Born in 1866 in Pune, India, Cornelia Sorabji emerged as a pioneering figure in the legal profession, overcoming societal and institutional barriers to become the country’s first female lawyer. Her journey was marked by a series of groundbreaking accomplishments that paved the way for future generations of women in law.
Early Life and Education
Cornelia was one of ten children in a family that highly valued education. Her father, Reverend Sorabji Karsedji, was a Christian missionary, and her mother, Francina Ford, was an advocate for women’s education, having established several girls’ schools in Pune. This environment fostered Cornelia’s academic ambitions. She became the first female graduate of Bombay University, earning top honors in her cohort.
Pursuit of Legal Studies at Oxford
Despite her academic excellence, Cornelia faced gender-based discrimination that denied her a government scholarship to study in England. Undeterred, she sought assistance from the National Indian Association, receiving support from notable figures such as Mary Hobhouse and Florence Nightingale. In 1889, she enrolled at Somerville College, Oxford, becoming the first woman to study law at the university. In 1892, she was the first woman to sit for the Bachelor of Civil Laws exam.
Legal Career and Advocacy
Upon returning to India, Cornelia dedicated herself to social and advisory work, particularly advocating for purdahnashins—women secluded from public life due to cultural practices. However, as a woman, she was initially barred from practicing law in India. Demonstrating resilience, she passed the LLB examination of Bombay University in 1897 and the pleader’s examination of Allahabad High Court in 1899, becoming the first female advocate in India. Her relentless efforts contributed to the eventual change in law in 1923, allowing women to practice as barristers.
Legacy
Cornelia Sorabji’s life was characterized by her commitment to education, women’s rights, and legal reform. She authored several publications and was involved with organizations such as the National Council for Women in India. Her legacy continues to inspire, symbolizing the relentless pursuit of equality and justice.
