Indian Heritage & Culture
Begum Sultan Jahan
- 28 May 2021
- 3 min read
Why in News
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.
Key Points
- Birth: In 1858 (Bhopal).
- Ruler of 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.
- She was the last Begum of Bhopal. Ruled from 1909 to 1926 after which she was succeeded by her son.
- 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.
- Philanthropist:
- 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.
