A brief look at Nawab Faizunessa Chowdhurani

From Zamindar (Landlord) to Nawab. The First and last Muslim Nawab in Bengal. Faizunessa was born on 28th May,1834, Pachimgaon Laksham Comilla.Father Zamindar Ahamed Ali Chowdhury, Mother Arafanessa Chowdhury. Two brothers Yakub Ali Chowdhury and Yusuf Ali Chowdhury. Two Sisters Latifunessa Chawdhurani. Aminunessa Chawdhurani. Grandfather Hossain Ali Chowdhury, Grandmother Maynmona Bibi.. • Ancestor Mirza Agar: Khan( 1816) descendants of Mughal Emperors. • Although Faizunessa Chowdhurani was raised in a conservative Muslim family She showed keen interest in education. She was not superstitious and liberal minded. Her father engaged a home tutor. She became well versed in Bengali, English, Arabic, Persian and sanskrit. • She was known for her extra-ordinary beauty during her days. • Faiznunessa was married in 1860 to Syed Mohammad Gazi-Ul-Haque. They had two daughters Arshadunessa and Badrunessa. • Faizunessa was a poet and her first book is "Rupjalal" was published in 1876 and it was dedicated to her husband. • Eventually her marriage did not work out and got separated from her husband. They remained as husband and wife until they passed away. Zaminda Gazi-Ul-Haque her husband apologized to her for his mistakes before his death in 1899.

• Faizunnessa performed Hajj in l894 together with her youngest daughter, her son-in-law. Badrunessa lived with her mother in Pachmgaon. Nawab Shaheba youngest daughter acquired property by her own money and effort and the eldest daughter remained in Vowkshar in her father's home.

• Faizunessa established a Rest House for the Hajees in Makkah and a Madrasa in Madinah.

• Nawab Faizunessa was intelligent articulate and was determined to make a mark in her family and Society. She passionately believed that women should have an important role to play in Society.

• She promoted education for women made them aware of their Civic and political rights and encouraged the women to be economically independent,

• Faizunessa established two girls school before the birth of Begum Rokeya, When Faizunessa was 46 years old Begum Rokeya was born (1880)

• Nawab Faizunessa Chowdhurani was the first Muslim pioneer of Women education. Later Begum Rokeya continued it.

• Faiznunessa established a hospital for Women in Comilla, roads, bridges, ponds 14 primary school, college, scholarships for the students ten tomed mosque and madrasa in Pachimgaon Laksham, Comilla.

• Faizunessa made significant Financial contribution to the establishment of the Victoria College in Comilla donated funds to organizations in Bengal for advancement of Women. She was one of the greatest philanthropists in Bengal.

• History has it when the District Magistrate Mr. Douglas came to return the money to Faizunessa Chowdhurani she declined to accept the money saying it was given for charity and not as a loan.

• Nawab Faizunessa greatly admired and respected by the people of Bengal and British Queen Victoria, A great ceremony was held by the British Government to confer the title Navvab to Faizunessa and reportedly the expenses of the ceremony stood at about Tk.35,000.00 during these days, comparable to crores.

• Nawab Faizunessa was a great lady of Bangladesh during the 19th century. She died on 23rd September, 1903.She has left footprints in History is Nawab Faizunessa chowdhurani ( 1834-1903 ).