Social media reacts as historian denies India’s first Muslim woman teacher, Fatima Sheikh, with evidence pouring in
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — In a stunning turn of events, Professor Dilip Mandal, a prominent writer, journalist, and media advisor to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is facing widespread condemnation for his controversial claim that Fatima Sheikh, India’s first Muslim female teacher, was a fictional character he himself created.
Mandal, known for his bold opinions and public statements, sparked a furious response across social media platforms after he denied the existence of Fatima Sheikh, who is widely recognised for her contributions to the education of girls in 19th-century India. Mandal’s assertion that he invented the character of Fatima Sheikh is now being challenged by historical evidence and an outraged public.
On January 9, as Google honoured Fatima Sheikh on what would have been her 194th birthday with a special doodle, Mandal took to social media to dispute her existence. In a tweet that has since gone viral, he declared, “Forgive me. In reality, there was no person named Fatima Sheikh. This is not a historical character. This is my creation. My achievement. This is my mistake, and if you want to curse someone for this, curse me.”
His comments, especially given their timing on Sheikh’s birth anniversary, sparked a massive outcry. Many users and historians quickly pointed to evidence disproving Mandal’s claims, revealing a well-documented history of Fatima Sheikh’s contributions to India’s educational landscape.
Fatima Sheikh is celebrated as one of India’s pioneering women educators and is often associated with Savitribai Phule, who is regarded as the country’s first female teacher. Fatima Sheikh, who was born on January 9, 1831, played a crucial role alongside Phule in the establishment of the first school for girls in Pune, India. She is often hailed as the first Muslim woman teacher in the country, breaking societal barriers to champion education for girls during a time when women’s rights were severely restricted.
Sheikh’s dedication to education is immortalised in historical photographs, including a well-known image of her alongside Phule and two of the girls from the school they founded. These records strongly contradict Mandal’s claim that Fatima Sheikh was merely a fictional creation.
As India celebrated her birth anniversary on January 9, the claims made by Mandal shocked both historians and the general public alike. The country was filled with tributes to Fatima Sheikh, but Mandal’s comments raised questions about the extent to which modern figures, particularly those in positions of influence, were willing to engage with historical facts.
The backlash against Mandal was swift and fierce. Many took to social media to share evidence of Fatima Sheikh’s historical existence. One user posted a page from a history book published in 1991, which clearly mentions Fatima Sheikh as a close associate of Savitribai Phule. The user wrote, “You are saying that Fatima Sheikh is not mentioned anywhere before 2006. You made them imaginary. Show me a book. I am showing you a book from 1991. It clearly states that Fatima Sheikh was a friend of Savitribai Phule ji. Now shut your mouth.”
In response to Mandal’s tweet, renowned historian Shyam Mira Singh also voiced his concern, emphaissing that Fatima Sheikh’s contributions were well-documented long before 2006. “Professor Mandal’s claims are dangerous and misleading,” Singh said. “The history of Fatima Sheikh is part of India’s educational legacy, and we must not allow revisionist narratives to distort the truth.”
Fatima Sheikh’s legacy has remained an important part of India’s history for over a century, and her role in the fight for women’s education in India has inspired generations of activists and educators. Mandal’s attempt to rewrite this history has drawn criticism from scholars, social media users, and activists alike, who have expressed their anger and disappointment at his words.
Many prominent individuals and social media influencers have come out in support of Fatima Sheikh. The backlash against Mandal intensified when several public figures and influencers, including academics and activists, condemned his remarks as not only inaccurate but also disrespectful to a woman whose efforts helped lay the foundation for women’s education in India.
Anita Bharti, a respected public figure, posted on social media, “The denial of Fatima Sheikh’s existence is a clear attack on historical truth. Mandal must publicly apologize for his false claims.”
Dr. Arvind Kumar, a leading historian, also reacted to Mandal’s post. “Fatima Sheikh was not just a historical figure; she was a trailblazer. We should honor her contributions, not erase them,” he said.
Mandal’s tweet has not only angered historians and the general public but has also undermined efforts to preserve India’s rich history of women’s empowerment and education.
Mandal’s denial of Fatima Sheikh’s historical existence is part of a broader pattern of revisionism that has increasingly crept into public discourse. While public figures like Mandal may argue that their statements are a form of intellectual expression, historians and educators warn that such statements can have serious implications.
Mandal’s claim that Fatima Sheikh was a “fictional character” is seen by many as an attempt to rewrite history for personal or ideological reasons. Scholars argue that this not only damages the integrity of historical records but also disrespects the memory of figures like Fatima Sheikh who have contributed significantly to India’s educational system.
Fatima Sheikh’s role in shaping India’s education system is undeniable, and her contributions continue to be celebrated every year, particularly on her birth anniversary. The efforts of Phule and Sheikh to educate girls were groundbreaking at a time when women were largely excluded from education, and their legacy is enshrined in numerous historical texts, academic works, and public commemorations.
The controversy surrounding Dilip Mandal’s comments on Fatima Sheikh highlights the ongoing struggle to protect the integrity of history in India. As social media platforms continue to amplify these debates, the need for a responsible approach to historical discourse becomes ever more critical.
Fatima Sheikh, as a teacher and an advocate for girls’ education, deserves to be remembered and honoured for her immense contributions to Indian society. The public response to Mandal’s claims demonstrates the importance of safeguarding the truth and ensuring that historical figures are not erased from the narrative.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the fight for historical accuracy, particularly when it comes to women’s contributions to society, is far from over. Fatima Sheikh’s story, like those of many other unsung heroes, must be preserved and celebrated, ensuring that her legacy lives on for future generations.
