Savitri Bai Phule

India's first female teacher who pioneered women's education in 19th century

In 1848, Savitri Bai Phule (1831-1897) defied caste norms by opening India's first school for girls in Pune. This Dalit reformer:

• Established 18 schools despite violent opposition
• Initiated "Satya Shodhak" (Truth Seeker) marriage reform movement
• Opened care center for pregnant rape survivors in 1863

Her bal-hatya pratibandhak griha (infanticide prevention home) saved hundreds of widows' children. Phule co-authored "Kavya Phule", first Marathi poetry book by Indian woman, challenging Brahminical literary traditions.