Amina Hydari Tayyabji: Qaisar-i-Hind Honoured, Architect of Women's Empowerment and Social Change in Hyderabad

By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam 16 September 2025 Amina Hydari Tayyabji, born in 1878, was a pioneering social reformer in Hyderabad. Awarded the Kaisar-i-Hind for her work during the 1908 Musi Flood, she founded the Mahbubia Girls School and Lady Hydari Club, empowering women until her death in 1939. Main Points: 1. Amina Hydari Tayyabji, born 1878, was a key social reformer from the Tayyabji family. 2. Awarded Kaisar-i-Hind for relief work during the 1908 Musi Flood. 3. Founded Mahbubia Girls School in 1907 for girls’ education. 4. Established Lady Hydari Club in 1901 to empower women. 5. Died in 1939, leaving a legacy of women’s upliftment. ---- The "Tayyabji" family has played a significant role in the Indian freedom movement and social reform. The "Tayyabji" family has always been at the forefront in terms of intellectual abilities, patriotism, and social service. Not only men but women have also played a crucial role in this. A woman from this Tayyabji family was "Amina Hydari Tayyabji". Her original name was Amina Najmuddin Tayyabji. She was born in Hyderabad in 1878. She was the niece of the renowned politician and Indian barrister Badruddin Tayyabji. Amina Hydari's father's name was Al-Haj Mulla Najmuddin Tayyabji and her mother's name was Durrat-ul-Sadaf. Their family held a distinguished reputation in society. Amina was married to Sir Muhammad Akbar Nazar Hydari. Sir Akbar Hydari was an Indian politician and also served as the Prime Minister of Hyderabad State from 1937 to 1941. Amina Hydari, carrying forward the tradition of her family, performed the role of a social worker exceptionally well. Amina Hydari is primarily known for her contribution to "The Great Musi Flood". On 28 September 1908, a devastating flood occurred on the banks of the Musi River in Hyderabad, which is also known as The Great Musi Flood. It is believed that about 15 thousand people died in this flood and 80 thousand houses were destroyed. Amina Hydari took part in the relief and rescue work among the people. Although she was pregnant at that time, she still came forward and assisted in the rehabilitation of the flood-affected people. For this noble work of hers, she was awarded the "Kaisar-i-Hind" medal in 1908. Amina Hydari was the first Muslim woman to receive this honour for her social contribution. Amina Hydari always worked for the education of girls. At that time, only religious education was provided to girls, and after that, the doors of education were closed for them. Amina Hydari, along with Sarojini Naidu, urged the Nizam of Hyderabad to start a special school for girls. Due to her efforts, "Mahbubia Girls School" was established in 1907. It was the first girls' school in Hyderabad State. This school provided better educational opportunities to girls. This school is still a pioneer in providing quality education to girls. During the 19th century, the social status of women was not good. Especially the life of Muslim women was very restricted. Their life was mostly spent fulfilling the responsibilities of the household. They had very little knowledge of the current environment and the changing society. To ensure the social presence of women, Amina Hydari founded the "Lady Hydari Club" in 1901. Initially, this club was known as the Hyderabad Ladies Association, later its name was changed to "Lady Hydari Club". The main objective of establishing this club was to provide a platform for women to express their views and to increase interaction with other women, so that the social status of women could be improved and their personality could be enhanced. Many activities were conducted in this club. Women could participate in any activity according to their interest. For women interested in educational activities, cooking, sewing, embroidery, and sports, tennis and other indoor games were arranged. In its initial phase, only women from the elite families of Hyderabad and British women used to come to this club, but gradually women from different social classes started attending this club. One part of this club was used as a library, and in another part, a school was run for the children of the poorer classes. Separate arrangements were made for the entry of women who observed purdah. This club was a unique social centre for women in the then Hyderabad State of India, where they used to participate in social programmes and meetings. In 1952, Eleanor Roosevelt visited the club and delivered a speech, which highlights its prestige and international connection. A grand entrance to this club was built in 1929. This club was constructed according to Ottoman architecture. It is very unfortunate that today the building of that club, which also holds historical importance, is turning into ruins. Amina Hydari passed away in 1939 at the age of 61. Amina Hydari did many remarkable works in her life to improve the condition of women, for which she will always be remembered. ------ Afroz Khan is a teacher by profession, focusing on writings about women and Islam. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/amina-hydari-tayyabji-qaisar-hind-architect-social-change/d/136856 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism