Mahatma Jyotirao Phule
The great social reformer who, with his wife Savitribai, opened schools for girls and fought against caste discrimination in Pune.
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Quick facts
- Born:
- 1827
- Pune link:
- Lived and worked in Pune
- Known for:
- Girls' schools, Satyashodhak Samaj
- Lifespan:
- 1827 - 1890
Life and work
Jyotirao Phule grew up in Pune in a family that sold flowers. He believed that education was the key to freedom for women and for people kept down by caste. In 1848 he and his wife Savitribai started a school for girls at Bhide Wada in Pune, one of the first in India run by Indians.
Satyashodhak Samaj
In 1873 he founded the Satyashodhak Samaj, the society of seekers of truth, to fight caste discrimination. His book Gulamgiri (Slavery) attacked the caste system. He opened his own water tank to all castes at a time when that was unheard of.
In Pune today
Phule Wada in Ganj Peth (now Mahatma Phule Peth), his home, is a memorial.
Mahatma Phule Mandai, the main market, is named after him.
Savitribai Phule Pune University carries the name of his wife.
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More in Pune's Pride
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The founder of the Maratha kingdom, who spent his childhood in Pune at Lal Mahal with Rajmata Jijabai.
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Rajmata Jijabai
The mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who rebuilt Pune and raised her son with the dream of Swarajya.
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Savitribai Phule
India's first woman teacher of modern times, who taught girls in Pune despite insults and attacks. The University of Pune is named after her.
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Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak
The fiery freedom fighter whose words "Swaraj is my birthright" moved the country. He made Pune a centre of the freedom movement.
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Gopal Krishna Gokhale
The moderate leader and teacher at Fergusson College whom Mahatma Gandhi called his political guru. Founder of the Servants of India Society.
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Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve
The reformer who worked all his life for the education of women and widows, and founded India's first university for women. Bharat Ratna, 1958.
Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.