Jyotiba Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth Seekers’ Society) in 1873, with the leadership of the samaj coming from the backward classes, malis, telis, kunbis, saris and dhangars.
The main objective of Satyashodhak Samaj was liberating the lower castes and protecting them from exploitation and atrocities.
The main aims of the movement were (i) social service, and (ii) spread of education among women and lower caste people.
Phule’s works, Sarvajanik Satyadharma and Gulamgiri, became sources of inspiration for the common masses.
Satya Shodhak Samaj