Without Phules, India would not have had a feminist movement: Kancha Ilaiah on ‘Phule’ controversy

The Central Board of Film Certification’s recent recommendations to the movie ‘Phule’ has garnered a lot of controversy. The CBFC has recommended changes to the movie based on 19th century social reformers and anti-caste activists Jyotirba and Savitribai Phule. This movie and by extension the push away from recognising and honouring Indian history and anti-caste discourse prompts a discussion. Who were the Phules and why is a feminist movement in India unimaginable without them? Dr Kancha Ilaiah discusses all this in a detailed interview with TNM’s Anjana Meenakshi.