Understanding the Founder of Satyashodhak Samaj

The question asks about the founder of the Satyashodhak Samaj. The Satyashodhak Samaj, which means 'Truth-Seekers' Society', was an important social reform society founded in the 19th century in Maharashtra, India.

This society worked towards improving the condition of the backward classes and promoting education among them, especially girls and women. It challenged the caste system and priestly dominance.

Let's look at the options provided and identify the founder:

• Ayyankali: Ayyankali was a social reformer who worked in Kerala, India, for the emancipation of the Pulayar community. He founded the Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham (Association for the Protection of the Poor).
• Jyotiba Phule: Jyotirao Govindrao Phule, popularly known as Jyotiba Phule, was a prominent social reformer and anti-caste activist. He founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873.
• B.R. Ambedkar: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and a champion of the rights of Dalits and other backward classes. He is the architect of the Indian Constitution. While influenced by Phule's work, he founded different organizations like the Independent Labour Party and the Scheduled Castes Federation.
• Periyar: E.V. Ramasamy, known as Periyar, was a social activist and politician who started the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu, India, aimed at achieving a society where backward castes have equal rights and encouraging backward castes to have self-respect.

Based on historical information, Jyotiba Phule was the founder of the Satyashodhak Samaj.

The Satyashodhak Samaj played a crucial role in the non-Brahmin movement and advocated for equality, rationalism, and social justice.

Role of Jyotiba Phule in Founding Satyashodhak Samaj

Jyotiba Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj on 24th September 1873 in Pune, Maharashtra. His wife, Savitribai Phule, and other followers were also integral to the movement. The primary aims included:

• Educating women and lower castes.
• Reducing the influence of Brahmin priests.
• Opposing idolatry and the caste system.
• Promoting rational thinking and social equality.

The organization conducted simple marriage ceremonies without Brahmin priests and published works challenging traditional hierarchies.

Revision Table: Key Reformers and their Organizations

Additional Information on Satyashodhak Samaj

After Jyotiba Phule's death, the Satyashodhak Samaj movement continued under the leadership of various individuals. However, it faced challenges in maintaining its momentum. The organization's principles influenced many later social and political movements in Maharashtra and other parts of India, particularly those focused on caste annihilation and social justice. The work of Phule and the Satyashodhak Samaj laid important groundwork for future reformers dedicated to fighting social inequality and discrimination.

The movement's focus on education for the underprivileged was groundbreaking at the time, especially the efforts by Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule in establishing schools for girls from lower castes.