Dilip Mandal, an author and media advisor in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, sparked outrage with his claims that Fatima Sheikh, celebrated as India’s first Muslim teacher and a close associate of Savitribai Phule, never existed.

Mandal’s Shocking Revelation

In a series of tweets, Mandal labeled Sheikh as a “modern folklore” constructed without historical evidence. He admitted to fabricating her character during a specific phase of his ideological journey. “Fatima Sheikh is not a historical figure. I knowingly created this name out of thin air,” he posted.

Mandal further claimed that before 2022, no references to Sheikh existed online or in literature, asserting that her image and narrative were fabricated. This revelation comes despite Sheikh being honored with a Google Doodle on her 191st birth anniversary in 2022, bringing her work to national prominence.

Contradicting Claims and Historical Evidence

While Mandal’s claims raise questions, some historical references to “Fatima” exist:

• A letter from Savitribai Phule to her husband in 1856 mentions a “Fatima” assisting with their pioneering educational work.
• Researcher MG Mali’s book Savitribai Phule – Samagra Vangmay also acknowledges this reference, though it lacks details about Fatima’s surname or role.
• Historians like Shraddha Kumbhojkar of Savitribai Phule Pune University acknowledge Fatima’s existence but note the scarcity of documentation.

Lack of Documentation

Experts like Nitin Pawar, convener of the Bhide Wada Smarak Samiti, attribute the gaps in Fatima’s story to the Bahujan and Muslim communities’ limited documentation traditions during the 19th century. “Many collaborators of the Phules remain unrecorded due to the lack of written records,” Pawar said.

Mandal’s Changing Ideologies

Mandal, known for his critiques of Hindutva politics, joined the I&B Ministry in 2024, marking a significant ideological shift. His recent claims contradict his own 2019 article, where he lamented the erasure of Sheikh’s contributions. On Thursday, he cryptically remarked, “Waqt waqt ki baat hai. An idol had to be created, and I did that.”

Academic and Public Reactions

Mandal’s statements have drawn criticism, with many questioning his credibility as a historian. Scholars, activists, and the general public remain divided on the historical authenticity of Fatima Sheikh, with ongoing debates about her role and identity in India’s educational reform movement.

This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.