Bān Zhāo (班昭)

**Ban Zhao (班昭): The Pioneering Female Scholar of Han China** **Early Life and Background** Ban Zhao (c. 45–116 CE) was born into an illustrious family of scholars during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Her father, Ban Biao, and elder brother, Ban Gu, were renowned historians, and her family’s intellectual environment nurtured her exceptional literary talent. Despite the societal constraints on women’s education, Ban Zhao mastered classical texts, history, and philosophy, becoming one of ancient China’s most learned women. **Major Achievements and Contributions** Ban Zhao is best known for completing the *Book of Han* (*Hanshu*), China’s first dynastic history, after her brother Ban Gu’s death. She also wrote *Lessons for Women* (*Nüjie*), a foundational Confucian text on female conduct, which emphasized virtues like humility, diligence, and respect—though it also reinforced patriarchal norms. Additionally, she served as a tutor and advisor to Empress Deng Sui, wielding rare influence as a female scholar in the imperial court. **Historical Significance** Ban Zhao broke gender barriers in a male-dominated scholarly world. Her work on the *Book of Han* cemented her as a key historian, while *Lessons for Women* shaped Confucian gender ideals for centuries. Her dual legacy—as both an intellectual pioneer and a perpetuator of traditional roles—reflects the complexities of women’s status in imperial China. **Interesting Facts** Ban Zhao was nicknamed "Cao Dagu" (Respectable Madame Cao) in honor of her erudition. Unlike most women of her time, she was permitted to study alongside male scholars and even taught male pupils, a remarkable privilege. **Legacy and Influence** Though *Lessons for Women* has been criticized for upholding restrictive norms, Ban Zhao’s scholarly achievements remain inspirational. She demonstrated that women could excel in intellectual pursuits, paving the way for later female writers and historians. Today, she is celebrated as a symbol of female erudition in Chinese history.