhak Samaj for UPSC prelims and other exams:
- Put an end to the exploitation of Brahmins on Shudras and Dalits or ati-Shudras.
- Convincing and influencing every individual to believe that he or she is the child of one omnipotent. Thus everyone must only obey and follow one God.
- Claiming and establishing that no medium or means of connection to God is required. Phule further contended that every subject and voice of prayer reaches to the almighty before entering the external world through any medium’s voice.
Oath and Affirmations of Satyashodhak Samaj
Below are the oath and affirmations that was essential to take for the member of this society:
- Access to education for lower caste people is a necessity.
- Disseminating cottage industries and propagating the importance of domestically manufactured goods.
- Eradicating Brahmin’s social status that has been proclaimed for ages.
Brief Overview on Jyotiba Phule
A brief discussion of Phule’s life is essential regarding the notes of Satyashodhak Samaj for UPSC and other significant exams:
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Best Known for |
Founder of Satyashodhak Samaj (Seeker of Truth) on 24th September 1873 |
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Birthdate |
11th April 1827 |
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Birthplace |
Satara District in Maharashtra |
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Education |
Scottish Missionary High School (Pune) |
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Career |
Municipal Council Member (Commissioner at Poona municipality till 1883) |
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Major Publications |
Shetkarayacha Aasud (1881) Gulamgiri (1873) Powada: Chatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Yancha (1869) Tritiya Ratna (1855) |
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Social Reforms |
Taught his wife reading and writing (1848). Stood for gender and caste equality. Founded 3 schools in 1852, which dissolved in 1858 due to fund shortage. Established an ashram for child and young widows and advocated the concept of widow remarriage. Built a common bathing pool in front of his house in 1868 to promote equality and embrace all caste. Started movement to abolish inhuman caste system and untouchability. |
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Title |
“Mahatma” (by Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar, a social activist of Maharashtra on 11th May 1888) |
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Death |
28th November 1890 |
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Memorial |
Phule Wada in Pune, Maharashtra |
Jyotiba Phule left some remarkable contributions to social reform through his movement. These are all essential details on Satyashodhak Samaj for UPSC and other examinations with overlapping syllabi. Thus, aspirants can follow this article to amp up their preparations.
Aspirants can visit the linked article and get details about the upcoming government exams that comprise current affairs and general awareness as an important topic in the syllabus.
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Other Related Links |
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Frequently Asked Questions on Satyashodhak Samaj
When did the Tika Utsav start?
Tika Utsav (vaccination festival) started on Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s birth anniversary, 11th April. This festival will continue until 14th April 2021, Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, ensuring maximum COVID 19 vaccination with 0 waste.
Who founded the Satyashodhak Samaj?
Satyashodhak Samaj was founded by Jyotiba Phule, a Maharashtrian social reformer, on 24th September 1873.
What was the primary aim of Satyashodhak Samaj?
The primary aim of Satyashodhak Samaj was to promote education and social rights in the deprived group of the society.
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