Ravivallabha

19th century Indian social reformer who modernized education for women

Ravivallabha (1827-1898) was a visionary educator from Madras Presidency who pioneered women's education in South India. As principal of the Madras Native Female Institution (1852-1887), he transformed it into a model for modern education by introducing science subjects and English language instruction. His 1868 report argued for co-educational systems and teacher training programs, influencing India's educational policies.

Ravivallabha established the first women's hostel in Madras (1875) and founded the Indian Women's Literary Society. His controversial 1882 proposal for girls' vocational training sparked national debate. The reformer's 1893 book Education as Liberation remains a foundational text in gender studies.

Today, the Ravivallabha Educational Trust operates schools across Tamil Nadu. Historian Dr. Meera Nair writes, 'His progressive ideas about women's intellectual capacity challenged Brahminical norms and predated similar movements in Europe.'