In which year did Jyotiba Phule open a school for girls which was the first girls school ever in the country?

The correct answer is 1848.

Key Points

• Jyotiba Phule, along with his wife Savitribai Phule, opened the first school for girls in India in 1848.
• The school was established in Pune, Maharashtra.
• This initiative was a pioneering step towards women's education in India during the 19th century.
• Jyotiba Phule is recognized as a key figure in the social reform movement in India, advocating for the upliftment of marginalized communities.

Additional Information

• Jyotiba Phule
  • Jyotirao Govindrao Phule, commonly known as Jyotiba Phule, was born on April 11, 1827.
  • He was an Indian social activist, thinker, anti-caste social reformer, and writer from Maharashtra.
  • Phule is remembered for his efforts in advocating for the education of women and the lower castes.
  • He founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society of Truth Seekers) to work for the rights of the oppressed.
• Savitribai Phule
  • Savitribai Phule was born on January 3, 1831, and was one of India's first female teachers.
  • She played a crucial role in the establishment of the school for girls in Pune.
  • Savitribai faced significant social opposition and discrimination but continued her work for women's education and rights.
  • She is often hailed as a pioneer of modern education for girls in India.
• Context of Women's Education in 19th Century India
  • During the 19th century, women's education was largely neglected in India.
  • Social and cultural norms discouraged the education of girls, and there were very few schools that admitted female students.
  • The efforts by social reformers like Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule were instrumental in challenging these norms and promoting education for all.