Educational Resilience: Muslim Women in Bengal Amidst the Historical Shifts of 1905-1919

Abstract

The partition of Bengal in 1905 and its subsequent reunification in 1911 is a significant chapter in the history of the region. This abstract delves into the specific focus on the education of Muslim women during the years spanning from 1905 to 1919. The partition had far-reaching effects on socio-economic, political, and educational aspects, with substantial consequences for the education of Muslim women playing a pivotal role in a nation’s progress and development. Those who have advanced education and harnessed technology have contributed significantly to the prosperity of their country. Education is a fundamental human right, irrespective of gender. During British colonial rule, several initiatives were undertaken to enhance the educational system in Bengal, leading to a transformation of traditional education through the formation of an Education Commission. Initially, due to the policies imposed by the British educational system, Muslims faced challenges. However, with time, they became more aware of their rights and, acknowledging their past errors, started embracing Western education. It wasn’t until the 1930s that both Hindu and Muslim women began showing interest in English and Western education. This article aims to provide a concise overview of the state of Muslim women’s education in the early 20th century following the partition of Bengal and to illustrate the progress in education since that time.