Muslim Women's Legal Rights in Agricultural Land During the British Rule in Punjab (1872-1947)

Abstract

Punjab has always been the highly important region of India during all periods of History. Women occupy half of the world’s population and no as such development can be absolute if the women's interests are not taken care of.  The progress and greatness of any community or country can be judged by the position and status enjoyed by its women. The present research paper focused on the Muslim women's legal rights in agricultural land during the British rule in Punjab. It also attempts to present clear picture of Muslim women's rights in agricultural land during the period under study. Till date Muslim women are struggling for their rights in agricultural land.  No doubt twenty first century or Modern age is considered much more advanced than the ancient times, but still Muslim women are found struggling to regain their ancient rights which were granted to them by Muslim law. Economic security is much more important for raising the status of women. There is urgent need of the hour to develop a society on the basis of gender justice, where Muslim women can also enjoy equal rights and status to men. The present study will also highlight how the state had supported the customs. The present paper is based on various primary sources such as C.L. Tupper's, Punjab Customary Law, Vol I, Vol.II, Vol III, W.H. Rattigan's, A Digest of Customary Law in the Punjab, P.N. Thapar's, General Code of Tribal Customs in the Jhelum District Punjab, Judgements of Privy Councils, and other secondary sources.