The British Presence in India and Its Impact on the Education of Muslim Women: A Case Study of Reformist Efforts

Document Type : Research/Original/Reqular Article

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of History and Civilization of Islamic Nations, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The establishment of British colonial rule in India (1857–1947) precipitated widespread changes within Muslim society, particularly in the field of education. The introduction of a British-style educational system, perceived by many Muslims as incompatible with Islamic and cultural norms, initially received limited acceptance. A particularly contentious issue was the education of Muslim women-an area that generated divergent opinions among Muslim reformers. While prominent figures such as Sir Sayyid Aḥmad Khān, a foundational thinker of Islamic modernism in South Asia, opposed modern education for women, a parallel movement of reformist Muslims emerged who advocated for female education as a means to elevate both familial and societal conditions. These advocates pursued multiple strategies, including the publication of reformist periodicals and the composition of novels emphasizing the necessity of educating women. Their efforts contributed to a gradual recognition of the right to education for Muslim women, culminating in the founding of the Aligarh Muslim Women’s College-the first major educational institution dedicated to Muslim women in colonial India. This article investigates the intellectual, social, and institutional dynamics of this reformist endeavor within the broader context of British India.

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References

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Publications:
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Iranian Journal for the History of Islamic Civilization
Volume 57, Issue 2
February 2025
Pages 134-156

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 05 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 19 January 2025

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