In the context of Indian social thought, Jyotirao Govindrao Phule occupies a distinct and foundational position as one of the most non-traditional and critical scholars who recast history to interrogate the commanding social architecture of his era. Through a critical textual analysis of his writings, primarily Gulamgiri and Shetkaryacha Asud, this paper examines the contemporary significance of Phule’s historical-materialist critique of Brahminical hegemony, religious myth-making, and economic exploitation. It applies this framework to the Musahar community, a Dalit community in Bihar. The study draws on existing empirical field studies, government reports, and news documentation to examine the contemporary lived realities of one of the most marginal communities. The analysis reveals that despite constitutional egalitarianism and protection, Musahars remain structurally marginalised through severe landlessness, bondage labour, educational exclusion, social humiliation and superficial electoral co-optation. In conclusion, the paper explains how Phule’s diagnostic and radical framework, particularly through the concept of Tritiya Ratna, can be applied to achieve the emancipation of the Dalits.