UNESCO Recognizes Feminist Utopian Novel Sultana’s Dream as part of “Memory of the World”

May 17, 2024

“Sultana’s Dream” by Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain was recently added to UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” list. This honor was given at the 10th General Meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific, which took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on May 7-8, 2024, as part of the 2024 cycle. Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a feminist author from British India, wrote “Sultana’s Dream” in 1905. It was one of the first works of science fiction and feminist writing. An ideal world run by women is shown in the book. It has high-tech gadgets like solar ovens and flying cars, but men are only allowed to do housework.

Significance of Inclusion in UNESCO’s Register

“Sultana’s Dream” being on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register shows how important it is not only culturally and historically, but also for its role in introducing feminist ideas into literature and for its advanced predictions of future technologies like solar panels and helicopters.

Implications for Future Generations

By recognizing such important works, UNESCO hopes to make sure that future generations can access and preserve this heritage. They also want to stress how important documentary legacy is. When these works are recognized, more people learn about them, which could affect new works of literature, historical knowledge, and cultural appreciation around the world.

More About Sultana’s Dream

One of the first feminist utopian texts, “Sultana’s Dream,” was written by Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain in 1905. It describes a world run by women.
It grew out of British colonial India and has a role reversal where women lead through scientific progress and peaceful means and men are kept away.
It was first written by Hossain in English for the Indian Ladies’ Magazine.
The story uses subtle humor and satire to criticize sexism and dream of changes for society and education.
Solar energy and flying cars are big parts of the story, showing how forward-thinking Hossain is.
Hossain wrote the story as part of a larger campaign to encourage women to go to school and gain power in India, which is a very conservative culture.

Novels written by Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain

Pipasha, Matichur (1st Vol), Matichur (2nd Vol), Saurajagat, Delicia Hatya, Jnan-phal, Nari-Srishti, Nurse Nelly, Mukti-phal, Sultana’s Dream, Padmarag, Abarodhbasini, Boligarto, Narir Adhikar, God Gives, Man Robs, Education Ideas for the Modern Indian Girl

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