A concubine by the name of Maah Lakabai Chanda (1767-1824) is considered to be the first woman of the subcontinent whose poetry was documented. A staunch feminist; she is known to have set aside Rupees 1 Crore for the education of girls in those times.
[1]
[1]
Concubines were considered to be more knowledgeable than common people due to their greater exposure to the society. People would send their children to them to get education of language, literaure. Chanda is the first poetess of Urdu language who has a Diwan to her name.
[2]
[2]
Chanda's βDiwanβ was published during the 19th century by the patronage of Arastoo Jaah. The following couplets of Chanda got immense fame. They've been translated by Sirajuddin:
[3]
[3]
βHoping to blossom one day into flower
Every bud sits, holding it's soul in its fist
How can Chanda be dry lipped, I saqi of the heavenly wine!
She has drained the cup of thy love
During my life I found no return, no reward,
Lord! May my word find acceptance when I'm gone
[4]
Every bud sits, holding it's soul in its fist
How can Chanda be dry lipped, I saqi of the heavenly wine!
She has drained the cup of thy love
During my life I found no return, no reward,
Lord! May my word find acceptance when I'm gone
[4]
My last wish is this, that those who care for me
May strew a few flowers on my grave when I am gone
~ Chanda
Reference:
1. Farman np; Pande 4; Tharu 120-122
2. Muslim woman writers of the subcontinent
May strew a few flowers on my grave when I am gone
~ Chanda
Reference:
1. Farman np; Pande 4; Tharu 120-122
2. Muslim woman writers of the subcontinent
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