Women's education in India during the Medieval Period / Muslim era:-
Women's education in India during the Medieval Period / Muslim era:-
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Women's education in India during the Medieval Period / Muslim era:-
Women's education in India during the Medieval Period could not be properly promoted. The orthodox Muslims of that era believed that if women were educated, it would be harmful to society. However, the Muslim rulers and scholars of the Medieval Period realized the need for women's education. Even Hazrat Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was in favor of promoting women's education. But in the Middle Ages, the practice of keeping women behind the veil was prevalent. As a result, the development of women's education was hampered to a large extent. Here is a brief discussion on women's education in the Medieval Period.
1. Home or indoor education system:-
In the Islamic education system, when a girl reached the age of seven, she could no longer be sent to a maktab. Moreover, no separate or special school was established for the education for girls. Women were not admitted to general schools either. As a result, girls had to receive education at home. Muslim girls of that era used to recite the "Surahs’’ of the Quran in their own homes. Hindu landlords and wealthy people used to appoint teachers for their daughters in their homes also.
2. Teachers: -
In the Middle Ages, "Ulema" were appointed to teach in the homes of wealthy families of the Muslim community. "Ustad" were appointed to teach in fine arts. "Shikshika" were appointed to teach the daughters of various royal families. Historical accounts show that Sultan Ghiyasuddin made arrangements to appoint "Shikshika" for the purpose of teaching women in the harem.
3. Establishment of separate girls' schools: -
In the Medieval Period, some emperors established "Zenana’’ schools i.e. girls' schools for the development of women's education. Only girls could study in those schools. Great Akbar established a madrasa in Fatehpur Sikri to promote women's education. Many women studied literature, poetry and art in that institute.
4. Famous women scholars: -
A review of the history of the Medieval Period reveals the history of several famous women scholars who excelled in literature and other fields. Notable among them are - Sultana Razia, Gulbadan Begum - daughter of Babar, Jahanara Begum - daughter of Shah Jahan, Sophia, Hamida, Fatima, etc. In addition, there are some known examples about Hindu women who were sorcerers in the medieval period. These include Mirabai, Rani Durgavati, and others etc.
5. Decrease in opportunities for women's education: -
With the end of the Mughal era, women's education in the Medieval Period was also hampered. Hinduism and Hindu society also became very conservative due to the dogma of Islam and social customs. As a result, Hindu women were deprived of the opportunity for education. Some women from wealthy and elite families have the opportunity to participate in the arena of education, while the rest are plunged into the darkness of illiteracy.
6. Importance in household affairs:-
In medieval India, the emphasis was more on household chores than formal education for Muslim women in ordinary families. Proficiency in various household chores was considered the main criterion for judging a woman's excellence. As a result, women in the medieval period lagged behind in formal education.
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