Araksham Bai Rao

Pioneer of female education in 19th century India who established India's first girls' school

Araksham Bai Rao (1828-1905) was a visionary social reformer from the princely state of Baroda in British India. In an era when female literacy rates were below 5%, she founded the Queen's High School for Girls in 1856 - India's first modern girls' school. This institution became a model for women's education across the subcontinent.

Born into the royal family, she used her influence to challenge Brahminical patriarchy that restricted women's access to knowledge. Her school curriculum included mathematics, science, and English alongside traditional subjects. Araksham also pioneered teacher training programs, establishing the first women's college for educators in 1874. Her advocacy led to the first female university admissions in India through the University of Bombay in 1882.

Less recognized than contemporary reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, her work laid critical infrastructure for India's women's education movement. The school she founded remains operational today as Araksham Bai Girls' College, continuing her mission of empowering girls through education.