Who was Fatima Sheikh : India’s oft-forgotten feminist icon
Context- Fatima Sheikh, often a lost figure in Indian history, was a pioneering teacher, anti-caste activist, proponent of girls’ education, and social reformer in 19th century Maharashtra. Along with Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule, she started the first girls’ school in the country, in spite of loud, threatening opposition.
Befriending Savitribai and starting a girls’ school in Pune
Fatima Sheikh befriended Savitribai when the two were enrolled in a teachers’ training programme by American missionary Cynthia Farrar. While in the programme, both developed a bond over their politics and mission to educate those who had been traditionally denied knowledge and education
(Credits- Indian Express)
In 1848, Savitribai, Fatima and Jyotirao opened the first school for girls inside the premises of Fatima’s home in Pune. Savitribai and Fatima took on the work of teaching a small group of girls there, with the help of Farrar, who at the time was based in Ahmednagar. Other schools for Dalits and women followed, with Fatima and Savitribai going to individual families across the town in attempts to persuade them into enrolling their children.
Standing firm amidst fervent opposition
However, in Pune, a conservative bastion of Marathi culture and tradition, the very act of trying to educate the underprivileged caused uproar. It is said that the two women would often have stones and pieces of dung thrown at them while walking in the streets.
An elusive figure
Unfortunately, many details of Fatima Sheikh’s life and pioneering work have been lost. Unlike the Phules, who left behind a treasure trove of literature in the form of personal diaries, notes, letters, poems and books, no surviving documents of Fatima Sheikh are available today.
Who was Savitribai Phule?
- A Dalit woman from the Mali community, Savitribai was born on January 3, 1831, in Maharashtra’s Naigaon village. Married off at the tender age of 10, her husband Jyotirao Phule is said to have educated her at home. Later, Jyotirao admitted Savitribai to a teachers’ training institution in Pune.
- At a time when it was considered unacceptable for women to even attain education, the couple went on to open a school for girls in Bhidewada, Pune, in 1848. This became the country’s first girls’ school.
- She was a pioneer who challenged oppressive social norms in her quest for women’s education, equality and justice, Savitribai Phule is formally recognised as India’s first woman teacher.
Phule’s role as a social reformer, beyond education
- Along with Jyotirao, Savitribai started the Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha (‘Home for the Prevention of Infanticide’) for pregnant widows facing discrimination.
- Savitribai Phule also advocated inter-caste marriages, widow remarriage, and eradication of child marriage, sati and dowry systems, among other social issues.
- In 1873, the Phules set up the Satyashodhak Samaj (‘Truth-seekers’ society’), a platform open to all, irrespective of their caste, religion or class hierarchies, with the sole aim of bringing social equity.
- The couple also set up ‘Balyata Pratibandak Gruha’, a childcare centre for the protection of pregnant widows and rape victims. Urging women to break free of caste barriers, Savitribai encouraged them to sit together at her meetings.
- Setting an extraordinary example of living a life of compassion, service and courage, Savitribai became involved in relief work during the 1896 famine in Maharashtra and the 1897 Bubonic plague.
Conclusion – Fatima Sheikh and Savitribai Phule were great social reformers, their legacy will be remembered for all the years to come.
Source- Indian Express
NEWS- Who was Fatima Sheikh : India’s oft-forgotten feminist icon
Syllabus- GS-1; Historical Personalities
