Born: Unknown, Afghanistan
Died: 21 September 1931
Country most active: India
Also known as: حضرت باباجان, Gulrukh
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Hazrat Babajaan (Balochi: حضرت باباجان) was a revered Pashtun Muslim saint, considered by her followers to be a Sadguru (”true guru”) or Qutub (in Sufism, the perfect human being, a spiritual leader who has a divine connection with God and passes knowledge on).
Born in Balochistan, Afghanistan, she spent her final 25 years in Pune, India, serving as the spiritual mentor of Meher Baba, an esteemed Indian spiritual master. Babajaan’s life journey was marked by spiritual devotion and service to the less fortunate.
Born Gulrukh (“Face like a Rose”), Babajaan’s origins are clouded in various accounts, with her birthdate ranging from 1790 to around 1820. Her upbringing in a noble Afghan family provided her with a comprehensive education in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Pashto, and she memorized the Quran. Her early spiritual inclinations led her to a life of prayer and meditation, setting her apart from her peers. Fleeing an arranged marriage, she embarked on a transformative journey, encountering spiritual mentors in Rawalpindi and embarking on extensive pilgrimages to Mecca, Medina, and beyond.
Babajaan settled in Pune by 1905, residing in the Char Bawdi slum area, where she endured hardships with resilience. Her selflessness and alleged miracles drew a growing number of followers, transforming the area into a bustling hub of devotees. She passed away on September 21, 1931, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to attract people of all faiths to her white marble dargah, located under a neem tree where she spent much of her life.