Ramabai Ranade Biography 
Ramabai Ranade was one among the first women's rights activists in the 19th century. She is known as a social worker. She was the wife of Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, who encouraged her to study at a time when women were not allowed to read or write. He supported her in all social activities as well. She is the founder of 'Hindu Ladies Social Club' in Mumbai to develop public speaking among women. She has done a lot of social activities for the uplift of women and also the co-founder and President of 'Seva Sadan Society' in Pune, a successful institution for women. Her autobiography - Amachya Ayushyatil Athavani was written in Marathi.
She was born in Kurlekar family in Maharashtra in1862. In 1873, she was married to Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade at the age of 11. As her parents didn’t educate her, Mahadev taught her to read and write. Though he faced opposition from his family itself, he dedicated his time to make her literate and socially stable. He taught her Marathi, History, Geography, Mathematics and English. Later too, with his support, she became of one of the earliest women’s rights activists who started many educational and social institutions for women. Mahadev too was against untouchability, child marriage and Sati and worked in association with Sarvajanik Sabha and several social programs.
Ramabai made her first public appearance at Nasik High School and very soon mastered the art of speech in English and Marathi languages. Her speeches were always simple and heart-touching. As a woman activist, her first works were in association with Prarthana Samaj in Mumbai and very soon, she started a branch of Arya Mahila Samaj in the city. She was most active in social work during the period - 1893 to 1901. She started Hindu Ladies Social and Literary Club in Mumbai and started several programs to teach women tailoring, hand work and languages. After the death of her husband, it affected her work as well. Though everyone appreciated her social work and abilities, she always preferred to remain in the shadow of her husband.
Published: N/A
Updated: December 28, 2013
