Question

Recall the names of other women from history that you have met so far who went against the grain. What was their motivation?

Answer 1

Many women in history went against the traditions and expectations of their time and worked to bring about change. Some examples are:

• Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi: She fought bravely against the British to protect her kingdom and its independence.
• Savitribai Phule: She challenged the belief that girls did not need education. She became one of India’s first women teachers and worked for women’s education and equality.
• Razia Sultan: She broke the tradition that only men could rule and became the first woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. She wanted to prove her ability to govern.
• Begum Hazrat Mahal: She fought against British rule during the Revolt of 1857 to protect her kingdom and oppose foreign control.
• Pandita Ramabai: She challenged social discrimination against women and worked for the education and welfare of widows and other disadvantaged women.

Their motivations were different, but they all showed courage and determination to challenge unfair customs and conditions. They wanted to protect their rights, gain freedom, promote education and equality, and create a better society.