Sultana Ansari's Bazm-e-Khwateen: Uplifting Women in India
By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam
10 October 2025
The Ansari family of Lucknow, rooted in Firangi Mahal, fought for India's freedom. Sultana Hayat Ansari, inspired by Gandhi, founded Bazm-e-Khwateen in 1934 to empower women through education, vocational training, and support, a legacy continued by her daughter-in-law, Begum Shahnaz Sidrat.
Main Points:
1. Ansari family of Lucknow, linked to Firangi Mahal, fought British rule.
2. Sultana Hayat Ansari, inspired by Gandhi, championed women's rights.
3. Founded Bazm-e-Khwateen in 1934 to empower women.
4. Provided education, vocational training, and support to women.
5. Legacy continues under Begum Shahnaz Sidrat.
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There have been many Muslim families in our country India whose generations have played a significant role in bringing about comprehensive reforms in the society from the time of India's independence till after independence. The Tayyabji family, the Kidwai family, the Mohani family, the Johar Brothers, and the Qadri family are some well-known examples.
Similarly, there was a prominent family of Lucknow which started the fight against the British and even today they are actively working for the upliftment of women.
The Ansari family of Lucknow traces its roots to the Firangi Mahal, the same palace that produced many enlightened citizens and freedom fighters for Indian society. It has been a refuge for many scholars.
Hayatullah Ansari, a freedom fighter associated with the Firangi Mahal, was also a prominent figure. His wife, Sultana Hayat Ansari, also participated actively in the freedom movement and gained fame for her work on women's welfare.
During the freedom movement, Firangi Mahal was a gathering place for many well-known personalities. Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abdul Bari, Mufti Raza Ansari, Hayatullah Ansari, and many other famous people used to visit there.
Sultana Hayat Ansari was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. Be it the Swadeshi Movement or the Khilafat Movement led by Gandhiji, she actively participated in every movement and also worked to ensure the participation of women from all communities in the movement.
Sultana Ansari was also deeply concerned about the low status of women in society. She was disturbed by the illiteracy, gender inequality, economic dependence, and domestic violence prevalent among women.
To improve the status of women in society, she founded a women's organisation called "Bazm-e-Khwateen " in 1934.
This organisation worked to support women on many levels. It discussed every issue related to women and provided guidance. Bazm-e-Khwateen provided women with appropriate support to improve their education percentage. Concrete efforts were made to eliminate gender inequality prevalent in society.
Counselling and legal advice were provided to women suffering from domestic violence. To empower destitute and widowed women and make them economically self-reliant, they were provided with appropriate support, training, and shelter.
Vocational training was also provided to economically weak and poor women by this organisation so that they could become financially independent.
Apart from this, the work of reviewing the participation of women in nation building and ensuring their participation was also done. In the meetings of this organisation, women used to discuss their thoughts, problems, and development issues and also exchange ideas.
This organisation also organises poetry sessions and training programmes for women from time to time.
Under the leadership of Sultana Hayat Ansari, many women started joining this organisation. Meetings of this organisation were held every month in the “Janana Park” of Lucknow.
Famous female teacher Fatima Sheikh and freedom fighter Aruna Asif Ali also participated in these meetings.
Sultana Ansari herself not only led these meetings but also guided women on domestic matters, marital discord, and financial difficulties.
Sultana Ansari led this organisation from 1934 to 1992. This organisation shaped the future of many women, made them self-reliant, and provided them with a respectable life. After the death of Sultana Ansari in 1992, her daughter-in-law Begum Shahnaz Sidrat took over the leadership of Bazm-e-Khwateen .
As a result of the tireless hard work of Sultana Ansari, this organisation is still actively working under the leadership of her daughter-in-law, and even today this organisation is continuously striving for the bright future of women.
Sultana Ansari's Bazm-e-Khwateen organisation is one of India's oldest organisations, still operating successfully today.
Sultana Ansari was a social activist who championed women's rights, but her efforts have not received their due recognition in history. She has done commendable work on the ground for women's rights. She has transformed the lives of many women.
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Afroz Khan is a teacher by profession, focusing on writings about women and Islam. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/sultana-bazm-e-khwateen-india/d/137175
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