Sughra Humayun Mirza - Hyderabad's first Female Novelist, a Reformer, and Educator

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Sughra Humayun Mirza (1882–1958), also known as Begum Sughra, was a pioneering Urdu novelist, social reformer, and traveler from Hyderabad, India. 

Picture Credit uniquelytelangana

Introduction 

Sughra Humayun Mirza is recognized as one of Hyderabad's first female novelists, having authored 14 major novels. 

Pic credit - Siasat Picture

Early Life and Education

Born in December 1882 in Hyderabad during the reign of Nizam Asaf Jahi VI, Sughra hailed from an educated Shia Muslim family. Her father, Dr. Safdar Ali Mirza, was a Captain-Surgeon in the Nizam’s Army, and her mother, Maria Begum, was a renowned scholar of Arabic and Persian. Sughra received home tutoring in Persian and Urdu, fostering her literary interests from a young age. (Begum Sughra Humayun Mirza: Renowned Urdu Novelist And A Social ..., Hyderabad’s Sughra Humayun Mirza has set an example via dedicated work)

Literary Contributions

Sughra Humayun Mirza made significant contributions to Urdu literature, authoring 14 major novels. 

 Her works often addressed social issues and reforms, reflecting her commitment to societal change. She also served as the editor of several women's journals, providing a platform for women's voices in literature. 

 (Sughra Humayun Mirza - Wikipedia, Begum Sughra Humayun Mirza Archives | Feminism in India, Hyderabad’s Sughra Humayun Mirza has set an example via dedicated work)

Among her notable works is "Safar Nama-e-Europe," a travelogue documenting her experiences in Europe, which offers insights into her perspectives on Western society and its contrasts with Indian culture. 

 (Safar Nama E Europe Sughra Begum Humaun Mirza : Sughra Humayun Mirza ...)

Social Reform and Legacy

Beyond her literary achievements, Sughra was a dedicated social reformer. 

She advocated for women's education and empowerment, challenging prevailing norms and encouraging progressive thought.

The School at Humayun nagar established by Sughra Humayun. Picture Credit - Shireen Tarannum

Her efforts paved the way for future generations of women in Hyderabad and beyond. 

 (Sughra Humayun Mirza - Wikipedia, Hyderabad’s Sughra Humayun Mirza has set an example via dedicated work)

Sughra Humayun Mirza passed away in 1958, leaving behind a legacy of literary excellence and social activism. 

Her contributions continue to inspire scholars and readers interested in the evolution of Urdu literature and women's roles in society. (Who was the New Woman in 20th Century Hyderabad?)

Further Reading

For those interested in exploring her works, the Rekhta website offers a collection of her writings:

(All writings of Sughra Humaun Mirza - Rekhta)

Additionally, her travelogue "Safar Nama-e-Europe" is available for reading: (Safar Nama E Europe Sughra Begum Humaun Mirza : Sughra Humayun Mirza ...)

(Safar Nama E Europe Sughra Begum Humaun Mirza : Sughra Humayun Mirza ...)


List of references  for Sughra Humayun Mirza’s life and work:


Pictures References:

There are a few known photographs and images related to Sughra Humayun Mirza and her work.

📸 Photographs of Sughra Humayun Mirza

  • Portraits: A notable photograph of Sughra Humayun Mirza is available on The Siasat Daily, showcasing her in traditional attire.

  • Additional Images: Another image can be found on UrduPoint, providing a different perspective of her appearance. (Sughra Humayun Mirza Poetry - Sughra ...)

📚 Images of Her Work

  • Book Cover: The cover of her travelogue Safar Nama-e-Europe is accessible on Archive.org, offering a glimpse into the publication's design.

  • Manuscripts and E-books: Digital versions and images of her works, including Safar Nama-e-Europe, are available on Rekhta, a comprehensive Urdu literature platform. (safar nama-e-europe by Sughra Humaun Mirza - Rekhta)

These resources provide visual insights into Sughra Humayun Mirza's life and contributions to Urdu literature. 


Wikipedia Reference List 

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