Recreating the lost library of Mahatma Jotiba Phule

Dr. SPVA Sairam 

What books did Jotiba read? Did he possess any personal collections? If so, what sort of books did he possess? Did he jot down any important findings in those books? What was his style of reading the books? These were some of the many questions that popped up in my mind when I began exploring the fascinating writings of Mahatma Jotiba Phule. We know for certain that he used to read many books diligently to give a shape to his writings. For instance, in the preface to Shetkaryacha Asud [Cultivator’s Whipcord], he noted: “It is not necessary to say that this book, on the basis of the contemporary situation of the helpless, ignorant Shudras and Ati-shudras, has been composed with the help of numerous English, Sanskrit, and Prakrit books. Without such help, it is clear that it could not have been written.”

Over time, my curiosity to examine his personal collection of books grew unabated. But I have realized very soon that his personal collection had been lost to us. As noted by Prof. Hari Narke, “After her [Savitrimai’s] death, the lonely Dr. Yeshwant was very disturbed. In 1903, he married Chandrabhagabai, and she gave birth to a girl child who was named Soni alias Laxmi. He worked in Hong Kong, Africa, and China for the army. He passed away on October 13, 1906. The feeling of becoming orphaned and lonely was overwhelming for his wife, Chandrabhaga, and their daughter, Soni. First, they sold all of Jotirao’s books to a scrap dealer. Then, they survived by selling the utensils in the house, and finally, on October 28, 1910, they sold Jotirao and Savitribai’s historical house for a mere hundred rupees to Maruti Krishnaji Dedage.”  [Read https://www.roundtableindia.co.in/dnyanajyoti-savitribai-phule-ii/]

Jotiba’s friend Gyanoba Sasane also noted, “Phule’s son sold his books, letters, and papers to a merchant, who swindled the family.” [309, RH. Also, check out this article to learn about the efforts made by Dr. Ambedkar to revive the spirit of the Phule couple: https://www.roundtableindia.co.in/jotiba-phule-and-dr-ambedkar-understanding-their-connection/]

This is truly heart wrenching. In this disheartening context, can we attempt to recreate his library, or at least a part of it? Some may find it impossible, but I personally feel that we can recreate a good part of his personal collection or library by using one method. This method involves preparing a list of all the books, historic persons, events, incidents, etc. mentioned in his vast writings. Clearly, he had mentioned all those books, historical figures, etc. because he read them. How could he quote those books or events without reading them in the first place?

I believe this is the first time an attempt has been made to recreate the lost library of Jotiba; therefore, kindly allow me to explain a few things. It is important to bear in mind two facts. First, Jotiba would not have quoted every historic figure or book that he had read in his writings. In other words, the list of historic figures, books, etc. that we prepare from his writings would definitely be small when compared to the actual number of books that he had read. Second, of all the books that he had read, how many did he possess in his personal collection? This is very difficult to answer because we don’t know if he possessed all the books—as a personal collection—that he had quoted in his writings. Therefore, when I say reconstructing the lost ‘library’ of Jotiba, I broadly mean it to include only those books, historical figures, events, incidents, etc. that he had mentioned in his writings.

The sources that I used in making the list include: 1) Two Volumes of writings of Mahatma Phule published by the Government of Maharashtra in 1991, edited by Barrister P.G. Patil, 2) Shetkaryacha Asud (translated by Gail Omvedt and Bharat Patankar), 3) Sastar and a few dialogues from the book edited by G.R. Deshpande (I omitted Slavery and Shetkaryacha Asud from this book because I found the translation of P.G. Patil and Gail Omvedt more instructive), 4) A few chapters from Rosalind O. Hanlon’s Phule.

I admit that this article has one deficiency—that it has no references to Jotiba’s writings in Marathi. I couldn’t include them because I am not a Marathi speaker; I wish to include them in the future with the help of my Marathi Ambedkarite friends. Finally, some people may ask how this task of preparing a list in this article differs from indices that are found at the end of the books connected to Jotiba Phule. I am sure my list is far more comprehensive than an index, but those who wish to make a complaint must take into consideration the following facts:

1] The writings of Mahatma Phule [two volumes in English] published by the Government of Maharashtra have no indices. Therefore, the entries in my list are not made by copy pasting any indices. On the contrary, the list is prepared after a careful examination of both these volumes.

2] There is a book dealing with Jotiba’s writings titled ‘Selected Writings of Jotiba Phule’ [edited by G.R. Deshpande] that has an index, but even here, my list has an advantage over it because my list is far more comprehensive than Deshpande’s index.

3] My list differs from a general index in the sense that it contains neatly organized references to every important name, event, incident, etc. referred to by Jotiba in his writings.

4] Perhaps the most unique feature in the list is that I have put an asterisk mark on those references from the writings of Jotiba that were also dealt with by Dr. Ambedkar. This shows how similar (and, in a few cases, dissimilar) their views were on some crucial issues.

So much for the introduction. Let us now enter the library of Mahatma Phule!

I] Books quoted in the works of Jotiba Phule

Key: Slavery– [Volume I], Selected Writings– [Volume II], SA– Shetkaryacha Asud, SWJP– Selected Writings of Jotiba Phule edited by G.R. Deshpande, BAWS – Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings & Speeches, RH– Caste, Conflict and Ideology by Rosalind O’ Hanlon.

S.No	Name of the book	Source
1	Aesop’s Tales	SWJP- 225, Slavery- 83
2	Vedas	Vol 2- 22, 44, 47, 48, 53, 54, 70, 94, 96, 104, 107, 108, 109, Slavery- from 94, SA- 14, 31, 69
3	Manu Smriti/ Manu Samhita	Vol 2- 24, 48, 53, 94, 100, 102-103, 108 SWJP- 214-215 Slavery- 40, 63, 87, 94-97, 107, SA- 15, 36, 57
4	The Laws of Manu [Sir William Jones’s edition]	SA- 37
5	Bhagawata	Slavery- 67, 69, 70, 82-83, 96, 102
6	Shankaracharya’s Vedant	Slavery- 99, SA- 70
7	Krishna Leela	SA- 68
8	Shivalilamrut	SA- 13
9	Jnaneshwari or Dnyaneshwari by Dnyaneshwar	SA- 16
10	Amar Kosha by Amarasimha	Slavery- 99
11	Viveksindhu by Mukundraj	SA- 16
12	Vyankateshstotra	SA- 63
13	Rukminiswayamvar	SA- 63
14	Tulshiakyan	SA- 63
15	Hari-Vijay	SA- 53
16	Bible	SA- 27, 62
17	Koran	SA- 17, 62
18	The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice by Shakespeare	Slavery- 44
19	India Three Thousand Years Ago by John Wilson	SA- 32
20	Original Sanskrit Texts by Dr. John Muir	SA- 35
21	Writings of Sir William Jones, Vol II, IV and VII	SA- 37, 68
22	Journal of the East India Association	SA- 42
23	History of Peru and Brazil by W.H. Prescott	SA- 35
24	The Sepoys Revolt by Henry Mead	SWJP- 217, Slavery- 37, 109, SA- 35, 42, 53
25	On Fisheries in India by G. J. Haly	Slavery- 37
26	On the Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex by Charles Darwin [Jotiba doesn’t mention these books directly, but based on what he wrote on Darwin, I guess he might have read these two books]	SA- 29-30
27	Mysteries of the Court of London by George W. M. Reynolds	SA- 27
28	Stri Purush Tulana by Tarabai Shinde	SWJP- 225
29	Godbolyanchya Maharashtra Deschachya Itihasatil Bhandarkaranchi Suchana	SA- 34
30	Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe	SWJP- 230
31	Rights of Man, Age of Reason by Thomas Paine [Govind Kale writes: “Jotiba’s favorite book was ‘Rights of Man’ written by Thomas Paine. He also possessed other works by Thomas Paine.”]	https://archive.org/details/jyotibaphule, RH- 126

The list of books that he directly quoted in his writings may appear small. The reason is obvious: Jotiba was writing books for the normal masses; therefore, there is no need to quote books specifically—as some academic work—to draw his points. In order to appreciate his vastness of knowledge, one ought to check the following tables. The multitude of historical figures, events, incidents, and religious customs depicted by Jotiba in his writings bear ample testimony to his erudite scholarship.

II] Historical figures cited in the writings of Jotiba Phule

S.No	Names of the historical figures	Source	Remarks
1	Gautama Buddha/ Shakyamuni*	Vol 2- 54 Slavery- 98-99	Jotiba writes: “The venerable Gautama the Buddha defeated the Brahmins on their own battlefield, and was renowned all over the world. The Brahmins, therefore, nurse a secret grudge against the Buddha in their hearts, beat their breasts and weep and wail loudly for their discomfiture.” It seems Jotiba had even used extant Buddhist sources like Vajrasuci [The Diamond Needle] to exhume the past. This text was quoted by Tukaram’s disciple Bahinabai [I thank Mangesh Dahiwale sir for sharing this valuable information on Facebook] Also See Vol-11 BAWS to read Dr. Ambedkar’s magnum opus ‘Buddha and his Dhamma’.
2	Queen Semiramis	SWJP- 229	Semiramis (811-806 BCE) was the queen regent of the Assyrian Empire who held the throne for her young son Adad Nirari III until he reached maturity. Jotiba praises Semiramis for her bravery.
3	Homer	Slavery- 37	Author of two epic Greek poems Iliad and Odyssey
4	Romulus and Remus	SA- 29	A Roman Myth that relates to the founding of the Roman Kingdom.
5	Xerxes	SA- 38	Persian ruler who served as the fourth king of the Achaemenid Empire
6	Socrates	Vol 2- 106	Jotiba praises him and says, “Socrates never lost the equanimity of his mind (spirit) even when faced with death.”
7	Julius Caesar *	SA- 39, SWJP- 229	In a letter to Dr. Savita Ambedkar, Babasaheb wrote: “When Caesar was done to death and the matter was reported to Cicero, Cicero said to the messengers, “Tell the Romans, your hour of liberty has come.” While one regrets the assassination of Mr. Gandhi, one can’t help finding in his heart the echo of the sentiments expressed by Cicero on the assassination of Caesar. Mr. Gandhi had become a positive danger to this country. He had choked all free thoughts…As the Bible says, something good cometh out of evil, so also I think that good will come out of the death of Mr. Gandhi. It will release people from bondage of a Superman, it will make them to think for themselves and it will compel them to stand on their own merits.”
8	Marcus Brutus*	SA- 39	In 1913, Young Bhim wrote a letter from Columbia University to his father’s friend in India where he quoted Brutus’ compelling words in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar which read, “There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries.”
9	Nero	Slavery- 39	The popular phrase, “Nero was playing the fiddle while Rome was burning,” is associated to this king who happened to die around 68 AD near Italy.
10	Mhasoba	Vol 2- 49	Also known as Maha Subha – warrior
11	Alaric	Slavery- 39	A military commander who is famous for sacking Rome in 410 CE.
12	Shankaracharya*	SWJP- 217, 230, Slavery- 98-100, 103 SA- 15-16	See from 248 in Vol-3 and from 59, 67, 157, 213 & 287 in Vol-4 BAWS for Dr. Ambedkar’s comments on Shankaracharya.
13	Mukundraj	Slavery- 100	Author of the text Vivekasindhu
14	Dnyaneshwar*	Slavery- 100	Dr. Ambedkar writes: “One finds it [Mahar] mentioned only once in the Dnyaneshwari which is 1100 A.D. Before him the name Mahar is simply non-existent. What are we to suppose? Was there no such community as the Mahars in the ancient times before Dnyaneshwari? Or, are we to suppose that there existed a community but then it was known by some other name?” [from page 138,Vol 17[2] BAWS]
15	Machiavelli	Slavery- 39	Italian Philosopher known for his work ‘The Prince’
16	Tansen	SA- 30, 40 see Slavery	Hindustani Classical Musician and one of the Navratnas of Akbar
17	Jijabai*	Vol 2- 50	See page 176 of Vol-7 BAWS
18	Chhatrapati Shivaji*	Slavery- 88, 91, 98 SA- 16, 68	See from page 175 in Vol-7 BAWS for Dr. Ambedkar’s brief sketch of Shivaji
19	Sant Tukaram* and Shivaji	SA-16	See Dr. Ambedkar’s speech, “I am a believer in Ahimsa, but in the sense defined by the great Saint Tukaram,” from 289, Vol 17[3] BAWS
20	Cult of Ramdas*	Vol 20- 72 SA-16	See Annihilation of Caste in Vol-1 and from page 176 of Vol-7 BAWS
21	Gagabhat*	SA- 16	See from page 175 in Vol-7 BAWS
22	Udaji Chavan/ Himmat Bahadur	SA- 26	He was one of the main supporter and Senapati of Sambhaji II of Kolhapur.
23	Baroda’s Damajirao Gaikwad	SA- 38	Damaji Rao Gaekwad was the second Maharaja of Baroda reigning from 1732 to 1768 until his death.
24	Benjamin Franklin [1705-1790]	SA- 67	Jotiba writes: “The great majestic Dr. Franklin and Thomas Paine and other leading gentlemen, labouring constantly night and day, have through the power of learning helped the artisans and the skilled Americans in industry to go ahead of the manufacturers in all the countries of Europe, earning crores of rupees every year. In order that such knowledge should not be given to the Shudra farmers, the ancestors of the Brahmans, in the intoxication of their superiority, wrote extremely forbidding articles in their self-interested books. As a result the knowledge of archery and other military skills stagnated in this country. We see by our own eyes that so many youth of the Shindes, Holkars and other great houses of today sit on excellent horses and make a great show of their skill with spears; however these unfortunates are like mooing cows as far as the knowledge of how to use binoculars or how to forge cannonballs is concerned!”
25	George Washington* [1732-1799]	Slavery- 121 SA-17, 29	See from page 480 of Vol 17(3) BAWS to read Dr. Ambedkar’s comments on George Washington
26	Thomas Paine* [1737-1809]	Slavery- 98, 120 SA- 29, 67	Dada Keluskar who gifted his book on Buddha to Babasaheb in his childhood was also a close friend to Jotiba. Speaking on the impact of Paine on Jotiba, Keluskar noted: “Jotiba and his friends did not become Christians. The reason for this was that they had obtained one or two books from a very great revealer of the truth from America. This man was Thomas Paine… In the Age of Reason, the evidence for the falseness of Christianity is made clear. And it was simply that its priests were making frantic efforts to give arguments in support of it. This was what Thomas Paine showed. He said that God is one, and in understanding his existence the Bible is worthless, and that there is never any need for an intermediary in order to worship him. So Jotirao and his friends saw that the Christian religion was without justification.” [RH-126] Dr. Ambedkar’s often remarked words, “That whatever is wrongly settled is never permanently settled; it has to be resettled,” were inspired from Thomas Paine. See from page 972 of Vol 15 BAWS
27	Lafayette [1757-1834]	Slavery- 121	A powerful military officer in the Continental Army led by George Washington
28	Captain James Grant Duff and Murry	Vol 2- 46	He was a British Soldier and Historian known for his work ‘A History of the Mahrattas’.
29	James Cowles Prichard [1786]	Slavery- 37	He was a British Physician and Ethnologist known for his work ‘Researches into the Physical History of Mankind’.
30	Ramoshi Umaji Naik [1791]	Slavery- 100	He revolted against the British between 1826 to 1832
31	Chhatrapati Pratap Singh Maharaj of Satara [1793-1847]	Vol 2- 66 SA- 26	Dr. Ambedkar first enrolled at a High School in the Maharashtra’s Satara which was named after Maharaja Pratap Singh. It is interesting to note that Jotiba’s grandparents were also from Satara.
32	Bajirao-II	Slavery- 100, 106 SA- 16	After the Battle of Bhima Koregaon in 1818, Bajirao surrendered to the British, and he was banished to Bithur.
33	Nana Peshwa	SWJP- 217, 230 Slavery- 103, 109-110, SA- 35	Adopted son of the exiled Maratha Bajirao II
34	Rani of Jhansi	SWJP- 229	A prominent figure in the revolt of 1857
35	Charles Darwin*	SA- 29-30	Jotiba writes: “According to Darwin’s view, a fresh species of human beings must have evolved on the planets revolving around in an evolutionary process from species of monkeys; then this proves wrong the notion that all have arisen from the limbs of Brahmadev.” To read Dr. Ambedkar’s comment on the Triumph of Darwinism over theology, read from page 9 of Vol-3 BAWS. His beloved teacher, John Dewey, wrote a book called ‘The Influence of Darwin on Philosophy and Other Essays in Contemporary Thought’ in 1910.
36	William Ewart Gladstone [1809]	SA- 62	He served as the Prime Minister of United Kingdom for 12 years.
38	Queen Victoria[1819]	Vol 2- 37, 55, 101 Slavery- 80	In a small essay titled ‘The Untouchables Apologia’, Jotiba imagines a situation where Queen Victoria visits the poor hovels of the untouchables outside the village limits. Here she meets a few representative Mahars and Mangs who describes their subhuman conditions even under the British raj. Jotiba had even written a book titled ‘The Tale of the Untouchables’ but it remained unpublished.
39	Max Muller [1823]	Vol 2- 71	German Indologist known for editing Sacred Books of the East
40	Sir George Campbell [1824]	Vol 2- 85 Slavery- 46	Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal
41	Sir Richard Temple, 1st Baronet [1826]	SA- 62	He served as the Governor of Bombay from 1877 to 1880.
42	George Robinson, 1st Marquess of Ripon [Lord Ripon] (1827)	SA- 17	He served as the Viceroy and Governor General of India from 1880-1884.
43	Henry Fawcett	SA- 62	He was elected as MP for Brighton. He’s also known for his defense of Darwin against Bishop Samuel Wilberforce.
44	Charles Bradlaugh	Vol 2- 104	In 1880, he was elected as the Liberal MP for Northampton. Jotiba was very critical of him.
45	Sir William Wedderburn [1838]	SA- 43	One of the founding members of INC
46	William Wilson Hunter [1840]	SA- 27	Jotiba writes: “Without making a detailed examination of all the calamities the Shudra and Ati-Shudra farmers have to bear because they are illiterate, without going himself into the filthy huts of the farmers and, holding a handkerchief before his nose, viewing their true misfortune with their own eyes and taking the testimony of the true, lungoti-wearing illiterate farmers, he showed instead great concern to get the testimony of the caste Brahmans among the Parsis, Christians and Hindus, and won some great testimonials.”
47	William Lee-Warner	Vol 2- 95	Jotiba writes: “Lee Warner is an officer of honesty and rare integrity, and is a champion of the Shudras and a (true) friend of the helpless.”
48	Mr. Reeves	Slavery- 128	He was the Revenue Commissioner. Jotiba writes: “This philanthropic Englishman not only helped me with timely valuable donations, but finding time from his busy schedule used to visit these schools for the Ali-Shudras children and enquire fondly about the progress of the students in their studies. He exerted himself tirelessly, encouraging this good cause of educating the Ati-Shudra children. His noble help has been ingrained in the marrow of the students’ bones.”
49	Jarvis, the Collector of Pune	Slavery- 110	He opened one government school near the collector building.
50	Sir Erskine Perry (president of the late Educational Board) and Mr. Lumsdain (the then Secretary to Government)	Vol 2- 83	These men visited the schools established by Jotiba and presented him with a pair of shawls as a token of appreciation.
51	Mrs. Mitchell	Vol 2- 83	She was given the charge to manage female schools opened by Jotiba and Savitrimai.
52	Frederick Booth-Tucker	SA- 28	He was a prominent member of Salvation Army.
53	Sagunabai		Jotiba had dedicated his book Nirmikacha Shodh (The Search for the Creator) to Aau Maa. He wrote: “The Endowment of Truth, Sagunabai; you brought me up humane and humble. You taught me how to love other’s children. With great appreciation, I learned it from you. I dedicate this book to you.” [Also see Savitrimai’s poem on her from Page 37, Essay by Pamela Sardar in Forgotten Liberator]
54	Savitrimai	Slavery- 129	Savitrimai needs no introduction
55	Maharaj Sayajirao Gaikwad	Vol 2- 50, 65, 81 SA- 5	Govind Kale who worked with Jotiba had shared an interesting anectode, he says: “Once when Mahatma Jotirao had gone to visit Shrimant Sayajirao Maharaj Gaekwad, Jotirao requested him to send his photo for the living room. Maharaj promised that he would send a photo in a few days. In 4-8 days, a person in Maharaj‘s service came with the photo. Maharaj had many ornaments on his body. Tatya returned the photo with a letter saying he didn‘t want a royal portrait. He asked to send a photo in simple clothes without ornaments. In a few days, Maharaj sent another photo, this time in simple clothes. There was not a single ornament on the body. Maharaj was sitting on a horse, a sword hanging from his waist and the lead in both his hands. Tatya really liked this photo; he wrote a letter to Maharaj conveying the same. Tatya put up this photo in his living room right at the front door.” [Source: https://archive.org/details/jyotibaphule] Note: Jotiba was fondly called Tatya.
56	Laxman Jagannath	Vol 2- 52	Diwan of Baroda
57	Vinayakrao Bapji Bhandarkar	Vol 2- 49	He was the childhood friend of Jotiba.
58	Gangadhar Shastri	Vol 2- 49	Contemporary of Jotiba Phule
59	Mr. Chaudhary	Slavery- 132	He ran a boarding school where Atishudras weren’t allowed.
60	Yashavantrao Holkar	Slavery- 138	He was a Maharaja of Indore.
61	Lahuji  Raut Mang and Ranba Mahar	Dynanodaya, 15 September 1853	They convinced their caste brethren about the benefits of getting educated.
62	Baba Padamanjee	Vol 2- 35	He was Jotiba’s friend who got educated at mission schools in Belgaum and Bombay. He converted to Christianity and is known for his autobiography ‘Arunodaya’. [107, RH]
63	Ramchandra Balkrishnaji Jayakar	Vol 2- 46	Jotiba dedicated his Ballad of Raja Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhosale [1869] to him. He was an Assistant Commissioner of the Customs. Later, he became president of the Paramahansa Mandali. [83, RH]
64	Trimbakji Dengale	SA- 68	He was a servant to Bajirao. [27, RH]
65	Vishwanath Daji	SA- 42	Jotiba writes: “Such men of pure mind are found occasionally among the Brahman government employees.”
66	Joshibuwa	SA- 17	He was the leader of Sarvajanik Sabha.
67	Ghashiram Kotwal	SA- 25	Jotiba writes: “Since most Bhoodev Magistrates have begun to give judgements according to their whims, just like Ghashiram Kotwal, many traditional aristocratic wealthy savakars have given up their profession.”
68	Vinayak Babji Bhandarkar and Rao Saheb Shri Rajanna Lingu	Slavery- 59	Jotiba thanks them for encouraging him to write Slavery.
69	Dhondiba	Slavery- from 63	Prominent member of Satyashodak Samaj and features frequently in Jotiba’s Slavery
70	Tarabai Shinde [1850]	SWJP- 225	She was a prominent social reformer who is known for her work ‘Stri Purush Tulana’.
71	Pandita Ramabai [1858]	SWJP- 214, 218, 219, 223-225	She was a prominent social reformer. Jotiba Phule defends her right to convert to Christianity in his Journal Sastar. She also founded Mukti Mission.
72	Kondaji Patil	SWJP- 218	A member of Satyashodak Samaj [See from 258 in RH]
73	Purushottam Maruti	SWJP- 222	Purushottam Maruti, Karadi Lingu, Mr. Balu Contractor, Dharmaji Baburao Dhayarkar were friends of Jotiba. He thanks them in his second series of Sastar.
74	Gopal (Hari) Deshmukh	Vol 2- 95	Also known as Lokahitawadi
75	Kusha Ghongade	Vol 2- 73	Folk singer
76	M.G. Ranade*	Vol 2- 75 SWJP- 225	See Dr. Ambedkar’s speech Ranade, Gandhi and Jinnah in Vol-1 BAWS
77	B. M. Malabari	Vol 2- 80	He was a Social reformer who maintained frequent contacts with Jotiba Phule.
78	Rao Saheb Sudashive	Vol 2- 81	Jotiba writes, “One of my Brahmin friends named Rao Saheb Sudashive Bullal Gowndey, who was an officer in the Inam Commission, employed in his house a Brahmin widow as cook, whose name was Kashibai.”
79	Kashibai and Shashtriboova	Vol 2- 81	Jotiba wrote: “I was compelled to establish a foundling house, in my own compound in Poona, for the Brahmin community immediately after Kashibai’s trial was over. The enclosed copy of printed notices was then pasted on the walls of the corners of streets, where the Brahmins reside. From its commencement up to the present time, thirty-five pregnant widows came to his house and were delivered of children.”
80	Vishnu Shastree Chiploonkar and Bhavey	Vol 2- 89	They used to run private schools in Poona.
81	W.C. Bonnerjee*	Vol 2- 94	He was a prominent member of INC. To read Dr. Ambedkar’s criticism on W.C. Bonnerjee, see chapter 2 of Vol-1 BAWS.
82	Bagubai	Vol 2- 66	She was the lover of Appasaheb who lived in a village about 7-8 km to the north of Satara.
83	Dhamdhere	Slavery- 106	Jotiba writes, “Bajirao II had the temerity to imprison the Scion of the royal family of Chhatrapati of Satara on the fort at Satara, and shamelessly collected the taxes from ignorant, poor shudras who were toiling and moiling in their fields day and night (taxes which were extracted from the blood and .sweat of the Shudras) and from their proceeds granted a charter of authority and commissioned Dhamdhere as a feudatory Sardar (nobleman). Dhamdhere was a coward of the first order!”
84	Krishnarao Bhalekar	SWJP- 230	He used to run a school for children at Pune.

III] Events/Incidents/Themes cited in the works of Jotiba Phule

S.No	Name of the Events/incidents /Themes	Source	Remarks
1	Biographical tracts*	Slavery- from 120, 127-129	In these pages, Jotiba narrates few incidents that changed his life. To read biographical tracts of Babasaheb, refer Waiting for a Visa in Vol 12 of BAWS.
2	Cosmic evolution -Sun, moon, movements of ocean and the beauty of solar system	Vol 2- 97-99 SA- 29
3	Sophists of Greece	Vol 2- 106
4	Greek patriotism	Slavery- 121
5	Roman empire	Slavery- 122
6	Xerxes battle against Greece	SA- 38	Jotiba writes, “Xerxes faced resistance from patriotic soldiers of the city of Sparta who passed through the Thermopylae pass.”
7	Notes on Roman History*	SA- 38-39	See from page 57 of Vol-7 BAWS to read exhaustive analysis of Roman laws by Dr. Ambedkar.
8	Scipio Africanus’ victory over Hannibal of Africa	SA- 39
9	Scots ,Saxons and the History of early British	SA- 39
10	Druids	Slavery- 40	Druids are the priestly class of Celtic cultures.
11	Outlines of History of India*	Vol 2- 24, 43, 47, 53, 94 SWJP- 215 Slavery- 37, 49, 63 SA- 15-17, 30	For Dr. Ambedkar’s exhumation of past, see chapters 3-11 in Vol-3, VOL-7,8,9 and from 53-155 in Vol 12 of BAWS
12	Inhuman discrimination and exploitation of Stri-Shudra-Atishudras by Brahmins and other privileged classes	————-	This theme forms the major component of all writings of Jotiba, therefore I don’t want to mention any specific reference.
13	On Gonds and Bhills	Vol 2- 94	Jotiba writes, “Aborigines like the Gonds and the Bhils were the original rulers of India.”
14	Triumph of Buddhism and its decline*	SA- 15-16	Also see Part III of Vol 3 BAWS titled Revolution and Counter Revolution in Ancient India of Dr. Ambedkar for incisive analysis of Indian History.
15	Common link between Sanskrit and other European languages*	Slavery- 37	See Vol-7 of BAWS for more
16	Origin of the word Vipra[s]	Slavery- 73
17	Origin of the words Malhari and Martand	Slavery- 75
18	Origin of the word Mhasoba	Slavery- 76
19	Origin of the word Hurrah	Slavery- 77
20	On the origin of word Upadhya and Holi festival	Slavery- 80
21	Origin of the practice of not crossing the river Attock	Slavery- 84
22	Origin of the words Rakshasa, Brahastha and Bhatt*	Slavery- 84	Also see Chapter 5 in Vol 3 of BAWS for more
23	Origin of the word Parvari	Slavery- 85
24	Origin of the words Shudras and Kulkarni	Slavery- 86
25	On the common history of Kunbis, Malis and Dhangars	SA- 3
26	On the origin of the word Shudras*	Slavery- 86	See Vol-7 of BAWS for more
27	On the history of Kunbis, Malis and Dhangars	Vol 2- 63 Slavery- 58
28	Origin of Kulkarmi or Kulkarni	Slavery- 86
29	On the origin of the word Mahar and their history*	Vol 2- 47 Slavery- 58, 86	For Dr. Ambedkar’s interpretation, see from 137 of Vol-17[2] of BAWS
30	Revolt of Mahars against Bhatts*	Slavery- 87	Also see from page 314 of Vol 7 BAWS to read what Dr. Ambedkar had written on the same theme. It is very interesting to recall the association of Mahatma Phule with Mahar Regiment. As noted by Prof Rosalind: “R. S. Ghadge, a retired Mahar subhedar, recalled how, when he was stationed in Pune in 1887, Phule used to come and address the Mahar regiment every Sunday, where he drew audiences of fifty to seventy-five people. Ghadge heard him read the third part of The Cultivator’s Whip-Cord.” [272,RH]
31	On the practice of cremating dead among the Aryans and the practice of burying dead among the aboriginals	Slavery- 80	In Jotiba’s Will it was stated, “He should be buried in salt according to the tradition and customs of his family, and not by cremation and that no Brahmin or any followers of Brahmins should be allowed to touch his dead body or cast his shadow over it.” [231, Keer’s biography on Phule]. But, unfortunately his wishes were not fulfilled and Jotiba was cremated.
32	One who prided himself on being called a Maratha*	Vol 2- 65	For Dr. Ambedkar’s message for Maratha Mandir, see from 81 of Vol-17[2] of BAWS
33	On graded inequality and how Shudras hate their own kith and kin*	Slavery- 58	Read from 101-116 of Vol 5 BAWS to understand Dr. Ambedkar’s take on Graded Inequality
34	On how a few Shudras escaped from India to North and South America and on the similarity of customs between Shudras of India and Indigenous people of two American continents	SA- 35
35	On how few Shudra castes with bright history had degraded into a state of destitute in two or three generations	SA- 4
36	Lingayats	Slavery- 65
37	Origins of Lingayat Religion	SA- 37
38	Mlechhas	Slavery- 64
39	Muslim mullas and bagvans following the customs of Shudras and Ati Shudras	SA -38
40	Patra, Zenana and immoral lives of Nawabs, Badshahs, scholars and so on	SWJP- 227
41	Bayatis [Persian couplets]	Slavery- 84
42	Adi Bhairvaa raga	Slavery- 100
43	Shaadaawala Peer	Slavery- 105
44	Pir (Shah Dawal)	Slavery- 109, 121
45	Miyan and Malhar raga	Slavery- 76
46	Kabir sect	Vol 2- 69	“Tukaram Hanamant Pinjan described how, a few months before its foundation, Phule’s friends and colleagues used to gather every Sunday at his shop in Pune. Amongst those who came was Dnyanagiri Buva, a member of the Kabir panth. Dnyanagiri Buva used to read to the assembled gathering from the Bijak book written by Kabir, translating it from its original Brij into Marathi. The book contained much information about the selfishness and evil conduct of Brahmans… Having received further confirmation of this belief in the writings of Kabir, Phule began to turn over in his mind the practical steps that would improve their position. This eventually led to the foundation of Satyashodak Samaj on 24 September 1873.” [229-230 RH] It is interesting to note that the first two gurus [Buddha, Kabir] of Babasaheb had also inspired his third guru [Jotiba]
47	Cruelty of American Settlers on American Indians*	Slavery- 39 SA- 35	See chapter 8- Vol-5 of BAWS for more
48	Brutality of European slavery	Slavery- 52
49	American Slavery and Plight of Negroes*	Vol 2- 80 Slavery- 35 [dedication part], 43, 51. SWJP- 229	See chapter 3, 8 of Vol-5 of BAWS for an exhaustive analysis of Dr. Ambedkar on Slavery as it existed in Rome and America
50	Slavery in India Vs Negro Slavery and Slavery in general*	Slavery- 42, 53, 132, 134 Vol 2- 91 SA- 38, 62	See chapter 3, 8 of Vol-5 of BAWS for an exhaustive analysis of Dr. Ambedkar on Slavery as it existed in Rome and America
51	Conditions of Shudra farmers Vs White Soldiers	SA- 44-45
52	Liberal minded American and European reformers*	Slavery- dedication part, 52, 63	Dr. Ambedkar once noted: “The White American Reformers fought battles in war with kith and kin for the emancipation of the Negroes. They killed thousands of Whites who defended the slavery, and also sacrificed their own blood for this cause. When we read these incidents through the pages of history, we are compelled to say that, the social reformers in America and in India are incomparable. These so called benefactors of the Untouchables of India called reformers need to be asked— Are you prepared to fight a Civil war with your Hindu Brethren like the Whites in America who fought with their white brothers for the cause of the Negroes? And if not, what are these tall talks of reforms for?” [135, Vol 17 (III)]
53	Black soldiers who fought in Egypt and Kabul	SA- 29
54	Bering Strait	SA- 35
55	Pindaris	SA- 63
56	Shakta cult	SA- 68
57	On Working class in England	SA- 19
58	On the positive contributions of British	Vol 2- from 26, 56, 59 SWJP- 217 Slavery- 40
59	On their shameless indifference and cowardice *	Vol 2- 37, 59, 62, 83, 93 Slavery- 44-47, 59, 88, 103, 113, 116, 122, 126, 130, 141 SA- 17, 19-26, 40-45, 53	Jotiba was very harsh in his criticism of British administration. For Dr. Ambedkar’s critique, see Vol-6 and from 53-155 of Vol-12 of BAWS
60	On the severe impact of British economic policies on Farmers and working classes of India*	SA- 19, 42	Jotiba writes: “The cotton weavers, silk weavers, Juliyas and Momims have become so destitute that some of the weavers, beginning to starve in days of extreme unemployment, try to live by eating bran of dal or rice or wheat, or mango pits secretly to protect their prestige. Many silk weavers have become so upset at seeing the condition of their wives and children starving inside the houses that they become senseless by evening and drink two or three pennies worth of shindi liquor on credit, go in the house and fall down unconscious.” To read Dr. Ambedkar’s analysis on the exploitation of the Indian working classes by the British, read ‘The Problem of the Rupee’ in Vol-6 BAWS
61	Appeal to Republicans of the USA to show concern over black ‘Red Indians’	SA- 28
62	Peshwas and their cruelty	Vol 2- from page 25, 51, 69 Slavery- 42, 44, 106, 138 SA- 16
63	Parvati temple complex	Vol 2- 27 Slavery- 103, 106 SA- 16
64	Konkanstha Nana Saheb) (Nana from the Konkan), Tatya Tope and the revolt of 1857 –	Slavery- 102	Jotiba calls 1857 revolt as Chapati Revolt
65	British Parliament	Vol 2- 61, 99
66	The Union Jack flag	Slavery- 100
67	Conversions into Islam and Christianity	SA- 38
68	On English Indigo plantation workers	Slavery- 88
69	Indian National Congress [INC] *	Vol 2- 94, 95, 105	Read What Congress and Gandhi have done to the Untouchables in Vol 9 of BAWS for more
70	ICS [Indian Civil Services]	Vol 2- 95, 99
71	On the need for representation of masses in the departments of British government*	Vol 2- 66 Slavery- 119	Read from 472-481 in Vol 9 of BAWS to under Dr. Ambedkar’s powerful defense of representation of masses in the offices of power
72	On Hunter Commission	Vol 2- 68
73	Memorial Addressed To The Education Commission	Vol 2- 82
74	Brahmo Samaj	SWJP- 215, 217
75	Grand Sarvajanik Bhat Sabha	Slavery- 107
76	Prarthana Samaj	SWJP- 215, 217
77	Tsarist Russia	SWJP- 220
78	Mulani	Slavery- 103
79	The Dakskina Prize Committee.	Slavery- 122, 127
80	Miscellany about the Church and the Gospels-A Mirror, Kolhapur [A paper]	Slavery- 136
81	State of Agriculture and plight of farmers	Vol 2-  from 30, 51, 57, 64	See Shetkaryacha Asud for the complete analysis on the state of farmers
82	On Infant Marriage in India.	Vol 2- 80
83	On Enforced Widowhood*	Vol 2- 81	Curious may read Chapter 1 of Vol 1 of BAWS for more
84	Cholera epidemic	Slavery- 105
85	Why are farmers so ignorant?	SA- 15
86	On how the establishment of Forest Department led to the downfall of farmers and poor	SA- 19	Jotiba writes: “This Forest Department has risen to such a pinnacle of power that the poor helpless paralyzed farmers have an inch of ground left on earth for their goats to even inhale the wind of the fields.”
87	Intelligence is not hereditary	SA- 29	In an age where even the most radical scientists believed that intelligence is the monopoly of white race and a few privileged classes, here is Jotiba who had denounced the whole argument with potent logic. The scientists like James Watson [one of the discoverers of DNA] would die in shame if they read Jotiba. Curious may refer Dr. Stephen Jay Gould’s ‘The Mismeasure of Man’ to read his scathing attack on intelligence and IQ tests. Interestingly, Prof John Dewey who guided Dr. Ambedkar had also rejected the idea that intelligence is hereditary.  See S.J. Gould’s Ontogeny and Phylogeny [Page 165] for more.
88	On uniqueness of Human Intelligence*	SA- 68	Read from 283 of Vol 9 BAWS to understand Dr. Ambedkar’s powerful argument of ‘Cultivation of Mind’
89	Dand Patta	Slavery- 120	A style of fencing with staves. It is said that Jotiba had learnt this art from Lahujibuva Mang.
90	Marriage	Vol 2- 39, 80, 101
91	On his usage of simple language	Vol 2- from 46
92	What are Meritorious actions?	Vol -2, page 23
93	On Patriotism	SWJP- 221 Slavery- 120
94	On unpractical Patriotism	Slavery- 88
95	Vampire [Daakhini]	Slavery- 70
96	On Tamasha	SA- 53
97	On restricting indecent songs of Kolhatins, Tamashawallas, dramatists	SA- 74
98	On taking proper care of Joginis, Muralis, Aradhinis, Kolhatins and Kasbins*	SA- 74	Jotiba writes, “Our moral government should keep a sharp eye on Joginis, Muralis etc. and organize hospitals for them in each taluk.”  Also see Dr. Ambedkar’s speech, “You must give up your disgraceful profession,” from page 150, Vol-17 III BAWS for more
99	Are rivers really sacred?	SWJP- 237	Jotiba writes: “There are any number of rivers on our planet. All of them eventually meet the sea. How and why then can only one of those rivers be sacred? Does that sacred river ever hesitate to carry dog’s excreta to the sea?”
100	Why are Women superior to Men? And Why are women oppressed?	SWJP- 238

IV] Religion, Theology -Mythologies and Oral legends cited in the works of Jotiba Phule

S.No	Religion, Theology -Mythologies & Oral legends	Source	Remarks
1	Sanskrit	Vol 2- 46, 64, 71, 95-96 Slavery – 84,
2	Shiva*	Slavery- 105	Also see from page 85 of Vol-4 BAWS
3	On the interpretation of the word Dharma*	SWJP- 219	See from page 273 of Vol-5 of BAWS
4	Exploitation in the pretext of Religion	Vol 2- from page 23, 39 Slavery- from 49
5	Baliraja, Baliraja II	Vol 2- 54, 97, 109 Slavery- 79 SA- 34
6	Worship of Baliraja, Dussehra and Shumi tree*	Slavery- 38, 79, 81 SA- 12	Dr. Ambedkar’s Prabuddha Bharat carried a special issue on Mahatma Phule on December 1, 1956. It contains a whole chapter on “Let all troubles and misery go, and the kingdom of Bali come.”
7	Banasura [son of Baliraja]	Slavery- 79-81
8	Lifting of Tali and Har Har Mahadeo	Slavery- 77
9	Khanderao of Jejuri	Vol 2- 62 Slavery- 75, 89
10	Wives of Khanderao- Mhalsai from the Kunbis and Banabai from the Dhangars	SA- 3
11	Jejuri fair	SA- 10
12	Waghyas and Muralis dedicated to Khandoba	Vol 2- 67
13	Pandharpur *	Vol 2- 69 SA-10 [Pandharpur fair]	See Dr. Ambedkar’s speech Pandurang was none other than Buddha in Vol-17[3] BAWS
14	Jesus Christ and missionaries*	Vol 2- 59, 72-73, 82 [schools] Slavery- 73, 100, 107-108, 123 SA- 17, 51, 75	See from page 426 of Vol-5 BAWS for exhaustive analysis of Dr. Ambedkar on Indian Christianity
15	Jesus Christ is the Baliraja of the west	Slavery- 98, 120-122
16	Caste among the Christians*	SA- 54, 61	See from page 426 of Vol-5 BAWS for exhaustive analysis of Dr. Ambedkar on Indian Christianity
17	True religion *	Vol 2- 55, 97	See chapter 1 in Vol-3 of BAWS to read Dr. Ambedkar’s understanding of Religion
18	Brahma philosophy	Vol 2- 95
19	Satyanarayana ritual	SWJP- 221
20	Temple of Mariaai or Rokdoba	SWJP- 221
21	Vangani the holy place	SWJP- 226
22	Parshuram	Multiple references
23	Devas, Daityas/Rakshasas and their history*	Slavery- 39, 89	See chapter 5 of Vol-3 BAWS for Dr. Ambedkar’s interpretation
24	Chandrayaana Prayaschitha	Slavery- 40, 93
25	On Brahma and origin of Chaturvarna*	Slavery- from 63	See Appendix I [The Riddle of the Varnashram Dharma] in Vol-4 of BAWS
26	Shesha-shayee Vishnu	Slavery- 65
27	Narada	Slavery- 66, 96
29	Adi Narayan	Slavery- 70
30	Muslim Tajias	Slavery- 72
31	Virochan	Slavery- 74
32	Bhairobha, Bhairava raga and Daur	Slavery- 76
33	Ajapal	Slavery  – 76	Father of king Dasharatha
34	Tali uchalne	Slavery- 77
35	Bhairoba, Jotiba, Khandoba	Slavery- 77	Chieftains of Baliraja
36	Worship of Mahadeo	Slavery- 78	Jotiba writes: “Shankar – the god of Marathas or Mahars, Mangs, Kunbis, Malis etc.”
37	Observance of ‘Paksha’ or ‘Mahal’ fortnight	Slavery- 78
38	Vindhyawati *	Slavery- 78-79	Queen of Baliraja and her self-immolation or the origin of Sati For Dr. Ambedkar’s comments on Sati, read chapter 1 of Vol-1 of BAWS
39	Kujagiri or Kojagiri (Pournima).	Slavery- 80
40	On the origin of Holi festival	Slavery- 80,111
41	Observance of Bhau Beej	Slavery- 82
42	Tadpatras	Slavery- 84
43	Origin of Upanayana/Brahmasutra*	Slavery- 85	See chapter x of vol-7 BAWS for Dr. Ambedkar’s exhaustive analysis on Upanayana
44	Ravana	Slavery- 89, 96
45	Sapta Asaras	Slavery- 89
46	Marriage of Usha to Pradyumna	Slavery- 91
47	Marriage of Rama and Janaki, Rama’s fight with Parshuram	Slavery- 91, 96
48	Vishwamitra	Slavery- 93, 97
49	Letter to Parshuram by Jotiba Phule	Slavery- 92
50	Sage Bhrigu and Lord Vishnu	Slavery- 94
51	Bengali Black magic	Slavery- 95
52	Soma rasa	Slavery- 95
53	Krishna	Slavery- 96
54	Pandavas and Kaurvas	Slavery- 96
55	Janamejaya	Slavery- 97
56	Vashistha	Slavery- 97	See Vol-7 BAWS to read the conflict between Vashistha and Viswamitra
57	King Sudaman	Slavery- 97
58	Goddesses Lakshmi	Slavery- 103
59	All Bullocks’ Day or Vendur festival	Slavery- 111
60	Festival of Shiral Sheth	Slavery- 111	Jotiba writes: “He is reputed to have been crowned King for three and a half days, but he took so many measures which were beneficial to the farmers.”
61	Sacred Gayatri incantation *	Slavery- 111	See from page 158, Vl-7 BAWS for more
62	Muslim Mullas [Jotiba says: They also despoil their own co-religionists]	Slavery- 112
63	Ritual of garbhadan	SA- 6
64	Chaturthi vows	SA- 6
65	Ganapati/Ganesh Chaturthi	SA- 6-8, 11
66	Maruti temple	SA- 6-8
67	Shubhamangalam	SA- 8
68	Karna	SA- 9	S.S. Rege notes that Dr. Ambedkar was influenced by the story of Karna since childhood.
69	Ramnavami and Hanuman Jayanti	SA- 10
70	Nagpanchami	SA- 10
71	Gagabhati white threads*	SA- 10	Jotiba writes: “The Shudra people had no custom of tying the sacred thread. Gagabhati took gold amounting to his weight to tie the sacred thread on Raja Shivaji; this custom has gone on since then.” Also see from 175 of Vol-7 BAWS for more
72	Yashoda	SA- 11
73	Parvati	SA- 11
74	Rishipanchami	SA- 11
75	Laxmipuja	SA- 12
76	Vijayadashami, tree of Apta	SA- 12
77	Pilgrimage to Alandi	SA- 12	One has to cross river Indrayani to reach Alandi.
78	Tulsi marriage	SA- 13
79	Mahasankranti	SA- 13
80	Mahashivratri	SA- 13
81	Holi puja	SA- 13
82	Pandava-Pratap	SA- 13
83	Satyanarayan puja	SA- 14
84	Legends of Radha and Krishna	SA- 14
85	Dev Malhalkari	SA- 14
86	Swami of Bagalkot	SA- 14
87	Yatras like Bhadra, Kedar, Kashi and Prayag	SA- 15
88	Disciples of Hazrat Mohammad Paigambar	SA- 16, 39
89	Somnath Temple	SA- 16
90	God Bhiroba	SA- 21
91	Pola festival	SA- 23
92	Nimrod the Hunter	SA- 27
93	Yoga	SA- 37
94	Ambika – the demon slayer	SWJP- 229

V] Poems/Abhangs of Mahatma Jotiba Phule

S.No	Poems/Abhangs/Ballads	Source
1	Priestcraft Exposed	Vol 2- from 39-45
2	How the Brahmin officers manage to capture all the posts in the Engineering Department	Slavery- 138
3	About the Craft (crafty nature) of the Marwaris (moneylenders) and Bhats	Slavery- 142
4	A poem about the crafty, cunning and spurious (religious) books of the Brahmins (A contrast between the comfortable lives of the Brahmins and the miserable lives of the Shudras)	Slavery- 143
5	About the ‘Craft’ (craftiness) of the Brahmins and the superstitious nature of the Shudras	Slavery- 145
6	Ballad on Chhatrapati Shivaji	Vol 2- from 46 Slavery- 92
7	Ballad of the Conquered [slaves]	Vol 2- 53
8	A Peasant Woman (Kulambin) [Jotiba contrasts the life of peasant women with that of a Bhat women]	Vol 2- 76-79
9	Our Brahmin-ridden Policy-Educational System	Vol 2- 91
10	A Poem (‘Akhand’) on Truth	Vol 2- 93
11	Advice to the Shudras and Ati-Shudras (‘Akhand’)	Vol 2- 94
12	Song of Praise for Eternal Truth/ (A Hallelujah for Eternal Truth)	Vol 2- 96
13	The Poems (Akhands) given at the end of the book ‘The Universal Religion of Truth’	Vol 2- 97
14	Hypocrisy of the Brahmins	Vol 2- 99
15	The Flame Divine	Vol 2- 99
16	Poems condemning the Practice of Collecting the Local Fund (Cess) from the Shudras	Vol 2- 100
17	Abhangs about The Brahmin Priest-craft	Vol 2- 101
18	The Shudras Duped	Vol 2- 103
19	No spokesman necessary	Vol 2- 103
20	Poem on Truth	Vol 2- 104
21	The Shudras Plight	Vol 2- 104
22	Indian National Congress	Vol 2- 105
23	An Apology Overdue	Vol 2- 105
24	Local Fund	Vol 2- 105
25	Satisfaction	Vol 2- 106
26	Where is Heaven?	Vol 2- 106
27	Socrates	Vol 2- 106
28	Sympathetic Understanding	Vol 2- 106
29	Altruism	Vol 2- 107
30	The Craftiness of the Aryan Bhats	Vol 2- 107
31	Courage or Patience	Vol 2- 108
32	The Shudras Exploited	Vol 2- 108
33	The Blessed one	Vol 2- 108
34	Ethics	Vol 2- 108
35	Self-Introspection	Vol 2- 109
36	The Enlightened People	Vol 2- 109
37	Miscellaneous Abhangs	Vol 2- 101, 103

 

Even a cursory look at the tables throws a flood of light on the workings of the vast mind of Mahatma Jotiba Phule. Clearly, not a single person of his era could come closer to Jotiba when it comes to his intellectual acumen. He defeated the so-called learned men on their own stage with his relentless logic. But what makes Jotiba really great is not his vast acquisition of knowledge per se but the application of that knowledge for the emancipation of the suffering masses. Clearly, Jotiba was a Buddhist who practiced the values of Pradnya, Karuna, and Maitri throughout his life. In this context, it is unsurprising that Dr. Ambedkar regarded Joitba as his guru and revived the spirit of Jotiba-Savitrimai just as he revived the great religion of Buddha.

I earnestly hope that the above list kindles curiosity in the minds of the uninformed to explore the writings of Jotiba Phule and Dr. Ambedkar and will also prove useful to scholars who work on Jotiba Phule and Babasaheb.

~~~

Dr. SPVA Sairam is a Dentist by profession