LAHORE: “Without understanding the influence of Rattanbai Maryam Jinnah on his life, politics and thoughts, it is impossible to understand nuances of freedom struggle,” says Saad Khan, the writer of a new book on her – ‘Ruttie Jinnah: The Woman who Stood Defiant’.

The latest biography of Ruttie Jinnah, the wife of the Quaid-i-Azam, was launched online by the Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest here on Monday. The author, Saad S. Khan, a bureaucrat and former secretary, spoke about the motivation to write the biography.

During the launch, he talked about the unheard of valour with which Mrs Jinnah used to lead the anti-British protests, faced the dreaded colonial police, accosted the powerful Viceroys and became a source of strength for Jinnah.

He also talked about the social activism of Mrs Jinnah that included women rights activism and protection of animals, especially in the animal shelters, called ‘Pinjrapoles’ of Bombay.

When asked about the enigma around Ruttie, the misgivings about her separation and about her final days, Mr Khan clarified that during the final months of Mrs Jinnah’s life, she and Jinnah fell out and made up multiple times. Jinnah wept like a child when he lowered her body into grave in the Arambagh Muslim Graveyard in Bombay (now Mumbai).

Mr Khan also explained the memories of his departed wife that Jinnah carried till his own last breath. Jinnah never forgot to visit Ruttie’s grave to place red roses every Thursday whenever he was in Bombay, he said.

The author maintained that it was a myth that Ruttie died estranged from Jinnah:

“They were together when she died, and her death left an indelible mark on Jinnah.”

Answering a question about Ruttie’s effect on Jinnah’s politics, Saad noted that Ruttie brought colour into the life of Jinnah, which, never reappeared after her death.

Answering a question about Ruttie’s relationship with Fatima Jinnah, Khan argued their relations were certainly not good as both of them had different personalities. Ruttie once spent Rs50,000 on a house boat in Kashmir, while Fatima Jinnah didn’t even waste a tea bag.

However, he noted, that the tense relationship between Ruttie and Fatima Jinnah had little to do with the problems of the couple which were purely of a personal nature.

Mrs Jinnah’s personal charm and beauty, her exquisite dress sense and her passion for travel were also discussed during the session.

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2021