Mahatma Jotirao Phule - Tarkateertha Laxmanshastri Joshi.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule was well-known social reformer of Maharashtra in the nineteenth century. He worked ceaselessiy for education of the woman and the Dalits, for upliftment of the underprivileged and the downtrodden, and the reform of the Indian social structure. He was revolutionary in his thinking and is a constant source of inspiration for the new generation of intellectuals.

1990 was the death centenary year of Mahatma Jotirao Phule, 1991 was the birth
centenary year of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar—the two great men who died to free the
Hindus from the curse of caste ism

.Jotirao’s offensive against Hinduism, especially the Brahmin-dominated Hindu social
system and culture, was in sharp reaction to a particular historical, social and political
situation. There is no doubt that it was justified. Towards the end of the Peshwa regime
and the subsequent British rule, the importance of Brahmins increased in Maharashtra
and social inequality became more pronounced, causing much concern to other reformers
too, like Lokahitavadi, M.G. Ranade, Agarkar and Tilak.

After Jotirao’s death the Satyashodhak movement in Maharashtra was reduced to a
Brahmin versus non-Brahmin conflict. Much of Jotirao’s rationalism and belief in
universal brotherhood was lost. In the post-Independence era, while democracy has been
transferred into power in the hands of non-Brahmins, the threat of inter-religious conflicts
looms large. Jotirao’s ideology can diffuse this potential danger. His message that truthful
(righteous) conduct is the only true religion stands as a powerful guiding light for all.

Among everything that has been written about Mahatma Jotirao Phule so far,
Tarkateertha Laxmanshastri Joshi’s essay Jotinibandha holds pride of place. This little
booklet, published in 1947 by the Pradnya Pathshala of Wari, has also been included
here.

Tarkateertha Laxmanshastri Joshi was a well-known Sanskrit and Marathi scholar and
writer. He has written books such as Vedic Sanskruticha Vikas (Evolution of Vedic
Society) and Hindu Dharamchi Samiksha (A Critique of Hinduism) besides editing the Dharmakosha (Encyclopaedia of Hindu Religion) in Sanskrit and the Vishvakosha
(World Encyclopaedia) in Marathi. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his
literary contributions.

Translator
DAYA AGARWAL