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Savitribai Phule: Her Life, Her Relationships, Her Legacy
We are all sons and daughters of Savitribai Phule, the great revolutionist of Maharashtra who gave us the gift of 'education for all'. - Devendra Fadnavis. Less than 200 years ago, when Savitribai Phule was born, life in India was very different from the way we know it today. One's rights as a human being were determined entirely by one's birth; there were different sets of rules for men and women, Brahmins and Shudras. It was simply not possible to cross the lines. Savitribai Phule dared to break these rules. As Indian's first female teacher, she demanded the 'dignity and education for all'. Supported every step of the way by her widowed mother Sagunabai Kshirsagar and her friend and fellow teacher Fatima Sheikh, Savitribai waged an all-out war against social inequities. Ostracized, abused and tormented, these three women persevered nevertheless against the oppressive forces of society, not just to enable the education of women but for the emancipation of widows, untouchables and backward castes as well.
304 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 23, 2025
Prompt: a book about a woman largely ignored in history. Kudos to Savitribai Phule for being so amazing. Wonderful work by the author on all her research.
February 23, 2025
I read the book because I know the author. She wrote Sanjeev Kumar book and I had liked it immensely and I was curious to know what Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta was thinking and what she was feeling when she wrote this book. It is the story of Savitribai Phule who needs no introduction. In the 19th century almost 200 years ago, Savitribai fought for social equality, she demanded education and dignity for everyone. And her protest was against any form of discrimination whether it was caste, class, gender or anything else. It is the way Reeta writes the book and the way she reacts to the protagonist. Earnestly written and feels empathy and admiration for the character and all her friends. It is the story of her life, her relationships, her legacy. The book is about 271 pages, 8 chapters and 40 chapters, vividly described, detailed research. This is a book for history, for posterity, for students who are investigating our leaders and people who made contribution to our changing nation. The crowning glory of the book is the 11 annexures in the end. I mean she really writes for the academic students and it’s really a labour of love; I admire the effort and I of course like the character and the protagonist very much. So, I would suggest if you are a student of history or if you like history or if you believe in wanting to read biopics then go for it.
March 25, 2024
❤️Just finished reading "Savitri Bai Phule" Her Life, Her Relationships, Her Legacyby Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta and I am absolutely blown away by the incredible story of this unsung hero.
❤️Savitri Bai Phule was a trailblazing feminist and social reformer who fought against the oppressive caste and gender norms of her time.
❤️Gupta's writing brings Savitri Bai Phule's journey to life in a way that is both captivating and inspiring. From her early struggles to her unwavering dedication to education and women's rights, every page of this book is filled with courage, resilience, and determination.
❤️This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of feminism and social justice. It sheds light on the incredible contributions of Savitri Bai Phule and the impact she had on the lives of countless women in India.
The meticulous research and powerful storytelling make "Savitri Bai Phule" a truly unforgettable read. I couldn't put it down and I know it's a book that will stay with me for a long time.
❤️I highly recommend "Savitri Bai Phule" to anyone looking for a powerful and inspiring story of a woman who defied all odds to make a lasting impact on the world.
❤️❤️ Thank you, Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta, for bringing this incredible story to light.
❤️Savitri Bai Phule was a trailblazing feminist and social reformer who fought against the oppressive caste and gender norms of her time.
❤️Gupta's writing brings Savitri Bai Phule's journey to life in a way that is both captivating and inspiring. From her early struggles to her unwavering dedication to education and women's rights, every page of this book is filled with courage, resilience, and determination.
❤️This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of feminism and social justice. It sheds light on the incredible contributions of Savitri Bai Phule and the impact she had on the lives of countless women in India.
The meticulous research and powerful storytelling make "Savitri Bai Phule" a truly unforgettable read. I couldn't put it down and I know it's a book that will stay with me for a long time.
❤️I highly recommend "Savitri Bai Phule" to anyone looking for a powerful and inspiring story of a woman who defied all odds to make a lasting impact on the world.
❤️❤️ Thank you, Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta, for bringing this incredible story to light.
June 13, 2024
We are all sons and daughters of Savitribai Phule, the great revolutionist of Maharashtra who gave us the gift of 'education for all'. - Devendra Fadnavis
This book chronicles the life & struggles of Savitribai Phule - the woman who's responsible for pioneering the education of the girl child, & consequently the masses, in colonial times no less.
Alongwith Savitribai, the book expounds upon the efforts of her husband, Jyoti & her closest friend & confidante, Fatima Sheikh, who's just another force to reckon with! These two women meet & take rural Maharashtra by storm!
This book was an absolute blast! What I truly appreciated was the author's ability to avoid turning it into a dry history lesson. Instead, we are treated to delightful glimpses into the lives of these characters. The book includes cameos by numerous lesser-known social reformers that I have come across in my studies for various exams. Witnessing them interact with Jyoti was nothing short of entertaining!
There's not much to critique about this book except the fact that the actual part where the schools/widow homes were established are rushed through in the end. Though that made sense to me, as the author's commitment was more towards narration of a life than academia.
P.S. I loved the REFERENCES AND FOOTNOTES!!! I ATE up all the appendices at the end. This book is SO well researched.
This is a book for everyone honestly. It's got healthy history based on FACTS, a good measure of emotional connect to the characters & very cute short chapters w engaging dialogue.
This book chronicles the life & struggles of Savitribai Phule - the woman who's responsible for pioneering the education of the girl child, & consequently the masses, in colonial times no less.
Alongwith Savitribai, the book expounds upon the efforts of her husband, Jyoti & her closest friend & confidante, Fatima Sheikh, who's just another force to reckon with! These two women meet & take rural Maharashtra by storm!
This book was an absolute blast! What I truly appreciated was the author's ability to avoid turning it into a dry history lesson. Instead, we are treated to delightful glimpses into the lives of these characters. The book includes cameos by numerous lesser-known social reformers that I have come across in my studies for various exams. Witnessing them interact with Jyoti was nothing short of entertaining!
There's not much to critique about this book except the fact that the actual part where the schools/widow homes were established are rushed through in the end. Though that made sense to me, as the author's commitment was more towards narration of a life than academia.
P.S. I loved the REFERENCES AND FOOTNOTES!!! I ATE up all the appendices at the end. This book is SO well researched.
This is a book for everyone honestly. It's got healthy history based on FACTS, a good measure of emotional connect to the characters & very cute short chapters w engaging dialogue.
October 16, 2023
The book was a detailed account on Savitribai Phule's life and legacy. As someone who deeply admired her, this book was a wonderful read for me.
The author put forth great deal of hardwork to get information on her life and that is evident throughout the book. The story wasn't just about Savitribai Phule and it dealt with the lives of her companions as well. This was the first time that I read about the contributions of Saguna Kshirsagar and Fatima Sheikh and I was so excited to read about these strong willed women.
It didn't feel like reading historical account as the author was able to narrate the story beautifully. It was accompanied by images and quotes as well, that was able to give a better understanding of these historical figures.
Previously, my knowledge on Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule was limited to them establishing the first school for girls, but now, I know the various revolutionary actions that they did. This book was a great read that was both informative and entertaining.
The author put forth great deal of hardwork to get information on her life and that is evident throughout the book. The story wasn't just about Savitribai Phule and it dealt with the lives of her companions as well. This was the first time that I read about the contributions of Saguna Kshirsagar and Fatima Sheikh and I was so excited to read about these strong willed women.
It didn't feel like reading historical account as the author was able to narrate the story beautifully. It was accompanied by images and quotes as well, that was able to give a better understanding of these historical figures.
Previously, my knowledge on Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule was limited to them establishing the first school for girls, but now, I know the various revolutionary actions that they did. This book was a great read that was both informative and entertaining.
January 12, 2024
I wish it was clearly indicated somewhere on the cover that this was written in the format of historical fiction. It is not what I expected when I got into it. It was an odd blend of dialogical narrative and exposition that I found unpleasant. I completely understand that this may be a format that may appeal to others, but I didn't really enjoy it. Not a bad book, just not what I expected.
January 13, 2024
Author Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta takes readers on an inspirational journey through the lives of three remarkable women – Savitribai Phule and her often overlooked compatriots, Fatima Sheikh and Sagunabai Kshirsagar. The book gets into the lives of social reformers Savitribai Phule, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Fatima Sheikh, Saguna Kshirsagar, and Saraswati Govande, exploring the diverse stories and challenges they faced from childhood through their efforts in empowering social reform.
The narrative unfolds the significant moments in Jyotirao and Savitribai's journey, starting with the establishment of India's first girls' school in Bhidewada, Pune, in 1848, and the subsequent opening of 18 schools by 1853. The couple embraced the philosophy that “Progress was more deeply connected to education than anything else. And that, independent of one’s religious beliefs, education can be leveller for civilization at large”.
Later, Savitribai took up the task to tour the villages by herself and convince families to send their girls to their school. While Fatima assumed the role of headmistress in school, aided by their common friend, Saraswati Govande. The curriculum at the schools run by Jyotirao and Savitribai differed from contemporary schools, encompassing a broad range of subjects, including Maratha history, Indian and Asian geography, grammar, arithmetic, and writings on socioeconomic issues. The book presents tangible outcomes of their efforts, such as an essay written by an 11-year-old student, Mukta Salve, titled "मांग महाराच्या दुःखाविषयी” (Mang Maharachya Dukhvisayi).
Author also sheds light on the pivotal role of Savitri's teacher, Chynthia Ferror, in shaping her vision. The book vividly describes the challenges faced by Savitribai and Fatima as the first women teachers in India, facing opposition from orthodox individuals who resorted to cow dung and stone pelting during their journey of empowering women through education.
Savitribai's numerous initiatives, including the establishment of the Infanticide Prohibition Home – First of its kind in India. In this home, widows give birth to their children and leave them there. Sixty-Six women gave birth to their child in that shelter up to 1873. And the Mahila Seva Mandal, where she addressed issues like forcible tonsuring of widows, are highlighted. The narrative captures the famous barber strike initiated by Savitribai's campaign against tonsuring widows, when many barbers took oath to stop tonsuring widows. The book also explores the challenges faced by Savitribai and Fatima as trailblazers, revolutionizing women's education in India and empowering women on multiple fronts.
In the book, Savitribai recalls, "Saguna Kshirsagar (Jyotirao's aunt) her guiding light and Fatima her closest friend. Book culminates with both revolutionary women met last time at funeral of their mentor Cynthia Farrar. The book touches stories of various female characters who accompanied Savitribai Phule on her life journey.
One noteworthy aspect come across while reading this book. Notably, a Christian woman mentor who played a pivotal role in enlightening India's first woman teacher who was a Hindu and the first Muslim woman teacher. This collaboration illuminated their path, inspiring them to undertake the significant task of educating hundreds of other girls thereafter.
In 1897, during the bubonic plague outbreak in Maharashtra, Savitribai selflessly cared for the ill, carrying a 10-year-old boy from a Mahar settlement to a clinic. Despite the boy's survival, Savitribai succumbed to the infection at the age of 66.
Concluding Summary with quote by Thomas Paine, “Wisdom to govern cannot be inherited; the aim of every political association is preservation of natural and imprescriptible rights of man. These rights are liberty, property, safety, and resistance to oppression.”
If you are an Indian woman who reads, you owe her!
If you are an educated Indian woman, you owe her!!
If you are an Indian schoolgirl reading this summary, you owe her!!!
The narrative unfolds the significant moments in Jyotirao and Savitribai's journey, starting with the establishment of India's first girls' school in Bhidewada, Pune, in 1848, and the subsequent opening of 18 schools by 1853. The couple embraced the philosophy that “Progress was more deeply connected to education than anything else. And that, independent of one’s religious beliefs, education can be leveller for civilization at large”.
Later, Savitribai took up the task to tour the villages by herself and convince families to send their girls to their school. While Fatima assumed the role of headmistress in school, aided by their common friend, Saraswati Govande. The curriculum at the schools run by Jyotirao and Savitribai differed from contemporary schools, encompassing a broad range of subjects, including Maratha history, Indian and Asian geography, grammar, arithmetic, and writings on socioeconomic issues. The book presents tangible outcomes of their efforts, such as an essay written by an 11-year-old student, Mukta Salve, titled "मांग महाराच्या दुःखाविषयी” (Mang Maharachya Dukhvisayi).
Author also sheds light on the pivotal role of Savitri's teacher, Chynthia Ferror, in shaping her vision. The book vividly describes the challenges faced by Savitribai and Fatima as the first women teachers in India, facing opposition from orthodox individuals who resorted to cow dung and stone pelting during their journey of empowering women through education.
Savitribai's numerous initiatives, including the establishment of the Infanticide Prohibition Home – First of its kind in India. In this home, widows give birth to their children and leave them there. Sixty-Six women gave birth to their child in that shelter up to 1873. And the Mahila Seva Mandal, where she addressed issues like forcible tonsuring of widows, are highlighted. The narrative captures the famous barber strike initiated by Savitribai's campaign against tonsuring widows, when many barbers took oath to stop tonsuring widows. The book also explores the challenges faced by Savitribai and Fatima as trailblazers, revolutionizing women's education in India and empowering women on multiple fronts.
In the book, Savitribai recalls, "Saguna Kshirsagar (Jyotirao's aunt) her guiding light and Fatima her closest friend. Book culminates with both revolutionary women met last time at funeral of their mentor Cynthia Farrar. The book touches stories of various female characters who accompanied Savitribai Phule on her life journey.
One noteworthy aspect come across while reading this book. Notably, a Christian woman mentor who played a pivotal role in enlightening India's first woman teacher who was a Hindu and the first Muslim woman teacher. This collaboration illuminated their path, inspiring them to undertake the significant task of educating hundreds of other girls thereafter.
In 1897, during the bubonic plague outbreak in Maharashtra, Savitribai selflessly cared for the ill, carrying a 10-year-old boy from a Mahar settlement to a clinic. Despite the boy's survival, Savitribai succumbed to the infection at the age of 66.
Concluding Summary with quote by Thomas Paine, “Wisdom to govern cannot be inherited; the aim of every political association is preservation of natural and imprescriptible rights of man. These rights are liberty, property, safety, and resistance to oppression.”
If you are an Indian woman who reads, you owe her!
If you are an educated Indian woman, you owe her!!
If you are an Indian schoolgirl reading this summary, you owe her!!!
January 10, 2025
Not top notch writing but a powerful story that everyone should read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews