EXAMINING THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH THE EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES OF BEGUM ROKEYA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abstract:
The 19th century witnessed a Renaissance, not only in Bengal but also throughout India. The Renaissance movement had its origins in Bengal, spearheaded by Raja Rammohan Roy, and was subsequently carried further by realists like Vidyasagar, Keshab Chandra Sen, and several more. The sentiments of reformation had an impact on both Hindu and Muslim Bengali societies. The reformation movement within the Muslim community started in the late 19th century and endured until the early 20th century. Begum Rokeya was a prominent figure within the Muslim community in Bengal before its division. She was a member of a collective of women referred to as Bengali 'bhadramahila', a term similar to "New Women" created by Virginia Woolf. She dedicated her life to emancipating Muslim women, who were obligated to adhere to rigorous Islamic customs such as purdah and others. She recognised the importance for Muslim women to capitalise on the educational possibilities available in the contemporary day. She played a key role in the history of girls' education in India, displaying fearlessness and indifference towards the severe accusations of religious leaders from the Muslim community (Maulabis). This dissertation aims to conduct a thorough analysis of Begum Rokeya's educational concepts and her significant role in promoting women's education in Bengal during the British colonial period.