Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Udayanraje Bhosale has ignited a historical and political debate by claiming that the origins of women’s education in India can be traced back to Pratapsinh Bhosale, a ruler of Satara, rather than Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule, who are widely acknowledged as pioneers in this field.
Speaking at an event held at Phule Wada in Pune to commemorate the birth anniversary of social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Udayanraje Bhosale—himself a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—stated that Pratapsinh Bhosale had initiated a school for women within his palace in Satara. He further claimed that Mahatma Phule “followed in the footsteps” of the Satara ruler in advocating women’s education.
“Thorale (senior) Bhosale started a school for women inside his palace in Satara. From one perspective, Mahatma Phule followed in the footsteps of Pratapsinh Bhosale,” said Udayanraje Bhosale, adding that even Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar received his primary education at the same palace.
While Bhosale praised Mahatma Phule’s values and credited him with upholding the ideals of equality and social reform, his suggestion that Phule was not the originator of women’s education in India has sparked widespread criticism.
Opposition Denounces Attempt to Rewrite History
Reacting strongly to these comments, Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal accused Udayanraje Bhosale of distorting historical facts. At a press conference in Pune, Sapkal emphasized the well-documented role played by Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule in founding the first girls’ school in Pune in 1848, amid harsh societal backlash.
“This is an attempt to erase their legacy, which we cannot accept,” Sapkal stated. “Phule faced severe resistance. People threw dung at Savitribai Phule for daring to educate girls, yet she continued her work bravely. No one from royal families came to support them at that time.”
He also linked Bhosale’s statement to a broader attempt to alter historical narratives. Sapkal referenced recent controversies surrounding a Hindi biopic titled Phule, in which the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly ordered several cuts, including dialogues highlighting caste discrimination.
“Through various methods, the government is trying to rewrite history,” Sapkal warned.
OBC Leaders Also Raise Objections
OBC leader Mangesh Sasane joined the criticism, pointing out that if Pratapsinh Bhosale had indeed launched a girls’ school before Mahatma Phule, such a significant fact would have been recorded by historians.
“It’s suspicious that no academic sources or historical records mention this claim. This statement, like the recent objection to the Waghya dog statue by another royal family member, appears disconnected from factual history,” Sasane said.
Established Contributions of the Phules
Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule are credited with opening India’s first school for girls in Pune in 1848. Their work is documented and celebrated for challenging the rigid norms of caste and gender at a time when women’s education was largely considered taboo.
Savitribai Phule became the first female teacher in the country and continued to face severe social opposition. Nonetheless, she and her husband established multiple schools and social reforms that emphasized education for marginalized communities, including Dalits and women.
Their efforts are recognized in history books, academic research, and by educational institutions across India.
Udayanraje Bhosale’s comments come at a time when discussions around historical representation and caste discrimination are receiving renewed attention. While he attempted to highlight the legacy of his royal ancestors, critics argue that such remarks undermine the undeniable impact of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule in laying the true foundation for women’s education in India.
As the controversy unfolds, it underscores the deep political and cultural sensitivities surrounding India’s social reform history—especially the contributions of marginalized communities and individuals who fought for equality in the face of resistance.
