Rasiklal Parikh

A pioneering Indian educator who founded India's first women's college and championed women's rights in the 19th century

Rasiklal Parikh (1822–1895) was a visionary educator and social reformer from Gujarat, India, whose work laid foundational stones for women's education in the subcontinent. Born into a merchant family, he broke societal norms by establishing the Queen Maharani College for Women in 1861 - India's first institution of higher learning exclusively for women. This bold initiative directly challenged the era's patriarchal norms that restricted female education to domestic skills.

Parikh's college initially faced fierce opposition from conservative segments of society, but he persisted by securing royal patronage from the Gaekwad rulers of Baroda. His institution not only taught traditional subjects like literature and mathematics but also introduced modern disciplines like science and foreign languages. By 1880, the college had 150 students - a remarkable achievement in an era when less than 1% of Indian women attended school.

His educational philosophy emphasized practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, preparing women for roles in teaching, nursing, and administrative work. Parikh's efforts inspired similar institutions across India, including the iconic Pradyumnadayani School in Mumbai. His pioneering work was later recognized by the British colonial government, which granted him the title of 'Babu' in 1872.

Parikh's legacy continues through the Queen Maharani College - now a full-fledged university - and his advocacy remains a cornerstone of India's women's education movement. His life exemplifies how visionary leadership can dismantle systemic barriers and create lasting social change.