Gulamgiri

Gulamgiri is a seminal work written by the Indian social reformer and revolutionary thinker Jyotirao Phule. First published in 1873, the book is written in Marathi and is a scathing critique of the caste system and the subjugation of lower castes, particularly Dalits, in Indian society. Phule dedicated Gulamgiri to the American slaves who were fighting for their freedom, drawing a parallel between their struggle and the oppression faced by Shudras and Ati-Shudras in India.

The book systematically exposes the historical and social injustices perpetuated by the Brahmanical hierarchy. Phule argues that the caste system is a man-made construct designed to maintain the power and privilege of the upper castes at the expense of the majority. He delves into religious texts and historical narratives, reinterpreting them to challenge the divine sanction often attributed to the caste system. Gulamgiri also highlights the plight of women, particularly within the context of caste oppression, and advocates for their education and empowerment.

Phule's writing style is direct and often polemical, aiming to provoke thought and inspire action among his readers. Gulamgiri is considered a foundational text in the Dalit literature movement and a significant contribution to social reformist thought in India. It continues to be studied for its incisive analysis of social inequality and its powerful call for liberation and human dignity. The book's title itself, meaning "slavery," underscores its central theme of advocating for the emancipation of the oppressed.