Contents
Cornelia Sorabji
Opening paths for women in legal education and advising secluded women in India.
Purdahnashin clients · Social commentary
- Born
- 15 November 1866
- Birthplace
- Nashik
- Died
- 6 July 1954
More people
Cornelia Sorabji
Indian lawyer and writer who studied law at Oxford before women could enter legal practice on equal terms. She advised purdahnashin women on property and legal affairs.
Early life
Education in western India
Grew up in a family involved in education and social service. Studied at Deccan College and became Bombay University’s first woman graduate.
Career
- 1890s
Legal qualifications
Studied at Oxford and pursued Indian legal examinations.
- Early 1900s
Advisory work
Assisted women unable to communicate freely with male legal representatives.
- 1923 onward
Changed legal rules
Women’s admission to legal practice removed a longstanding barrier.
Selected work
Purdahnashin clients
Worked on women’s property and legal interests.
Social commentary
Published accounts of Indian life and her professional experiences.
Beyond work
Public outlook
Supported women’s education but also the British Raj and opposed Indian self-rule. Her conservative reform positions limited support from other campaigners.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and career ↗Biographical references ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
Photo: Artistic portrait; Unknown authorUnknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.