Abida Sultaan, the rebellious Muslim princess in British India

The BBC recently profiled Abida Sultaan, highlighting the extraordinary life of this princess who defied the norms of her time. Born in 1913 into the royal family of Bhopal, a princely state in northern India, Abida distinguished herself by her willingness to break conventions. In addition to wearing short hair, hunting tigers, and driving her own Rolls-Royce as a child, she refused to conform to purdah, a tradition that requires women to cover themselves and live apart from others. men.

At just 15 years old, Abida took over as head of her father’s cabinet, while participating in the movements for Indian independence. In her memoir, “Memoirs of a Rebel Princess,” she describes her strict upbringing that made no distinction between the sexes, emphasizing equality and freedom.

Married at a young age, she quickly saw her marriage fail, an experience that she relates with candid lucidity, thus challenging the stereotypes surrounding Muslim women. Her determination was demonstrated when she courageously claimed custody of her son after a daring confrontation with her husband.

Witnessing the violence after the partition of India in 1947, Abida emigrated to Pakistan in 1950, where she continued to work for women’s rights and democracy. Although its influence has been somewhat eroded by political changes, it remains a symbol of resistance and courage in Bhopal, where it is still affectionately called “bia huzoor”.

Her exceptional career is part of a line of women leaders who have marked the history of Bhopal. For more than a century, this dynasty of “begums” (Muslim princesses) governed this state with a progressive vision, encouraging the education of women and their emancipation. The legacy of Abida, who died in 2002 in Karachi, continues to inspire new generations, although current political and religious tensions sometimes tend to obscure this unique story of female leadership in Muslim lands.

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