It was a time when ignorance, darkness, and superstition were deeply entrenched in society. Defying blind traditions stood the courageous Fatima Sheikh, who earned recognition as India’s first Muslim woman educator. In India’s educational history, the pioneering duo of Savitribai Phule and Fatima Sheikh—women who ushered in a transformative revolution—must be remembered foremost. About 175 years ago, Savitribai Phule and Fatima Sheikh laid the foundation for a literacy movement, confronting intense opposition. Understanding and researching the life of Fatima Sheikh, who has largely faded from historical memory, is an urgent need today.

January 1, 1848, is considered a landmark day in Indian history. On this day, schools were opened for Shudras, Dalits, and women, marking a sacred beginning of mass literacy. At the time, education was forbidden to Shudras and women. The credit for educating these historically deprived communities goes to the Phule couple. When the orthodox sections learned that Shudras and women were being educated, they reacted with fury. The Phule couple faced protests from conservative forces and were warned of social boycott. Jyotiba Phule’s father, Govindrao Phule, fearing repercussions, expelled his son and daughter-in-law from the house.

With no shelter or support, Jyotiba and Savitribai stepped out with only the clothes they wore. No one came forward to help; relatives cut off ties. In this moment of crisis, Munshi Gaffar Beg came to their aid. Earlier, when Jyotiba’s education had been interrupted, it was Gaffar Beg who had counseled Govindrao Phule and ensured Jyotiba returned to school. Now, as the Phule couple wandered without a home, Usman Sheikh of Ganj Peth, Pune, offered them refuge. Recognizing their commitment to education, compassion, and social reform, Usman Sheikh provided them shelter in his home. His sister, Fatima Sheikh, fully supported and encouraged this decision.

While the Phule couple faced opposition from upper-caste groups, the Sheikh siblings also endured backlash from conservative elements within their own community. Their humanism and public-spirited concern stood out. They allowed a school to be started in their own home. Fatima Sheikh actively worked alongside Savitribai Phule in all initiatives and participated vigorously in social activities.

Fatima Sheikh was born on January 9, 1831. Originally from Uttar Pradesh, her parents migrated to Pune and were engaged in trade. Fatima was skilled in embroidery. She lost her parents at a young age, after which Usman Sheikh assumed responsibility for her upbringing. With her brother’s encouragement, Fatima pursued religious education and learned the Urdu language.

True to the saying, “Educate a woman and you educate a generation,” the Phule couple started a girls’ school called the “Indigenous Library” at Usman Sheikh’s residence—an important milestone in history. As the school expanded, a shortage of teachers arose. Jyotiba Phule then established a training institution called the “Normal School,” where Savitribai Phule and Fatima Sheikh became the first students. Under Jyotiba Phule’s guidance, Fatima Sheikh learned Marathi and English, emerging as the first Muslim woman to learn Marathi. She later became one of the first teachers at the same school. Subsequently, she went to Ahmednagar, received formal teacher training at Cynthia Farrar’s school, and qualified with distinction, becoming an officially trained teacher. Fatima Sheikh thus earned the distinction of being among the first women to acquire modern education, obtain formal qualifications, and teach.

In a male-dominated system that oppressed and marginalized women, the contributions of Savitribai Phule and Fatima Sheikh toward educating girls were immense. What is echoed today in the slogan “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” was put into practice by them as early as 175 years ago. Fatima Sheikh went door to door, persuading women to attend school and teaching them literacy, while Savitribai Phule managed academic activities alongside her. The pain, hardship, humiliation, and physical and mental harassment endured by Savitribai Phule were equally borne by Fatima Sheikh.

For the past eight to ten decades, Savitribai Phule’s birth anniversary has been widely observed with seminars and discussions. However, the history of Fatima Sheikh remains obscured. Scholars and researchers must focus attention on her life and bring historical truths to light.