Savitribai Phule: A Chronology of Her Life — and Why She Matters Today
1831 – Birth
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January 3, 1831: Savitribai Phule was born in Naigaon, Maharashtra, in a time when girls’ education—especially for those from oppressed castes—was strongly opposed.
Modern relevance:
Her birth reminds us that change often begins in deeply unequal systems—and that background should never limit ambition or impact.
1840 – Child Marriage
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Married to Jyotirao (Jyotiba) Phule at a very young age, as was common then.
Modern relevance:
Savitribai later challenged the very customs she was born into, showing that tradition can be questioned and transformed.
1840s – Education Begins
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Jyotirao educated Savitribai at home and later arranged formal teacher training for her.
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She learned to read, write, and teach—an extraordinary step for a woman of her time.
Modern relevance:
Education as empowerment remains central today, especially for girls and marginalized communities worldwide.
1848 – India’s First School for Girls
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Savitribai and Jyotirao opened the first girls’ school in Pune.
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Savitribai became India’s first female teacher.
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She faced harassment—people threw stones, mud, and dung at her while she walked to school. She carried an extra sari to change into.
Modern relevance:
Her courage mirrors present-day struggles faced by educators, activists, and girls seeking education in hostile environments.
1850s – Expansion of Education
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The Phules opened multiple schools for girls and children from oppressed castes.
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Savitribai also worked to educate widows and the poor.
Modern relevance:
Inclusive education—across gender, caste, and class—is still a global challenge Savitribai anticipated over a century ago.
1854 – Literary Voice
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Published Kavya Phule, a poetry collection promoting equality, justice, and social reform.
Modern relevance:
Her writing shows how art and literature can be tools for social change, much like spoken word, blogging, and activism today.
1863 – Shelter for Vulnerable Women
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Co-founded Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, a shelter for widows and survivors of sexual exploitation.
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Actively opposed female infanticide and caste-based violence.
Modern relevance:
This work connects directly to modern movements supporting survivors’ rights, safe shelters, and social welfare systems.
1873 – Satyashodhak Samaj
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Co-founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seekers’ Society) to challenge caste oppression and promote rational thinking and equality.
Modern relevance:
Her emphasis on questioning injustice aligns with today’s human rights movements and constitutional values.
1892 – Later Writing
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Published Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar, reflecting her mature thoughts on society and morality.
Modern relevance:
Lifelong learning and reflection are essential for sustained leadership and ethical activism today.
1897 – Service Until the End
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During a plague epidemic in Pune, Savitribai cared for the sick.
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She contracted the disease herself and passed away on March 10, 1897.
Modern relevance:
Her final act of service echoes the sacrifices of healthcare workers and volunteers in modern health crises.
Why Savitribai Phule Inspires the Modern World
Education as resistance: She proved education can dismantle oppression.
Gender & social equality: Her life bridges feminism and social justice.
Moral courage: She stood firm despite public hostility.
Active citizenship: She didn’t just speak—she built institutions.
Savitribai Phule’s life teaches us that true progress comes when education, empathy, and courage work together—a lesson as urgent today as it was in the 19th century.
In 2017, Google celebrated her birthday with a special Google Doodle.