Social Reform Movement in Maharashtra

Social Reform Movement in Maharashtra

The social reform movement of 19th century Maharashtra was a mixed result of indigeneous traditions and Western education. The impact of Western education was evident on the educated people of Bombay and Pune. The mass movement was carried by other leaders inspired by traditions of saints like Dnyaneshwar, Eknath, Chakradhar, Tukaram, etc., and kings like Shivaji.

In 19th century Maharashtra, reformists tried to examine critically their social system and religious beliefs and gave priority to social reform as against political freedom. In their reform efforts, they had to contend with stiff opposition from the conservatives. Foremost among the reformists were Balshastri Jambhekar (1812–1846), who condemned the evil customs of sati and female infanticide, Gopal Hari Deshmukh (1823–1892) who, through his shatpatre (a bunch of letters numbering 100) attacked orthodox Brahmans opposing social and religious reforms and Jotirao Govindrao Phule (1827–1890) who revolted against the unjust caste system, and upheld the cause of untouchables and education of women of lower castes.

Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar (1837–1925) and Justice Ranade (1842–1901) were the pioneers of Prarthana Samaj, an organisation for general, social and religious reform. Gopal Ganesh Agarkar (1856–1895) gave priority to social reform. Dhondo Keshav Karve (1858–1962) devoted his life to the cause of women's education. Behramji Malbari (1853–1912), a Parsi of Bombay, started Seva Sadan for the care of women of all castes.

Pandita Ramabai (1858–1922) founded the Sharada Sadan in 1890 to help upper-class widows. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule established Satyashodhak Samaj, Vitthal Ramji Shinde (1873–1944), fought for the eradication of untouchability through his Depressed Classes Mission. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur (1874–1922) also plunged into this movement and defied the caste system, championed the cause of the untouchables and promoted education in his state. Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil (1887–1959), the architect of the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, followed in the footprints of Phule, Shinde and Shahu Maharaj.

Maharashtra will always remain proud of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956), the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and the creator of a social and political awareness among the Scheduled Castes of India.

The social reform measures brought about a renaissance and social-awakening in Maharashtra. The efforts of DK Karve to improve women's education, of Bhaurao Patil, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh, who championed the downtrodden people, as well as those of Tarabai Modak in Vidarbha and Anutai Wagh in the Adivasi areas, have set an example for other states. The services rendered to victims of leprosy by Dr Shivaji Patwardhan and Baba Amte perhaps have no parallel. Vijay Merchant fought relentlessly for facilities for the physically handicapped. Vinoba Bhave, the spiritual heir of Gandhi, sacrificed his life for sarvodaya.

Thus, the works of the saint-poets, the social reformers and the social constructive workers have made Maharashtra a progressive state.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • History of Maharashtra — The Chinese pilgrim, Hiun Tsang, visited Maharashtra during AD 640 641 and was very impressed by the prosperity of the country, the efficiency of the administration and the character of the people. He called the land Mo ho lo cha (Moholesh), and… …   Wikipedia

  • Dalit Buddhist movement — Part of a series on Buddhism Outline · Portal History Timeline · Councils …   Wikipedia

  • Swadhyay Movement — is a Hindu reform movement, first started in 1950s by Swadhyay Parivar, a socio religious organization set up by noted Indian philosopher and orator, Pandurang Shastri Athavale, also known as Dadaji, who was later awarded the Templeton Prize in… …   Wikipedia

  • Jyotirao Phule — Jotiba Govindrao Phule Full name Jotiba Govindrao Phule Other names Mahatma Phule Born April 11, 1827(1827 04 11) Satara district Died November 28, 1890(1890 11 28) (aged 63) …   Wikipedia

  • Indian independence movement — The term Indian independence movement is diffuse, incorporating various national and regional campaigns, agitations and efforts of both Nonviolent and Militant philosophy and involved a wide spectrum of political organizations, philosophies, and… …   Wikipedia

  • Savitribai Phule — (1831 1897) was a social reformer who along with her husband, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule played an important role in improving women s rights in India during the British Raj. Savitribai was also the first female teacher of the first women s school in …   Wikipedia

  • Chitpavan — Chitpavan/Kokanastha Brahmins Classification Brahmin Religions Hinduism Languages Marathi, Chitpavani Konkani Populated States Maharashtra, Konkan (Goa and coastal Karnataka); some parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat Migration to India …   Wikipedia

  • Narahar Vishnu Gadgil — Narhar Vishnu Gadgil (Devanagari: नरहर विष्णु गाडगीळ) (January 10, 1896 January 12, 1966) was an Indian freedom fighter and politician from Maharashtra, India. He was also a writer. He wrote in both Marathi and English. Gadgil graduated from… …   Wikipedia

  • chronology — 3600 B.C.E. to 1700 B.C.E. Indus Valley civilization, including sites at Mohenjodaro and Harappa, prospers. Archaeo logical finds include a seal that some scholars identify as a proto Shiva. 2050 ¶ Indo Iranian people settle in Iran (Persia) and… …   Encyclopedia of Hinduism

  • South Asian arts — Literary, performing, and visual arts of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Myths of the popular gods, Vishnu and Shiva, in the Puranas (ancient tales) and the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics, supply material for representational and… …   Universalium

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”