 |
| Image Source |
Touted to be one of the most beautiful women in the world, Gayatri Devi was unlike any other royal that we had heard about. She was the Princess of Cooch Behar (Koch Dynasty of Ancient Assam), presently West Bengal. While Princesses are usually thought the art of dance and embroidery, Gayatri Devi preferred hunting and riding. She shot her first panther when she was 13 and there was no looking back after that. Since she was primarily brought up by her mother and her grandmother, she grew up being fiercely independent and a feminist, which later became instrumental in her starting schools for girls and the women's empowerment movement.
During her education in London, she met and fell in love with Sir Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. While all the elders around her opposed this relationship as the man in question was eight years older to her and already had two wives. Still, she stayed true to her love and married him and became the Maharani of Jaipur. Gayatri Devi loved sports and was an excellent polo player. She did not let anyone hold her back and continued to live life the way she wanted to. Being a royal comes with a share of rules and protocol, here was a Queen defying it all.
It is not like she did not do anything for the people of Jaipur as their Queen. She started schools in Jaipur and also revived and promoted the dying art of blue pottery. She also had a short stint in politics and was even imprisoned for a while.
Rajmata of Jaipur, Gayatri Devi died at the age of 90 in 2009, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for years to come.
*************************************************************
I'm participating in the April A to Z Challenge for 2019 and my theme is Wonder Women.
I have read a lot about this beautiful PRINCESS/Queen. Her beauty and sartorial grace has no equal. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeletehttps://ideasolsi65.blogspot.com/2019/04/gumsgingiva-parts-of-body.html
She's simply too gorgeous!
DeleteI have read a book about her. She had a fascinating life. Wasn't that movie Zubeida loosely based on her?
ReplyDeleteWas it? That was a well made movie though. I kinda remember liking it.
DeleteShe was a vision! Each time I see her picture, I feel like she was made for royalty. Those eyes, that chin, the confidence in those eye brows...and that class! Have never come across any other Princess with such beauty and elegance. :)
ReplyDeletePure class! That's what she is!
DeleteShe truly is a legend!! I don't think I have read anything about her! Ouch.
ReplyDeleteDo read up, you'll be fascinated.
DeleteJust seeing the picture, I thought she was a Queen. She looks calm and confident. Thanks for this information. I know her just now. I think I will read about her. Good going Sou. 💗
ReplyDeleteIsn't she gorgeous? Thank you, Jay.
DeleteI've read a few articles about her and I must she defied all the norms and protocol that was expected to be followed by royals. An inspiration indeed!
ReplyDeleteOh absolutely!
DeleteI have seen her at close quarters. It was 2008, she was shopping for cotton kurtas at a shop in Jaipur. She was standing next to me and selecting some clothes, when I looked at her and nodded my head as a greeting, she acknowledged it with a smile. It was a fan-girl moment. Though the entourage around her was acting important, she was so humble and sweet. She looked so elegant and beautiful even at that age.
ReplyDeleteShe looked more gorgeous as she aged, I'd agree. Lucky you!
DeleteI read her biography in school, A Princess Remembers, and was absolutely awe struck. What a personna must she have been.
ReplyDeleteYou bet!
Delete