Mahatma Phule's Contribution in Social Reforms in India

Jyotiba Phule, a lower caste social reformer of the 19th century Maharashtra developed a critique of Indian social order and Hinduism. He pointed out that when Brahmins migrated to this land of the Shudras and Atishudras (untouchables) they systematically devised an exploitative caste system. They fabricated a totally false mythology and scriptures to support that system. The enlightened British rule provided an opportunity for the masses to get themselves liberated from (hi4 slavery of the Brahmins. But at the same time. He criticized the British bureaucracy for its policy of supporting higher education and for its tendency to rely upon Brahmin subordinates. He also criticized the economic policy of the alien rule since In many respects it was unfavourable to the poor peasants. He suggested a number of solutions to improve the conditions of the agriculture sector.