©Dr.K.Rahul, 9096242452
1. Circumstances of Adoption
Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai
Phule were stalwarts of 19th century Indian social reform. Their
groundbreaking work in the fields of education, women's rights, and caste
abolition set the foundation for modern Indian society. However, the couple
remained childless throughout their lives. Rather than retreating into sorrow,
they turned their personal situation into a revolutionary opportunity.
At a time when widows were condemned to
lives of social ostracization and abuse, a Brahmin widow Kashibai, gave birth
to a child out of wedlock. She was on the verge of killing the baby due to the
shame and fear imposed by orthodox Hindu society. But Mahatma Phule intervened,
saved the child, and adopted him; an act both radical and compassionate. The
child was named Yashwant, also known as Yashwantrao Phule. However,
the exact date of birth of Yashwant Phule, the adopted son of Mahatma
Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, is not definitively recorded in historical
documents. However, based on available information, it is estimated that he was
born around 1873 or 1874.
This adoption defied every existing social
norm. A Shudra man adopting the illegitimate child of a Brahmin widow was
unheard of and considered blasphemous by many at the time. But for the Phules,
this act symbolized their commitment to equality, human dignity, and reform.
2. Education
Raised in an atmosphere infused with
values of rationalism, humanism, and justice, Yashwant was given a robust
education. Savitribai Phule, the first female teacher of India, and Jyotirao
Phule, an educational visionary, ensured that Yashwant was not only taught
academic subjects but also trained in public service and ethical
responsibility.
Yashwant received formal education and was
deeply involved in the schools and institutions run by the Phules for
girls, Dalits, and other marginalized communities. Yashwant
Phule, pursued his post school career in medicine following his matriculation. He
studied under the guidance of Dr. Vishram Ramji Ghole, who served as the
assistant general surgeon to the Viceroy in 1893. This mentorship provided
Yashwant with substantial medical training, equipping him to serve his
community effectively.
During the bubonic plague epidemic of
1896–97, Dr. Yashwant Phule established a clinic at Sasane Mala in Hadapsar, on
the outskirts of Pune, to treat patients irrespective of caste. His mother,
Savitribai Phule, actively assisted in these efforts, transporting patients to
the clinic. Tragically, Savitribai contracted the plague during this period and
passed away in 1897.
Dr. Yashwant Phule's dedication to
medicine and social reform exemplifies the values instilled by his adoptive
parents, contributing significantly to public health and social equality during
a critical period in India's history.
3. Hurdles in Marriage Due to His
Real Mother’s Background
Despite being raised by one of the most
respected reformist couples in India, Dr. Yashwant faced severe obstacles in
marriage due to the stigma of his biological origins. His mother’s identity
as a Brahmin widow and the illegitimate nature of his birth led to repeated
rejections when his marriage was proposed.
This highlighted the deeply entrenched
caste-based and patriarchal mindset in society. People who appreciated Phule’s
reform work still couldn’t accept a boy of "impure" birth as their
son-in-law. His marriage struggle revealed the hypocrisy of caste
society and the resistance faced even by those advocating change.
4. His Life Partner
Eventually, Yashwant found a life partner
who stood with him both emotionally and ideologically. He married Radhibai
(also spelled as Radhabai), who became his staunch companion in social
service. She joined him in continuing the work started by Jyotirao and
Savitribai and proved to be a committed social worker in her own right.
Radhibai, also known as Laxmi, was the
daughter of Gyanoba Krishnaji Sasane, a prominent leader in the Satyashodhak
Samaj—a reformist movement founded by Jyotirao Phule aimed at challenging caste
hierarchies and promoting social equality. While specific details about her
village and early education are scarce, it is evident that she was raised in an
environment that valued social reform and education.
Education and Association with the
Phule Household
Recognizing Radhibai's potential and
aligning with their mission to empower women through education, Savitribai
Phule took a personal interest in her development. To ensure she received
proper education and to foster a bond with her future husband, Yashwant,
Radhibai was invited to stay at the Phule household prior to their marriage. During
this period, Savitribai arranged for her education, emphasizing the importance
of learning and self-reliance for women.
Marriage to Dr. Yashwant Phule
On February 4, 1889, Radhibai married Dr.
Yashwant Phule in a ceremony that was emblematic of the Satyashodhak Samaj's
principles. This marriage was conducted without the presence of a Brahmin
priest, eschewed dowry, and was performed at minimal cost. Instead of
traditional rituals, the couple took vows emphasizing mutual respect,
commitment to education, and the pursuit of equality. This event is noted as
one of the earliest inter-caste marriages in modern India, symbolizing a
significant step towards challenging societal norms and promoting progressive
values.
Contributions to Social Reform
Post-marriage, Radhibai continued to
embody the ideals of the Satyashodhak Samaj. She actively participated in
social reform activities alongside her husband and in-laws. Her involvement
extended to education initiatives and public health efforts, particularly
during the plague epidemic in Pune, where she, along with her family, provided
care to the afflicted, demonstrating unwavering commitment to service and
equality.
Legacy
Radhibai Phule's life serves as a
testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of
challenging societal norms. Through her marriage and active participation in
social reform, she played a crucial role in advancing the mission of the Phule
family and the Satyashodhak Samaj. Her legacy continues to inspire those
committed to social justice and equality.
Like Savitribai, Radhibai too worked
during the plague epidemic, helping affected people regardless of caste
or background. Together, Yashwant and Radhibai kept the flame of social
reform alive during times of apathy and resistance.
5. Contribution to Phule’s Movement
After Mahatma Phule’s death in 1890 and
Savitribai’s in 1897 (due to plague infection while helping patients), Yashwant
Phule carried forward the legacy of his revolutionary parents with
dedication and courage.
His key contributions include:
·
Educational
Advocacy: Yashwant maintained and
promoted the schools founded by his parents, especially those for girls and
Dalits. He ensured their continuity despite social opposition and financial
hurdles.
·
Plague Relief Work: During the 1897 bubonic plague in Pune, Yashwant and
Radhibai risked their lives serving patients. Savitribai eventually died in
this mission. This legacy of selfless service was continued by Yashwant
in the face of fear and adversity.
·
Leadership in
Satyashodhak Samaj: Founded by
Jyotirao in 1873, the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers)
became Yashwant’s platform to spread awareness against Brahminical
orthodoxy, superstition, and caste injustice. He actively organized
meetings, wrote speeches, and supported the empowerment of lower castes.
·
Promotion of
Rationalism and Anti-Caste Ideology:
Yashwant continued publishing and spreading Phule's ideas. He also worked to preserve
manuscripts, letters, and speeches of his parents for future generations.
6. The lineage of Mahatma Jyotirao
Phule and Savitribai Phule:
1. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and
Savitribai Phule
·
Adopted Son: Dr. Yashwant Phule (also known as Yashwantrao), born
around 1873.
2. Dr. Yashwant Phule and Radhibai
(Chandrabhaga)
·
Children: Daughter: Laxmi, also known as Soni.
3. Laxmi (Soni) and Baburao Gangaram
Holey
Laxmi married Baburao Gangaram Holey. They
have a son and a daughter. Son named Dattatraya Baburao Holey, who resided in
Dattawadi, Pune. Daughter named Mathura Koddre, who lived in Mundhwa.
4. Descendants of Rajaram Phule
(Jyotirao's Elder Brother)
While Jyotirao and Savitribai's direct
lineage continued through their adopted son, Yashwant, there are also
descendants from Jyotirao's elder brother, Rajaram Phule.
·
Notable Descendant:
Nitin Ramchandra Phule, a
fourth-generation descendant of Rajaram, has been active in social
organizations and events.
Conclusion
Yashwant Phule's life is a poignant and
inspiring tale of revolution through upbringing. From being a child of
societal shame to becoming the inheritor of India’s first social revolution,
Yashwant represented the success of a value-based education and nurturing.
His contribution is often overlooked, but
it is he who ensured that the work of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule did not
fade into silence after their deaths. With a commitment to education,
justice, and equality, Yashwant Phule became a vital link between the first
wave of reformists and future generations of social thinkers.
References and Sources
Books:
1.
Kanta, Leela. Mahatma Jotirao Phule: Father of the Indian Social
Revolution, Rawat Publications, 2002.
2.
Omvedt, Gail. Cultural Revolt in a Colonial Society: The
Non-Brahman Movement in Western India, Scientific Socialist Education
Trust, 1976.
3.
Keer, Dhananjay. Mahatma Jotirao Phule: Father of Indian Social
Revolution, Popular Prakashan, 1974.
4.
Deshpande, G.P.
(Ed.) Selected Writings of
Jyotirao Phule, LeftWord Books, 2002.
Websites:
1.
Satyashodhak.com – Archive of
Phule's Works and Satyashodhak Movement
2.
SavitribaiPhule.org –
Dedicated portal for Phule couple's work
4.
IndiaToday article
on Savitribai and Yashwant Phule's plague service
Videos and Documentaries:
1.
Doordarshan
Sahyadri Documentary: Savitribai
Phule – Jeevan Gatha (available on YouTube)
2.
‘India Untouched’ (2007) – Documentary by Stalin K., includes
references to caste discrimination and Phule’s movement.
3.
Shekhar
Hattangadi’s Lecture on Phule Movement
– YouTube, TISS Mumbai Archives
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