Social Reform Movement in Maharashtra

The movement of 19th century Maharashtra was a mixed result of Indian reformation of traditions and international education. The impact of international education was evident on the educated people of Bombay and Pune. The mass movement was carried by other leaders inspired by traditions of saints like Dnyaneshwar, Eknath, Chakradhar, Tukaram, etc., and kings like Shivaji.

In 19th century Maharashtra, reformists tried to examine critically their social system and religious beliefs and gave priority to social reform as against political freedom. In their reform efforts, they had to contend with stiff opposition from the conservatives. Foremost among the reformists were Acharya Balshastri Jambhekar (1810–1846), who condemned the evil customs of sati and female infanticide, Gopal Hari Deshmukh (1823–1892) who, through his shatpatre (a bunch of letters numbering 100 - exact no. is 108) attacked orthodox Brahmans opposing social and religious reforms and Jotirao Govindrao Phule (1827–1890) who revolted against the unjust caste system, and upheld the cause of untouchables and education of women of lower castes.

Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar (1837–1925) and Justice Ranade (1842–1901) were the pioneers of Prarthana Samaj, an organisation for general, social and religious reform. Gopal Ganesh Agarkar (1856–1895) gave priority to social reform. Dhondo Keshav Karve (1858–1962) devoted his life to the cause of women's education. Behramji Malabari (1853–1912), a Parsi of Bombay, started Seva Sadan for the care of women of all castes.

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