Pioneering Muslim princess Abida Sultaan challenges gender norms in early 20th century India

Abida Sultaan, a pioneering Muslim princess from Bhopal, defied traditional gender roles in the early 20th century. Born in 1913, she rejected purdah, drove a Rolls-Royce, and became heir to the throne at 15, managing her father's cabinet for over a decade. After a brief marriage, Abida faced a custody battle for her son, which she resolved dramatically by confronting her husband with a revolver. She raised her son alone while engaging in politics and meeting key figures during India's independence movement. Following the partition of India in 1947, Abida moved to Pakistan, where she continued to advocate for democracy and women's rights until her death in 2002. Her legacy is less recognized today, but she remains a significant figure in Bhopal's history.