THE STUDY OF CONTRIBUTION OF RAJARSHI CHHATRAPATI SHAHUJI MAHARAJ IN WOMEN EDUCATION

Abstract

Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, a great king of his own kind is considered to be more of a social reformer than a king. Shahu Maharaj was crowned as a King of Kolhapur State, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj was one of the most prominent revolutionary reformers of Maharashtra. He was considered a benevolent king because he was in favor of the cause of social reform. Maharashtrian society is an eco- politicalcultural system based on certain ideologies, which is patriarchal in nature and whose mission is to impose a male hierarchy in almost all spheres of life and women are marginalized, excluded and dominated. He sought the best solution to the question of what education is; it could empower women. For this he established girls' colleges and hostels and gave scholarships to girls. He also tried to implement social changes that would introduce laws. He wanted to bring equality between men and women. It can give women a respected status and enable them to live with dignity, honor and sociality. He did not stop his efforts towards the state of Kolhapur but extended it to the whole of Maharashtra (Niraj Varma and Akhilesh). Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj laid the foundation for women's education by introducing free and compulsory primary education for women. Not stopping at this, Shahu Maharaj sent women to Mumbai and Pune for education in order to get quality education. He was also tried to get education for all women of any religion and castes. Along with women's education, laws related to widows and women oppression were made. His contribution was not only to women education but also in the empowerment of women. Thus, it is important froma historical perspective and social significance.