Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 356

Where did Begum Rokeya Sakhawat started school for Muslim girls

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context and the regions where Begum Rokeya was active.

Correct Answer: A) Patna and Calcutta.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain was a prominent Bengali Muslim feminist, writer, and educator who played a significant role in advocating for women's education and social reform in India during the early 20th century. She was born in 1880 in Rangpur, which is now part of Bangladesh, and was deeply influenced by her brother, who encouraged her to pursue education despite the societal norms of the time.

Rokeya Sakhawat's efforts to promote women's education were driven by her belief that education was essential for women's empowerment and social progress. She recognized that the lack of educational opportunities for women was a major barrier to their advancement and sought to address this issue through the establishment of schools for Muslim girls.

In 1911, she founded the Sakhawat Memorial Girls' School in Patna, which was one of the first schools for Muslim girls in the region. This school aimed to provide quality education to girls and to challenge the prevailing social norms that restricted women's access to education. The school was named in honor of her late husband, Sakhawat Hossain, who had supported her educational and social reform efforts.

In 1916, Rokeya Sakhawat established another school for Muslim girls in Calcutta, which was then the capital of British India. This school, known as the Mahila Vidyalaya, was also dedicated to providing education to girls and promoting their social and intellectual development. The establishment of these schools in both Patna and Calcutta reflects Rokeya Sakhawat's commitment to expanding educational opportunities for women across different regions.

Rokeya Sakhawat's contributions to women's education and social reform were significant and continue to be recognized today. Her efforts to establish schools for Muslim girls in Patna and Calcutta were part of a broader movement to promote women's rights and empowerment in India. Her legacy as a feminist and educator has inspired many others to continue the work of promoting women's education and social progress.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Begum Rokeya Sakhawat established schools for Muslim girls in both Patna and Calcutta. She recognized the importance of education for women and worked to promote literacy and empowerment in these two cities.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Begum Rokeya Sakhawat did not establish schools for Muslim girls in Lahore. Her educational efforts were concentrated in Patna and Calcutta.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Begum Rokeya Sakhawat did not establish schools for Muslim girls in Delhi. Her educational initiatives were focused on Patna and Calcutta.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. While Begum Rokeya Sakhawat did establish a school in Patna, she also established a school in Calcutta. Therefore, the correct answer includes both cities.

Mnemonic: P&C for Patna and Calcutta

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