write a short notes on reformers of Maharashtra who worked for the upliftment of women?
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As we all know that in 19th-century women discrimination and caste system was two main evil practices in the Indian society and the discrimination both women and untouchables were undoubtedly worst. The women on those times were not only exploited but also treated as a puppet by the male dominating society. Not only the women were kept backwards but also were the victims of many social evils like the practice of Sati, female infanticide, purdah system, child marriage, polygamy, etc. on the other side people discriminated peoples upon the basis of class. By the mid of 19th century, the impact of British rule on women discrimination and on the hierarchically segregated system was complex. Social-cultural awakening and impact of western education and liberal ideas made many reformers to work towards the upliftment of the society by improving the condition of women’s and lower class of the society.
Jyotiba Phule= an Indian activist, thinker, social reformer, writer and theologist from Maharashtra. He and his wife, Savitribai Phule, were pioneers of women's education in India. His work extended to many fields including education, agriculture, caste system, women and widow upliftment and removal of untouchability. He is most known for his efforts to educate women and the lower castes as well as the masses. After educating his wife, he opened the first school for girls in India in August 1848.In September 1873, Phule, along with his followers, formed the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Seekers of Truth) to attain equal rights for peasants and people from lower castes.
Dhondo Keshav= Social reformer and educator, Dhondo Keshav Karve is widely known for his work related to woman education and remarriage of Hindu widows. He established the Widow Marriage Association (1883), Hindu Widows Home (1896), and started Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University in 1916. He was popularly known as Maha-rushi maharshi meaning great sage. The Government of India awarded him its highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1958, the year of his 100th birthday.
The film "DhayasaParva" by Amol Palekar, based on the life of Karve's son Raghunath, also depicts the Karve family, and their social reformation projects.