BEGUM SULTAN

Recently, the death anniversary of Begum Sultan Jahan was observed.
She was a Philanthropist, Prolific writer, Feminist, Symbol of Women Empowerment, First female Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.

Important points

Birth: In 1858 (Bhopal).

She was the last Begum of Bhopal. Ruled from 1909 to 1926 after which she was succeeded by her son.
Fourth female ruler of Bhopal.
Set up the municipality system, introduced municipal elections and constructed a walled city and a palace for herself.
Took steps for improving public health, sanitation, and water supply in the walled city and implemented widespread vaccination drives for its residents.

Feminist Icon:

Her progressive policies for women, at a time when they were shackled by the forces of patriarchy, have made her a feminist icon even today.
Constructed a Meeting Hall for Ladies in Lahore in 1913.
Organised an exhibition called ‘Numaish Masunuaat e Hind’ in Bhopal to encourage women and promote handicrafts.
Established the Sultan Jahan Endowment Trust with a corpus of Rs three lakhs for helping needy students.
Funded a Madrasa in Deoband (UP), Nadwatul Uloom in Lucknow and even Madarsa Sultania in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Institutions such as Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi and some renowned colleges in Bombay and Calcutta received generous grants from her.

Educationist:

Authored 41 books, translated a number of English books into Urdu.
Authored a book, Dars-e-Hayat, about the education and parenting of young girls.
Revamped the syllabus and added subjects such as English, Urdu, Arithmetic, Home Science and crafts of the Sultania School she started.
Started a nursing school called Lady Minto Nursing School.
She was the first women chancellor of AMU (Aligarh Muslim University).
During AMU’s centenary celebrations in December 2020, the Prime paid tribute to Begum Jahan and her contribution to the historic institution.

Death: 12th May 1930.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT

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