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Remembering Abida Sultaan: A Trailblazer of Bhopal

Abida Sultaan, the firstborn of the last Nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan, was not your usual royal figure. Breaking societal norms, she displayed a vibrant and adventurous spirit that distinguished her from traditional expectations of a princess.

Born in 1913, Abida Sultaan hailed from a lineage of strong women known as ‘begums,’ who led the princely state of Bhopal in northern India for over a century. From an early age, she defied the constraints often placed on women, particularly Muslim women, by opting out of purdah, a practice of seclusion. By the age of 15, she was already positioned as heir apparent to the throne.

Her upbringing was unorthodox, with her grandmother Sultan Jehan instilling a rigorous education that included not just academics but also sports, music, and practical chores. Reflecting on her childhood, Abida noted, “We girls were not allowed to feel any inferiority on account of our sex. Everything was equal,” highlighting an environment where girls had the same freedoms as boys.

Abida’s rebellious nature surfaced early when she resisted her grandmother’s efforts to enforce purdah. Her determination, combined with her father’s progressive mindset, allowed her to maintain her independence throughout her life.

At just 12 years old, she entered the world of marriage, tying the knot with her childhood friend Sarwar Ali Khan, the ruler of Kurwai. In her memoir, she recounted her bewilderment at inadvertently becoming a bride, describing the comical situation where she was called to dress for a wedding without prior notice of her role. The marriage, however, was short-lived, lasting less than a decade.

Abida faced significant challenges in her married life, grappling with the emotional and cultural expectations of intimacy. She candidly shared her experiences in her autobiography, revealing how her lack of understanding around the marital relationship led to profound discomfort and contributed to the dissolution of her marriage.

Following the separation, Abida returned to Bhopal, where a contentious custody battle over her son, Shahryar, ensued. In a dramatic move, she confronted her husband with a revolver, compelling him to yield in the custody dispute and thereby taking on the role of a single mother while continuing her responsibilities to the state.

Throughout the late 1930s and into the 1940s, she was actively involved in the political landscape of India, engaging with key figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and the Nehru family during critical constitutional discussions. She witnessed firsthand the increasing sectarian tensions leading up to and following the partition of India in 1947, a period marked by significant violence and bloodshed.

Abida’s move to Pakistan in 1950 marked a new chapter in her life. As she navigated the complex realities of being a refugee, she remained a vocal advocate for democracy and women’s rights within her new home. Tragically, she passed away in Karachi in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and empowerment.

While her sister ascended to the throne after her departure, Abida’s influence persists. Although her story seems overshadowed by contemporary religious politics, she remains a significant figure in the history of Bhopal. Journalist Shams Ur Rehman Alavi, who has studied the women rulers of Bhopal, remarks, “Her name isn’t likely to be forgotten anytime soon.” This sentiment underscores Abida Sultaan’s enduring impact on the narrative of women’s empowerment in South Asia.

Source
www.bbc.com