Breaking Stereotypes: Life and Works of Begum Rashid Jahan, Ismat Chugtai and Begum Khurshid Mirz

Abstract

In the west, 19th century witnessed various social reform movements like
movement against slavery, fight for public schools, humane prisons, greater
political representation and the movement for women’s civil, political and
economic rights. Indian society during 19th century was experiencing political
transition and by becoming Britain’s colony India began to experience the
impact of western ideas on its society as well. One such impact was that of
feminism which demanded greater social, economic and political rights for
women all over the world. Indian society was dominantly patriarchal in nature
and so, these western ideals of women freedom and social equality were not
very much welcomed among the masses of India. During the late 19th century and
the early 20th century there were a few brave women who broke the customs,
taboos and social stereotypes and set an example of courage and bravery. These
women at that time came out of seclusion and became active on the social
podium. In this article the courage and bravery of some of those Muslim women
is presented and how they became an example and symbol of female social
liberation during early 20th century in Indian Subcontinent.