Phule’s Legacy in Verse: Revitalizing Ballad Art for Art-Integrated Learning

 Phule’s Legacy in Verse: Revitalizing Ballad Art for Art-Integrated Learning

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule (jayanti: April 11, 2026) harnessed traditional Marathi ballads, known as Powadas, as a potent tool for raising social awareness and confronting the caste system, which celebrated compassion and equality. He employed these cultural expressions to connect directly with the lower castes, Bahujans, and Dalits, advocating for education and social reform, thereby making his efforts accessible to a broader audience.

The ballad Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle yancha Powada, penned in 1869, showcased the courage and inclusive leadership of Shivaji Maharaj, aiming to instill pride and unity among marginalized communities by portraying a king who championed the rights of all people.

The ballad Manav Muhammad or Abhang, which he incorporated into his extensive poetic works, centered on humanity and the universal brotherhood of man, striving to mend societal divisions.

Today, his ballad poems can be found in his comprehensive collection of poetic works, promoting a fresh understanding of social rights and justice. There is a pressing need to create and utilize ballad poems to convey modern curricular content, teaching students with musical and kinesthetic intelligence, as well as integrating art into learning for both cognitive and non-cognitive benefits for school students.