Abadi Bano Sahiba

Abadi Bano Sahiba, widely known as Bi Amma, was one of the most remarkable women in India’s early freedom struggle against British colonial rule. Born in the mid-nineteenth century and passing away in 1924, she emerged as a pioneering figure in the political awakening of Indian women, particularly among Muslims. Her life reflected courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in national unity and independence. Through her personal struggles and political involvement, Abadi Bano played a decisive role in shaping the course of the Khilafat Movement and the broader nationalist campaign for self-rule.

Background and Early Life

Abadi Bano was born around 1850, with some accounts suggesting Amroha and others Rampur in present-day Uttar Pradesh as her birthplace. She belonged to a traditional Muslim family that witnessed the socio-political upheavals following the Revolt of 1857. Her early years were shaped by the spirit of resilience and self-reliance that later defined her public life.
She married Abdul Ali Khan, an official in the Rampur princely state, and became the mother of six children. Among them were the renowned freedom fighters Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Maulana Shaukat Ali, both of whom rose to national prominence as leaders of the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation movements. After her husband’s death, Abadi Bano faced the challenge of raising and educating her children alone, a task she approached with determination and foresight.

Personal Struggles and Determination

Despite not receiving formal education herself, Abadi Bano deeply valued learning and social advancement. She pawned her jewellery and household possessions to ensure that her sons could study in English-medium institutions, an unconventional choice for a Muslim woman of her era. Her decision to embrace modern education for her children reflected her progressive outlook and her awareness of the changing times.
Her personal life was marked by modesty, devotion, and moral strength. Known for her deep faith and strong sense of justice, Abadi Bano earned respect across communities. Her home became a hub of political discussion and nationalist inspiration, nurturing a generation of freedom fighters who carried forward her ideals.

Political Engagement and Role in the Freedom Movement

Abadi Bano Sahiba’s emergence as a public figure was extraordinary, especially given the conservative social norms that limited women’s political participation in early twentieth-century India. She gained national recognition during the Khilafat Movement (1919–1924), which sought to defend the Ottoman Caliphate and, more broadly, challenge British imperial policies in India.
She broke social conventions by addressing large public gatherings while maintaining purdah. Her speeches, delivered with emotional force and moral conviction, inspired both men and women to join the national cause. Abadi Bano travelled extensively across India, raising substantial funds to support the movement and urging mothers to send their sons to participate in the struggle for freedom.
At a time when female political leaders were almost unknown in Muslim society, she stood on public platforms alongside leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad, and Sarojini Naidu, symbolising the growing unity between India’s diverse communities. Her advocacy for Hindu–Muslim harmony was one of her defining messages. She often stated that Hindus and Muslims were like “the two eyes of India” and that the country could not prosper if either community was weakened.

Ideals and Influence

Abadi Bano’s activism was rooted in the belief that freedom and social justice were inseparable. She represented an emerging generation of Indian women who viewed political participation as both a duty and a right. Her courage demonstrated that women could assume leadership roles without compromising their cultural or religious identity.
Her influence extended beyond politics into the moral and social spheres. As the mother of two of India’s most prominent nationalist leaders, she became affectionately known as “the Mother of the Khilafat Movement.” Yet her contributions were independent of her sons’ fame; she shaped public opinion in her own right through her integrity, eloquence, and unwavering faith in national unity.
Her leadership inspired many Muslim women to step forward, attend political meetings, and participate in public life for the first time. She also helped to create a precedent for female political engagement that would later influence the women’s movement in independent India.

Historical Context and Significance

Abadi Bano’s work must be understood within the broader context of India’s nationalist awakening. The Khilafat and Non-Cooperation movements were not merely political struggles but also platforms for moral and cultural revival. In this period, women’s visibility in public life was rare, and those who emerged as leaders often faced intense criticism. Abadi Bano confronted such opposition with grace and determination, transforming social norms through personal example.
Her emphasis on inter-religious unity was particularly important at a time when communal divisions were beginning to threaten the nationalist cause. She advocated for cooperation between all communities in the fight against colonial oppression, arguing that political independence could only be achieved through mutual respect and harmony.

Legacy and Recognition

Abadi Bano Sahiba remains one of the pioneering figures of Indian nationalism and women’s empowerment. Her life embodied resilience, courage, and faith in education as a transformative force. She not only raised sons who became stalwarts of the freedom movement but also carved her own place in history as one of the first Muslim women to engage in national politics.