Page 1 - 2.Lesson Notes-Gulamgiri-181209090311

SAI INERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL
SESSION 2020-2021
CLASS VIII HISTORY
CH-WOMEN, CASTE AND REFORM

GULAMGIRI Jyotirao Phule, born in 1827 was known as one of the
‘low-caste’ leaders.
According to Phule, the ‘upper’ caste had no right to their
land and power, the land belonged to indigenous people
who were called as low castes.

Phule proposed that Shudras and Ati Shudras should unite
to challenge caste discrimination.

The Satyashodhak Samaj was founded by Phule to
propagate caste equality.

Phule wrote a book named “Gulamgiri”, meaning slavery.
He established a link between the conditions of the “lower”
castes in India & the black slaves in America.

In 20th century, the movement for caste reform was
continued by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and E.V. Ramaswamy
Naicker.

WHO COULD ENTER Ambedkar was born into a Mahar family. As a child he
TEMPLES experienced caste prejudice.

In 1919, when he came back from the USA, he wrote
about “upper” caste power in contemporary society.

In 1927, Ambedkar started a temple entry movement.

THE NON-BRAHMAN E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, known as Periyar was from
MOVEMENT middle-class family. He founded the Self Respect
Movement.

He inspired the untouchables and asked them to free
themselves from all religions in order to achieve social
equality.

The forceful speeches, writings and movements of lower
caste leaders led to rethink and self-criticism among upper
caste nationalist leaders.