Begum Zubeida Habib Rahimtoola (née Chinoy)
- Artist: Bassano Ltd
- Date: 1948
- Medium: bromide print
- Dimensions: 8 1/8 in. x 6 1/8 in. (206 mm x 156 mm)
- Portrays: Begum Zubeida Habib Rahimtoola (née Chinoy)
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
In this portrait of Begum Zubeida Habib Rahimtoola we see her dressed in traditional Indian wear, the subtle folds of fabric rendered with careful detail by the 1948 Bromide print process. Her jewelry catches the eye—bangles and bracelets sit along her wrists, a pair of earrings adorn her ears, and delicate hair ornaments frame her face. The photo captures her thoughtful gaze and the serene posture typical of Bassano Ltd’s studio portraits.
Zubeida was born in Mumbai, moved to Britain in 1947 when her husband became Pakistan’s first High Commissioner there. She served as President of the All‑Pakistan Women’s Association and represented both the Muslim League and the association in the UK. This image shows a woman whose life bridged continents while championing women’s rights in two nations.
See it in person
Begum Zubeida Habib Rahimtoola (née Chinoy) is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
