Consider the following statements regarding the Satyashodhak Samaj.
1. It was primarily aimed at challenging the Brahminical dominance and promoting equality for lower castes.
2. It worked towards universal education for women and lower castes.
3. The Samaj promoted the idea of untouchability as a necessary social custom.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Only two
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seekers' Society), founded by Jyotirao Phule in 1873, was primarily an anti-caste movement aimed at challenging the Brahminical dominance and liberating the lower castes (Shudras and Ati-Shudras) from social and religious slavery.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Samaj emphasized that education was the key to emancipation. It worked extensively toward providing universal access to education for women and marginalized communities, with Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule, establishing some of India's first schools for girls and Dalits.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Far from promoting it, the Samaj was a vocal critic of untouchability. It aimed to abolish the caste system entirely and advocated for the human rights and dignity of those labeled as "untouchables".
• The core philosophy of the Samaj was built on rational thinking, social equality, and a direct relationship with God without the need for priestly intermediaries.
Information Booster:
• The motto of the Samaj was "Sarvasakshi Jagatpati, tyala nako madyashtee" (The Lord of the universe is the sole witness, so no intermediary is needed).
• Jyotirao Phule's famous work, Gulamgiri (Slavery), published in 1873, compared the condition of lower castes in India to the slavery of Black people in the United States.
Additional Knowledge:
Leaders of the Samaj
• While Jyotirao Phule was the founder and first president, Savitribai Phule led the women's wing and continued the movement after his death.
• In the early 20th century, the movement was revived and strengthened by Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur.
Social Reforms
• The Samaj introduced Satyashodhak marriage ceremonies, which were conducted without Brahmin priests and involved simple vows of equality.
• It also worked for the welfare of widows and established an orphanage to prevent infanticide.
Anti-Caste Legacy
• The ideals of the Satyashodhak Samaj laid the intellectual foundation for later movements, including those led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Self-Respect Movement of Periyar in South India.