Interview with Anis Zaidi and Rais Sultana, May 20, 2010

Interview Summary

This interview with sisters Anis Zaidi and Rais Sultana begins with a discussion of their biographical information and family background, including information on their mother, Begum Sharif, who worked in the All-India Muslim League during the Pakistan movement. Zaidi and Sultana also talk about her educational background and marriages, which for Sultana occurred when she was seventeen. The two talk in particular about Aligarh Girls College, which they both attended. Zaidi then goes on to discuss her mother, Begum Sharif, in greater detail. She talks about her involvement in the Pakistan movement, which nearly led to her mother's arrest and the family's escape to Pakistan. She also talks about her expectations for Pakistan as a young woman, as well as her experience as a migrant to the newly-formed country. Zaidi then goes on to talk about the establishment of Urdu as the national language of Pakistan, a move that upset many in East Pakistan (later Bangladesh). She talks about the death of Pakistani leader Mahomed Ali Jinnah, as well as the significant issues that Muslims faced upon immigrating to Pakistan. The interview then focuses on Sultana, who talks at length about her educational background and her early marriage. She talks about her time in the United States, as well as migrating to Pakistan. Sultana talks about the differences between Pakistan and India, such as being an Islamic state and having Urdu as the official language. She also talks about when she thinks the history of Pakistan begins, as well as what she felt Pakistan would be like as a young woman. Sultana then briefly discusses the involvement of women in the Pakistan movement. The two sisters then talk about their disappointment in modern Pakistan. The interview ends with Zaidi discussing her Fulbright scholarship, which allowed her to study in the United States.

Interview Keyword

Women Pakistan Pakistan movement Sharif, Begum Aligarh Girls College Meerut (India) Muslims Partition of India Education Fulbright scholars. All-India Muslim League

Interview LC Subject

India--History. Pakistan--History Pakistan movement Women All-India Muslim League Muslims India--History--Partition, 1947 Pakistan Fulbright scholars.

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.