India's 'rebel' Muslim princess who shot tigers and drove a Rolls-Royce

Abida Sultaan was a remarkable figure in Indian history, known for her unique lifestyle and strong personality. She was the eldest daughter of the last Nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan. Unlike many princesses of her time, Abida was not confined to traditional roles. She sported short hair, had a passion for shooting tigers, and excelled in polo. From a very young age, she was adventurous, learning to fly planes and driving a luxurious Rolls-Royce at just nine years old. Born in 1913, Abida came from a lineage of courageous women known as 'begums' who ruled the princely state of Bhopal in British India for over a century. These women were known for challenging societal norms, especially regarding the roles of women in their culture. Abida was determined to break free from the constraints of purdah, a practice that required Muslim women to cover themselves and limit their interactions with men. Instead, she embraced her role as the heir to the throne at the tender age of 15. For over a decade, she played a significant role in her father's cabinet, engaging with prominent freedom fighters and witnessing the turmoil that engulfed India during its partition in 1947, which led to the creation of Pakistan. Abida was groomed for leadership under the strict guidance of her grandmother, Sultan Jehan, who was the ruler of Bhopal. In her autobiography, 'Memoirs of a Rebel Princess,' she recounted her rigorous upbringing, which included waking up at four in the morning to read the Quran, followed by a day filled with various activities. These activities ranged from sports and music to horse riding, alongside household chores like sweeping and cleaning. Abida emphasized the importance of equality in her upbringing, stating, 'We girls were not allowed to feel any inferiority on account of our sex. Everything was equal. ' She enjoyed the same freedoms as boys, allowing her to ride horses, climb trees, and play any games she desired. Even as a child, Abida exhibited a strong-willed nature, resisting her grandmother's attempts to impose purdah on her at the age of 13. Her father's progressive views also played a crucial role in her ability to reject these traditional practices. At the age of 12, Abida was married to her childhood friend, Sarwar Ali Khan, who was the ruler of the neighboring princely state of Kurwai. In her memoir, she humorously described her wedding day, revealing that she was completely unaware that she was the bride until the last moment. While playing with her cousins, her grandmother interrupted and instructed her to prepare for the wedding. Abida entered the wedding chamber without any guidance, pushing aside the gathered women and appearing sulky. Her marriage, however, was short-lived, lasting less than a decade. Abida was not only a skilled polo player but also an accomplished marksman. However, her married life proved to be challenging due to her strict upbringing and lack of understanding about intimate relationships. She candidly shared her feelings of horror and confusion following her wedding night, stating, 'I had not realized that the consummation that followed would leave me so horrified. ' This lack of knowledge ultimately contributed to the breakdown of her marriage. After her marriage ended, Abida returned to Bhopal with her son, Shahryar Mohammad Khan. She faced a difficult custody battle with her husband, which led her to take a bold step one night in March 1935. She drove for three hours to confront him, entered his bedroom, and dramatically declared, 'Shoot me or I will shoot you. ' This courageous act, along with a physical confrontation, helped her resolve the custody dispute. Abida then raised her son as a single mother while managing her responsibilities as the heir to the throne. From 1935 until 1949, she effectively ran the government of Bhopal. She also participated in important round-table conferences organized by the British government to discuss India's future, where she met influential leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who would later become India's first prime minister. Abida witnessed firsthand the growing tensions between Hindus and Muslims, as well as the violence that erupted during India's partition in 1947. In 1950, seeking a better life, she immigrated to Pakistan with her son. In her memoir, she described the discrimination her family faced in Bhopal, where they had lived peacefully for generations but were now treated as outsiders. One particularly haunting memory she shared was of a day when she went to the railway station to welcome Muslim refugees, only to discover that they had all perished. This violence and distrust ultimately compelled her to leave India. In Pakistan, Abida became an advocate for democracy and women's rights through her political career. She passed away in Karachi in 2002. After her departure, her sister was named the heir to the throne in Bhopal. Although Abida's legacy is not as widely discussed today, she is still fondly remembered in Bhopal, where people refer to her as 'bia huzoor. ' Journalist Shams Ur Rehman Alavi, who has researched Bhopal's women rulers, noted, 'But her name isn't likely to be forgotten anytime soon. '