From Purdah to Parliament: India’s forgotten Muslim woman in Constitution-making who warned against separate electorates, strengthening equality, unity, and democratic values in free India
NEW DELHI — As preparations begin for India’s 77th Republic Day, attention is slowly returning to a name missing from popular history — Begum Aizaz Rasul, the only Muslim woman member of the Constituent Assembly. At a time when religion-based politics was strong, she stood firmly against separate electorates for Muslims and spoke for equal rights for all citizens, leaving a deep mark on the foundations of the Indian Constitution.
Begum Aizaz Rasul, born on 2 April 1909, entered public life when politics was dominated by men. Her presence in the Constituent Assembly itself was a major step forward for women, especially Muslim, in a deeply conservative society.
A senior historian said, “Her role shows that Muslim women were not silent observers. They helped shape modern India with courage and clarity.”
Begum Aizaz Rasul, whose full name was Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul, began her political journey at a young age. In 1937, she was elected to the United Provinces Assembly, present-day Uttar Pradesh, from a general seat. At that time, winning a non-reserved seat was rare for women.
She later became Deputy Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly and, after Independence, served as Leader of the Opposition. Her rise challenged the belief that women should remain behind walls and away from public life.
A former legislator from Uttar Pradesh said, “She proved that women could lead with strength and wisdom, even in difficult times.”
In 1946, when the Constituent Assembly was formed, Begum Aizaz Rasul entered as a member of the Muslim League. Still, she did not speak only as a religious representative. She chose to speak as an Indian citizen.
On the issue of a national language, she supported Hindustani, a blend of Hindi and Urdu, saying it reflected India’s shared culture. She also spoke strongly for effective fundamental rights and fair compensation in property matters.
One of her speeches recorded in the assembly debates states, “If we want a united nation, we must stop dividing people on the basis of religion.”
Her most remembered stand came when the question of separate electorates for Muslims was discussed. At a time when many leaders supported religion-based political rights, Begum Aizaz Rasul openly opposed the idea.
She warned the assembly that politics based on religion would weaken national unity. She believed that equality could not come from separation but from shared citizenship.
A constitutional scholar explained, “Her stand was brave. She spoke against her own party line because she believed separate electorates would harm India.”
After Independence and the end of the Muslim League, Begum Aizaz Rasul joined the Congress party. She later became a Rajya Sabha member and stayed active in Uttar Pradesh politics for many years.
Beyond politics, she also served Indian sports. She led the Indian Women’s Hockey Federation and later headed the Asian Women’s Hockey Federation, supporting women athletes at a time when they received little attention.
In recognition of her public service, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Bhushan.
Begum Aizaz Rasul’s life stands as proof that Indian Muslims played a constructive role in building the nation. Her belief in equal rights, unity, and dignity remains relevant today, when debates around religion and citizenship continue.
Her autobiography, From Purdah to Parliament, reflects her journey and ideas in her own words.
A women’s rights activist said, “She showed that faith and democracy can walk together without conflict.”
As India celebrates another Republic Day, remembering Begum Aizaz Rasul is not just about the past. It is about recognising a Muslim woman who chose unity over division and equality over fear, helping shape the soul of the Indian Constitution.
