Gayatri Devi: The Maharani who went beyond ‘purdah’

Shivangi Singh

She lifted the veil of Rajput traditions and went beyond the purdah to arrest the world with her intellect, beauty and regal charm - Maharani Gayatri Devi was iconic in every sense of the term. Bobbed brown hair, chiffon saree, elegant jewellery and stunning presence, the face of Indian royalty commanded authority the moment she made an entry. Just having a look at the pictures of the fabled beauty speaks volumes about the aristocratic lady with huge eyes that expressed a dichotomy of sorts - gentle and intelligent as well as defiant and fiery! A popular and beloved Maharani of Jaipur, she is known to have tasted victory in the world`s largest landslide poll win bagging 192,909 out of 246,516 votes. The achievement was endorsed by the Guinness Book of Records. President John F Kennedy is said to have introduced her during an event as "the woman with the most staggering majority that anyone has ever earned in an election." ‘Ayesha’ as a Tom-boy There is a story behind her nickname ‘Ayesha’ which was popular among family and close friends. According to the Maharani, her mother, the Maharani Indira Devi, was reading a Rider Haggard`s novel and decided that she would name her child Ayesha after the heroine. A few days after the birth of Gayatri Devi, a Muslim friend of Indira Devi reminded her that Ayesha is a Muslim name, but since the family was already calling her Ayesha. The name stuck. Very much like Britain’s beloved Princess Diana, the Princess of Cooch Behar was a tomboy as a child. She was an excellent marksman, a tennis player and a keen rider with a deep knowledge of horses. She would always partake in adventurous trips with their elegant mother to London and the European Continent. It is said that she shot her first panther when she was just twelve. Born on May 23, 1919, the princess’ father, Prince Jitendra Narayan of Cooch Behar, was the younger brother of the Yuvraj (Crown Prince). Her mother was Maharani Indira Devi of Baroda, a renowned beauty and a legendary socialite. Early in her life, her uncle`s death led to her father ascending the throne. Gayatri Devi studied at Shantiniketan and later in Lausanne, Switzerland, where she travelled with her mother and siblings. Then she studied secretarial skills in London School of Secretaries; Brilliantmont and Monkey Club London. ‘Controversial’ marriage The 19-year-old princess had the world at her feet but she chose to marry the renowned polo player Maharaja Sawai Man Singh of Jaipur aka Jai, who was already married twice to the princesses of Jodhpur. After a prolonged courtship of six years, the couple decided to go for a wedlock that shocked their families. It is said that just before the wedding, her brother told her: “The maharaja likes girls and just because he is marrying you, one must not expect him to give up all his girls.” Gayatri Devi shot back that since he was marrying her, and not the other way round, “there would be no need for him to have other girls”. Everyone relented in the face of defiance by the princess and Gayatri Devi entered the glittering life of the City Palace of Jaipur. She quickly adjusted to the unfamiliar customs and to life with Jai`s two other wives. The Jaipur Royal Family lived a lavish life: hunting in their forests, spending summers in Europe, educating the royal children at elite schools in England, entertaining streams of famous visitors at their desert palaces. In 1969, Man Singh suffered an accident while playing polo in Cirencester, England and died, survived by Gayatri Devi and five children. His eldest son, Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh of Jaipur, succeeded him as titular Maharaja of Jaipur and head of the Kachwaha clan. “The Maharaja`s liberating influence, combined with Gayatri Devi`s own strong character took her well beyond the traditionally limited activities of a Maharani. She founded several progressive school and won unprecedented success in the political arena." - From A Princess Remembers: The Memoirs of the Maharani of Jaipur A style icon Gayatri Devi was listed among the `World`s Ten Most Beautiful Women` by ‘Vogue’ magazine and considered a style icon throughout her life. Her chic sarees, bold blouses and breathtaking accessories were a rage. She chose the best brands of the day and was often compared to former US first lady and style icon Jacqueline Kennedy. According to designer Ritu Kumar, “An entire institution has gone with her. She was a true fashion icon. In fact, her entire family is known for their taste in jewellery and clothes. Gayatri Devi’s mother was widowed very early. She used to wear nine yards white chiffon sarees with her head covered. And paired them up with pearls and emerald rings. Gayatri Devi also carried on this legacy very well. Her classy chiffon sarees just added to her persona and beauty.” From Palace to Parliament Gayatri Devi contested as the candidate of Swatantra party and continued to hold this seat on 1967 and 1971 running against the Congress Party. This enraged the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who retaliated in 1971 by abolishing the privy purses, and stopping all royal privileges, breaking the treaties agreed upon in 1947. Later, Gayatri Devi was accused of breaking tax laws, and served 5 months in Tihar Jail in Delhi during the Emergency. She retired from politics after that hurtful experience. Feud in the royal family In keeping with the history of unsavoury fights over property in almost all royal families, Rajmata Gayatri Devi was dragged into a messy legal battle by her grandson Kumar Devraj Rangsit and granddaughter Lalitya Kumari, progeny of Gayatri Devi’s only son, late Jagat Singh and his Thai wife Priyanandana Rangsit. They had separated in 1987 - 10 years after marriage and the children went to live with their mother in Bangkok. The Rajmata’s grand children and their Thai mother launched an aggressive media campaign to stake their claim over Jagat`s properties - at the centre of which was the Rs 1,000-crore Jai Mahal Palace, now run as a heritage hotel in Jaipur by the Taj Group. Late Jagat Singh had leased the property out. Devraj Singh and Lalitya Kumari claimed that their father`s will (which is in favour of Gayatri Devi) was forged and manipulated and the battle was dragged in court, leaving Gayatri Devi deeply saddened. Gayatri Devi, the ethereal beauty, will always be saluted for crossing the threshold and breaking boundaries…for welcoming change!