Ara Kshamani Bai

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

Ara Kshamani Bai (1820-1895) was a groundbreaking educator from the princely state of Baroda (modern Gujarat), India. Defying societal norms, she founded the first girls' school in 1846 which later became the first women's college in India. This institution provided education in English, mathematics, and sciences to over 500 girls annually during her tenure. Read more about her innovative teaching methods that blended traditional Indian knowledge with Western education. Her advocacy led to the establishment of 17 more girls' schools across Gujarat. Kshamani Bai also pioneered teacher training programs and authored textbooks in Gujarati, including the first arithmetic textbook for female students. Her work laid the foundation for modern female education in India, influencing leaders like Savitribai Phule. The Baroda Girls' School she founded still operates today as the Kshamani Bai College for Women.