Who Is Sheikh Abdullah? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on December 5, 1905, Sheikh Abdullah was a pivotal figure in Indian politics, particularly known for his role in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. He passed away in 1982, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the region's history. As of 2025, if he were alive, he would be 119 years old. His political career was marked by his passionate advocacy for autonomy and social reform in Kashmir.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 5, 1905 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Soura, Jammu and Kashmir, British India |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 8 September, 1982 |
| Died Place | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
Popularity
Sheikh Abdullah's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact figures for Sheikh Abdullah's height and weight during his lifetime are not comprehensively documented, he was known to be of average build for his era. His stature, combined with his commanding presence, contributed to his influence in political circles.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Sheikh Abdullah was married to Begum Zainab, and together they had several children, who continued his legacy in various fields, including politics. His family background is deeply rooted in the Kashmiri tradition, which significantly influenced his political ideologies. Throughout his life, Sheikh Abdullah maintained a strong familial bond, which was evident in his commitment to his community and heritage.
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah (5 December 1905 – 8 September 1982) was an Indian politician who played a central role in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah was the founding leader and President of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference (later renamed Jammu and Kashmir National Conference) and the 1st and most revered elected Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir after its accession to India. He agitated against the rule of the Maharaja Hari Singh and urged self-rule for Kashmir.
He is also known as Sher-e-Kashmir ("Lion of Kashmir") and Father of the State of Jammu & Kashmir ("Baba-e-Qaum").
Net Worth and Salary
Estimating Sheikh Abdullah's net worth in 2025 poses challenges since he was not a contemporary figure. However, it’s essential to recognize that his political career and leadership in Jammu and Kashmir likely provided him with a reasonable income during his active years. His focus was primarily on public service rather than accumulation of wealth, which is a characteristic often noted in leaders of his time.
As a result of the 1931 agitation, the Maharajah appointed a Grievances Commission with an Englishman B.J. Glancy as president who submitted its report in March 1932. Subsequently, a Constitutional Reforms Conference also presided over by B.J. Glancy recommended the setting up of an elected Legislative Assembly (Praja Sabha).
Consequently, a Praja Sabha with 33 elected and 42 nominated members elected on the basis of separate electorates for Hindus and Muslims was established in 1934. Women and illiterate men without sufficient property, or title, or annual income of less than 400 rupees did not have the right to vote.
Roughly less than 10% (according to Justice Anand only 3%) of the population were enfranchised.
Career, Business and Investments
Sheikh Abdullah's career as a politician began in the early 20th century. He was a founding member of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, which played a crucial role in advocating for the region's self-governance. Throughout the years, he held various positions, including that of the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and later the Chief Minister. His dedication to the Kashmiri people was reflected in his policies focused on land reforms and education.
In terms of business and investments, Abdullah's resources were primarily channeled into his political endeavors and social initiatives rather than personal wealth accumulation.
He served as the first elected Prime Minister of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir and Jammu & Kashmir as a State and was later jailed by Indian government citing his support to insurgents. He was dismissed from the position of Prime Minister wrongfully on 8 August 1953 and Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad was appointed the new prime minister.
The expressions 'Sadr-i-Riyasat' and 'Prime Minister' were replaced with the terms 'Governor' and 'Chief Minister' in 1965. Sheikh Abdullah again became the Chief Minister of the state following the accord with Indira in 1974 and remained in the top slot till his death on 8 September 1982.
Social Network
During his lifetime, Sheikh Abdullah was known for his extensive network within political circles in India and abroad. His contributions to the political discourse in Kashmir earned him numerous contacts and allies. Today, through historical archives and documentation, he remains a subject of study for scholars and political enthusiasts interested in the dynamics of the subcontinent.
He was first admitted to a traditional school or maktab in 1909, when he was four, where he learnt the recitation of the Quran and some basic Persian texts like Gulistan of Sa'di, Bustan and Padshanama.
This was followed by a primary school run by the Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, however the low standards of education resulted in Abdullah shifting to the district school at Visrarnaag. After five grades here he shifted to Government High School, Dilawar Bagh.
He had to walk the distance of ten miles to school and back on foot, but in his own words, the joy of being allowed to obtain a school education made it seem a light work. He passed his matriculation (standard 12) examination from Punjab University in 1922.
Education
Sheikh Abdullah was educated in various institutions, developing a keen understanding of political ideologies and governance that profoundly influenced his later career. His education not only equipped him with knowledge but also a perspective that resonated with his vision for Kashmir, advocating for rights and autonomy that appealed to the sentiments of his people.
After matriculation he obtained admission in Shri Pratap (S. P.) College, a leading college of Kashmir. His aim was to go into the medical profession at the time. However, circumstances not permitting, he decided to try to study general science at Prince of Wales College in Jammu. He was denied admission.
Then he took admission in Islamia College, Lahore and graduated from there. In 1930, he obtained an M.Sc. in Chemistry from Aligarh Muslim University. The political exposure in Lahore and Aligarh would inspire his later life.
