Zahra Kaleem:The First Muslim Woman MLA in Bihar
By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam
24 December 2025
Zahra Kaleem was Bihar's first Muslim woman MLA in 1946, re-elected in 1957 and 1962. A teacher at AMU, she fought for women's education and rights, inspiring many to break conservatism and participate in public life. She wrote an autobiography in 1986.
Key Point's
· First Muslim woman MLA in Bihar (1946).
· Re-elected as MLA in 1957 and 1962.
· English lecturer at Aligarh Muslim University.
· Strong advocate for women's education and rights.
· Wrote autobiography "Down Memory Lane" in 1986.
"She was a role model for Muslim women in Bihar politics, leading at a time when women's public participation was very limited."
Lost Muslim Heritage of Bihar (A platform working on the heritage of Bihar)
Before independence, the activism and participation of Muslim women in politics were very limited.
Fighting against various restrictions, illiteracy, conservatism, and narrow-mindedness, some fortunate Muslim women succeeded in creating their own distinct identity. This success became an example for many future generations and inspired many other women to make their mark not only in politics but also in other fields.
In 1946, the name of a Muslim woman also came into prominence in Bihar politics. That woman was Zahra Kaleem, who had the distinction of becoming the first Muslim woman Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Bihar.
Zahra Kaleem was born into an affluent and educated family in Bengal. Her father, Advocate Mohammad Hafiz, was a renowned lawyer in Bengal.
Zahra Kaleem's father was a man of modern ideology and was economically and socially well-off. He ensured that his daughter, Zahra Kaleem, received her education in English medium at the prestigious Loreto House in Calcutta.
A person's family background plays a significant role in shaping their character and mental outlook. Zahra Kaleem's educated and affluent family and excellent education established her as an articulate woman with a strong sense of social responsibility.
Zahra Kaleem started her career as an English lecturer at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Her commitment to education encouraged her to advocate for educational reforms in society through politics.
She always believed that:
"Education is not merely a means of obtaining a degree, but a ladder to self-respect and an equal place in society."
As a teacher, she believed that true social reform was possible only through the education of women. She often emphasized that women should pursue education.
Zahra Kaleem was married to Kalimuddin Ahmed, a renowned writer and professor from Patna. Her father-in-law was Dr. Azimuddin Ahmed, a renowned scholar of his time and the head of the Urdu-Persian department at Patna University. The progressive and modern family environment encouraged her to always strive for advancement.
After her marriage, she moved to Patna, where she began to take an interest in social work. She remained continuously involved in social service activities.
In 1946, she contested and won the election from a seat reserved for Muslim women in Patna. Subsequently, in 1957 (in independent India), she was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the second time and became the first Muslim woman MLA of independent India. In 1962, she was re-elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from her former constituency.
As the first Muslim woman MLA of Bihar, she considered politics a means of 'service' rather than 'power'. She believed that
"Leadership requires courage, especially when you are breaking the traditions of a society where it was difficult even for women to step out of their homes."
Zahra Kaleem was a woman with progress
Save ideas. She strived to improve the social status of women. As a woman MLA, she prominently raised issues related to women in the Legislative Assembly and tried to improve the position of women in society.
She believed that a modern India could only be built by breaking free from conservatism. She always encouraged women to come out of purdah and participate in democratic processes. She always used the political platform to advocate for women and raise issues related to them.
She herself had been a teacher, so she understood the importance of education very well and was also concerned about the educational backwardness of women.
In 1986, she wrote her autobiography, “Down Memory Lane: A Pot-Pourri of Reminiscences in B Flat Minor,” which is a rare historical account of a 20th-century Muslim woman's journey through education and politics, and also a unique example of her literary acumen.
Zahra Kaleem proved through her life journey that if women want to progress in life and live with self-respect in society, they must priorities education at all costs.
Zahra Kaleem's legacy and the work she did are remembered with respect by her descendants. Her son, Arif Kaleem, expressed pride in her contributions, saying:
"It is a matter of pride to see my mother's achievements being highlighted even after so many years.”
Zahra Kaleem was primarily a politician, social reformer, and educationist. In all three roles, she made tremendous efforts to ensure that women received their respect and rights.She used her position and power solely for the welfare and progress of women. She was truly an exemplary woman and politician.
Afroz Khan is a teacher by profession who writes on women, politics, communal harmony, and Islam. She holds a master’s degree in Education.
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/zahra-kalaeem-muslim-mla-bihar/d/138140
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