Lesson 17: Social Reformers – Part II _ Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Mahatma Gandhi

Introduction

In this session, we will explore the lives, contributions, and ideologies of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, and Mahatma Gandhi. Each of these reformers made lasting impacts in areas such as nationalism, social justice, education, and independence. Understanding their work is crucial for grasping India’s social and political transformation. Let’s begin!

1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856–1920)

1.1 Early Life and Education

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born in 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. He grew up in a society under colonial rule and quickly realized the need for self-governance. Educated in law and mathematics, Tilak had a sharp mind, but his true calling lay in the struggle for India’s independence and reforming Indian society. His early life shaped his nationalist outlook, and he was deeply influenced by Indian traditions and culture. He believed that true independence could only be achieved when Indians took pride in their heritage and took responsibility for their governance.

1.2 Nationalism and Political Reforms

Tilak was a fierce advocate for complete self-rule, or Swaraj. His slogan “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it” ignited a spark of patriotism across India. Unlike the moderates in the Indian National Congress who preferred dialogue with the British, Tilak firmly believed in assertive action and mass movements. He used newspapers, festivals, and education to unite the people and instill a sense of national pride.

One of his most significant contributions was the revival of Ganesh Utsav and Shivaji Jayanti as public festivals. These were not just religious gatherings but platforms for spreading nationalist messages. Through these festivals, he educated the masses about India’s glorious past and urged them to fight against British oppression.

Tilak also used journalism to awaken the public. He started newspapers like Kesari (Marathi) and The Mahratta (English) to openly criticize British policies and promote the idea of self-rule. His writings were so powerful that the British government considered him a threat, leading to his imprisonment multiple times.

Tilak also played a crucial role in forming education-based movements. He co-founded the Deccan Education Society, which focused on imparting nationalist education to young Indians, making them aware of their rights and responsibilities.

1.3 Contribution to Social Reforms

Tilak believed that political independence and social reform should go hand in hand. He supported female education and widow remarriage but was cautious about completely adopting Western ideals. He felt that reforms should be rooted in Indian traditions and led by Indians themselves rather than imposed by colonial rulers.

His emphasis on Swadeshi (self-reliance) inspired many future movements. He urged Indians to use indigenous goods and reject British-made products, laying the foundation for the later Swadeshi Movement.

Tilak’s contributions to nationalism and social reform were immense, and his legacy continued to inspire leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. His vision of a self-reliant, culturally strong India remains relevant even today.

2. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (1827–1890)

2.1 Early Life and Struggles

Born in 1827 in Maharashtra, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule was deeply affected by the discrimination faced by lower-caste communities. Despite coming from a marginalized background, he pursued education and later dedicated his life to fighting against caste oppression, untouchability, and gender inequality.

2.2 Fight Against Caste-Based Discrimination

Phule was a revolutionary thinker who openly challenged the caste system. He believed that social justice was impossible unless the rigid caste hierarchy was dismantled. He worked tirelessly to expose the exploitation of Dalits and lower-caste communities by the upper-caste elite.

His most significant contribution was the establishment of schools for Dalits and girls, which was unheard of at the time. Along with his wife, Savitribai Phule, he started the first-ever school for girls in India in 1848 in Pune. This was a radical step that faced severe opposition from orthodox groups, but Phule remained steadfast in his mission.

Another major reform initiated by Phule was the promotion of widow remarriage and the establishment of a home for widows and destitute women. He believed that widows should have the right to live a dignified life rather than being shunned by society.

Phule was also a fierce critic of Brahmanical dominance. Through his book “Gulamgiri” (Slavery), he compared the oppression of Dalits in India to slavery in the United States, calling for immediate action against caste-based discrimination.

2.3 Legacy and Influence

Phule’s work laid the foundation for later social justice movements in India. His organization, Satya Shodhak Samaj, continued to inspire generations of activists fighting for equality. His vision of an inclusive society where education and justice were accessible to all remains crucial in modern India.

3. Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948)

3.1 Early Life and Political Awakening

Mahatma Gandhi was born in 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. His experiences with racial discrimination in South Africa shaped his philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force), which he later applied to India’s independence struggle.

3.2 Role in India’s Independence

Gandhi’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle was unique because he introduced nonviolent resistance as a powerful tool against colonial oppression. His Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement encouraged millions of Indians to defy British laws peacefully.

One of his most iconic actions was the Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) in 1930, where he walked 240 miles to protest against the British salt tax. This act of defiance mobilized Indians on a massive scale.

3.3 Social Reforms and Vision for India

Beyond politics, Gandhi was deeply committed to social reforms. He worked tirelessly for the abolition of untouchability, promoting the upliftment of Dalits, whom he called Harijans (Children of God).

He also emphasized Khadi (handspun cloth) and self-reliance, urging Indians to reject foreign goods and support indigenous industries. He saw economic self-sufficiency as a key pillar of true independence.

Gandhi was a strong advocate for women’s empowerment. He encouraged women to actively participate in the independence movement, believing that their role was crucial in shaping a just society.

His philosophy of Sarvodaya (welfare of all) aimed at creating a society based on truth, nonviolence, and economic equality. His ideas remain relevant in discussions on peace, social justice, and governance even today.

Conclusion

Social reformers—Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, and Mahatma Gandhi—played pivotal roles in transforming Indian society. Their relentless efforts in nationalism, social justice, education, and self-reliance continue to inspire movements even in modern times. As we prepare for our academic and professional journeys, let’s draw inspiration from their vision and commitment to building a just and equitable society. 

Next Lesson: Social Reformers – Part III _ Vinoba Bhave, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Deendayal Upadhyay, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia