Phule, Savitribai (1831–1897)

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Phule, Savitribai (1831–1897)

Indian reformer and educator. Name variations: Savitribai Jotirao Phule. Born Jan 3, 1831, in Satara, India; died Mar 10, 1897, in Pune; dau. of Laxmi and Khandoji Nevse; m. Jyotirao or Jotirao Phule (social reformer), 1840 (died 1890).

With husband, opened the 1st girls' school in India (1848), in Pune; became its head mistress; started a night school for farmers and laborers (1855); opened the well to untouchables (1868); supported the remarriage of widows; died while serving plague victims during an epidemic.