Which one of the following organizations was started by Jyotirao Phule in 1873?
Satyashodhak Samaj
Understanding Jyotirao Phule's Satyashodhak Samaj
The question asks about an important organization founded by the renowned social reformer Jyotirao Phule in the year 1873. Identifying the correct organization requires knowledge of key social and reform movements in 19th-century India, particularly those led by figures like Jyotirao Phule.
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine the given options to determine which organization aligns with the information provided in the question:
- Prarthana Samaj: This organization was founded in 1867 in Bombay (Mumbai). While it was a significant reform movement, it was primarily focused on religious reform and was founded by Atmaram Pandurang and others, although Mahadev Govind Ranade later became a prominent leader. It was not founded by Jyotirao Phule in 1873.
- Bahujan Samaj: The term 'Bahujan Samaj' refers to a concept or a broader movement representing the majority of the population (including lower castes, backward classes, minorities). While later political parties adopted this name, it was not an organization founded by Jyotirao Phule in 1873 as a specific formal body.
- Justice Party: This was a political organization in Madras Presidency (Southern India) founded in the early 20th century (specifically, 1916). Its focus was on representing non-Brahmin interests. It is clearly not the organization founded by Jyotirao Phule in 1873.
- Satyashodhak Samaj: This organization was indeed founded by Jyotirao Phule in 1873 in Maharashtra. Its name translates to 'Truth-Seekers' Society'. Its main objective was to advocate for the rights of lower castes, women, and other disadvantaged groups and to oppose the caste system and priestly dominance.
Detailed Explanation of Satyashodhak Samaj
Jyotirao Phule, along with his wife Savitribai Phule, were pioneers of social reform in India, particularly in Maharashtra. They dedicated their lives to improving the condition of marginalized communities and promoting education, especially for girls and lower castes.
The Satyashodhak Samaj was established on September 24, 1873, with the specific aim of liberating the Shudra and Ati Shudra castes from exploitation and oppression. The Samaj worked towards:
- Combating the dominance of the Brahmin priestly class.
- Promoting rational thinking and rejecting religious texts that sanctioned caste discrimination.
- Advocating for education for women and lower castes.
- Conducting marriages and other rituals without the need for Brahmin priests.
Jyotirao Phule served as the first president and treasurer of the Satyashodhak Samaj.
Conclusion
Based on the historical evidence and the stated objectives and founding date, the organization started by Jyotirao Phule in 1873 was the Satyashodhak Samaj.
| Organization | Founder(s) | Year of Foundation | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prarthana Samaj | Atmaram Pandurang, M.G. Ranade, R.G. Bhandarkar, etc. | 1867 | Religious and Social Reform |
| Bahujan Samaj | Concept/Later Political Movement (not founded by Phule in 1873 as a specific body) | N/A (as a specific body by Phule in 1873) | Representation of Majority (Non-Upper Caste) |
| Justice Party | C. Natesa Mudaliar, T. M. Nair, P. Thyagaraya Chetty | 1916 | Non-Brahmin Political Representation (South India) |
| Satyashodhak Samaj | Jyotirao Phule | 1873 | Anti-Caste, Education for Lower Castes and Women |
Revision Table: Key Social Reformers and Organizations
| Reformer | Organization | Year | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jyotirao Phule | Satyashodhak Samaj | 1873 | Maharashtra |
| Raja Ram Mohan Roy | Brahmo Samaj | 1828 | Bengal |
| Swami Dayananda Saraswati | Arya Samaj | 1875 | Bombay (Lahore later) |
| Swami Vivekananda | Ramakrishna Mission | 1897 | Bengal |
Additional Information on Jyotirao Phule and Satyashodhak Samaj
Jyotirao Phule (also known as Mahatma Phule) was a prominent figure in the Indian social reform movement. His work primarily focused on Maharashtra. He vehemently criticized the caste system and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of Dalits and other backward classes.
His efforts in promoting education were groundbreaking. He and his wife, Savitribai Phule, established one of the first schools for girls in India in 1848. Satyashodhak Samaj was a direct outcome of his commitment to social equality and justice, providing a platform for organized resistance against social evils.
The principles of the Satyashodhak Samaj had a lasting impact on social and political movements in Maharashtra and beyond, influencing later leaders and organizations dedicated to fighting caste discrimination and promoting social justice.
Important Questions from Socio - Religious Reform Movements in the 19th and 20th CE India
- The Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of the God) was organized by
Which one of the following statements about Tativabodhini Patrika is correct ?
Consider the following statements:
1. Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College was founded at Aligarh by Sayyid Ahmad Khan.
2. Sayyid Ahmad Khan was a great believer in religious toleration, and Hindus, Parsis and Christians had contributed to the funds of his college.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Who among the following is / was associated with ‘Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti'?
Which of the following statements about Brahmo Samaj is/are correct?
1. The Brahmo Marriage Act of 1872 allowed inter-caste and widow re-marriage only if the contracting parties declared themselves to be non-Hindus.
2. Keshub Chandra Sen arranged the marriage of his minor daughter with the Maharaja of Burdwan.
3. Keshub Chandra Sen's followers broke away to form the Naha Brahmo Samaj.
4. The Brahmo Samaj grew from a small elite group to a mass movement in the 19th century.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
