Abida Sultaan: India's 'rebel' Muslim princess who shot tigers and drove a Rolls-Royce

Abida Sultaan: The Trailblazing Princess Who Broke Boundaries In the annals of Indian royalty, few figures are as compelling and unconventional as Abida Sultaan. Born into the princely state of Bhopal's ruling family, she was an individual who smashed through the societal norms of her time, defying stereotypes not just as a woman, but as a Muslim woman of noble birth. Abida Sultaan's story is not merely one of royal lineage but of a woman who lived her life on her own terms, embodying the spirit of rebellion and independence. Her activities and hobbies were a testament to her free-spirited nature and her refusal to be boxed into traditional roles. Notably, she was an avid hunter, known for her prowess in shooting tigers, a pastime that was both a sport and a rite of passage among Indian royals. However, it was not just in the forests that she demonstrated her courage and skill, but also in her lifestyle choices. One of the most striking symbols of her independence was her choice of transport. In an era when few could even dream of owning a car, Abida Sultaan drove a Rolls-Royce, a luxury automobile that became a symbol of her status and her defiance of conventional expectations. It wasn't just a mode of transport, but a statement of her autonomy and a reflection of her bold personality. Abida Sultaan's life was a narrative of breaking barriers and