Cornelia Sorabji: a woman of countless firsts
India’s first female lawyer, the first female law student at the world-renowned Oxford University, and the first woman to practice law in both India and Britain, all these epithets describe one woman, Cornelia Sorabji. Sorabji broke through formidable social and institutional barriers at a time when both higher education and the legal profession were closed to most women.
Born in 1866 to a Parsi Christian family in Nashik, Sorabji's early life was shaped by progressive ideals, particularly her mother’s belief in female education and empowerment. Her early education combined homeschooling and mission schools. Sorabji enrolled in Deccan College as its first female student. She received top marks in her cohort for the final degree examination, which should have entitled her to a government scholarship to study further in England. However, she was denied the scholarship and had to take up a temporary English professorship in Gujarat College.
Lawyer, leader, and pioneer!
In 1889, Cornelia became the first woman to graduate from Bombay University with first-class honours in literature. Sorabji was the first woman to be admitted as a reader to the Codrington Library of All Souls College, Oxford, at Sir William Anson's invitation in 1890. In 1892, Cornelia became the first South Asian woman, to pass the Bachelor of Civil Laws (BCL) examinations at Oxford. Despite passing the examinations with flying colours she was not awarded her degree, as women were not allowed to register as advocates.
Even with her numerous qualifications, she faced tremendous challenges upon returning to India, where she was barred from practicing law in the courts for many years because of her gender.
Sorabji began petitioning the India Office in 1902 for the appointment of a female legal advisor in provincial courts. Her efforts led to her appointment as Lady Assistant to the Court of Wards in Bengal in 1904, and by 1907 she was aiding women across Bihar, Bengal, Orissa, and Assam.
Cornelia’s enduring legacy
Sorabji carved out a unique legal career by working as a legal adviser to the British government on behalf of purdahnashins, women living in seclusion who could not interact with male lawyers. She handled over 600 cases in this role, often without charging a fee, and became a tireless advocate for women’s rights and legal access.
In 1924, Cornelia Sorabji became the first woman to practice law in the country by enrolling as a barrister at the Calcutta High Court. After retiring in 1929, she settled in London for the remainder of her life.
Sorabji’s true impact went beyond courtrooms. She left behind a powerful legacy of courage, intellect, and perseverance. In paving the way for generations of women in law, Cornelia Sorabji not only made history, but she also changed its course.
*This article has been curated by Hook. All claims and opinions expressed belong to the original author. Hook does not verify or endorse the information presented and is not responsible for its accuracy.*
