Pavitra Naidu- Week 3


Seeking Begumpura

Seeking Begumpura is an excellent collation of great literary figures like Kabir, Ravidas, Phule, Ramabai and Ambedkar. Its description of dalit-bhaujan and striking ideals of casteless classless society promise an independent India which would be development- oriented, socialist, democratic and thriving.

In, Phule Remebering the Kingdom of Bali, the author gives a very descriptive biography of Jotirao Phule by focussing on the asura- King Bali and his just rule. The chapter begins with setting record straight on Jotirao Phule’s name and its anatomy. Then it continues to inform us of the humble background of Phule which was a key component of his inspiration and the fuel behind the radical ideas of casteless society.

The author explains the unique stand of Phule on the various religions. His reasoning behind forceful Islamic conversions as a way of liberalization astounds me to say the least. Phule’s analogy of Aryans and Avatar of Vishnu is well crafted to make us understand how Aryans were the real invaders who were motivated by the vision of wealth and lead to slavery in India.

Phule has openly disregarded his Brahmin- comrades who wished to revolutionise Hinduism to be more accepting of the Dalits, for he staunchly believed it was a façade put up to sound more progressive. He even refused to accept fellow Dalit reformers like Krishnarao Bhalekar who presented a diluted version of Phule’s ideologies. Phule always stressed on mass education as key to uplift the oppressed masses. He believed that skill development of artisans, peasantry and the labour class would take India forward in the direction of development and prosperity.    

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