AIZAZ RASUL (1909–2001)
Born into the princely family of Malerkotla, Begum Aizaz Rasul emerged as one of the most remarkable women leaders of pre- and post-independence India. Married at a young age to Nawaab Aizaz Rasul, a young landowner, she became actively involved in politics at a time when few women, especially from the Muslim aristocracy, stepped into public life.
With the enactment of the Government of India Act of 1935, both she and her husband joined the All-India Muslim League and entered the electoral sphere. In the 1937 provincial elections, Begum Rasul was elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, marking the beginning of her distinguished political journey.
She was the only Muslim woman member of the Constituent Assembly of India, where she played a critical role in the debates on minority rights. Her political career extended well beyond independence. She was elected to the Rajya Sabha (1952–1956) and later served multiple terms in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly (1969–1989). Over time, her perspective on Muslim political representation evolved. When invited to a convention discussing Muslim reservations in legislatures and services, she responded with concern:
"As communal feelings have grown and the concept of Hindutva has gained popularity, it is time now to think anew of how to improve the educational and socio-economic conditions of Muslims." Begum Rasul also made significant contributions to women’s sports in India, particularly hockey. She served as President of the Indian Women’s Hockey Federation for over two decades and later led the Asian Women’s Hockey Federation, working tirelessly to promote women's participation in
sports.
Defying many traditional norms, including the purdah system, Begum Rasul became a symbol of progressive Muslim womanhood. Her autobiography, From Purdah to Parliament, is a compelling narrative of her life, offering rare insights into the personal and political struggles of a Muslim woman in India’s transformative years. To quote her ‘There was much propaganda against me, especially a ‘Fatwa’ by the Ulemas that it was un Islamic to vote for a non-purdah Muslim woman.’
Begum Aizaz Rasul remains a pioneering figure in Indian constitutional history, remembered for her commitment to democratic values, minority rights, women's empowerment, and national integration.
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