Gayatri Devi was the third queen of the Jaipur royal family of Rajasthan.
Gayatri Devi. Queen of Jaipur royal family. Removing the purdah system through education. Was an MP many times. Perhaps the most powerful woman in the country, a staunch opponent of Indira Gandhi. Firm in his principles. Adding to the beauty of Jaipur, Rajasthan. What more can be written about him? The more you write, the less it will cost. She was like that. Stubborn, determined by passion. If she were alive today, she would be 107 years old. Come on the birth anniversary of Queen Gayatri Devi (23 May), let us know the stories of the love of Gayatri Devi, who fell in love at the age of 12 and married with full respect at the age of 21.
Gayatri Devi was the third queen of the Jaipur royal family of Rajasthan. His story starts from childhood. She fell in love with a married king at the age of 12. This love was very deep and long lasting. Ultimately at the age of 21 she became the queen of Jaipur. This is a story of love, courage and change.
Princess of Cooch Behar was born in London
Gayatri Devi was born on 23 May 1919 in London. She was a princess of the royal family of Cooch Behar. His father was Maharaja Jitendra Narayan. His mother Indira Raje was the princess of Baroda. Gayatri Devi’s childhood was very happy. She studied in London, Switzerland and India. She was expert in horse riding, hunting and sports. His mother made him modern and independent. She was brave and stubborn since childhood.
Gayatri Devi studied in London, Switzerland and India.
She fell in love with Raja Man Singh in the first meeting
It was the year 1931 or 1932. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II came to Calcutta to play polo. They stayed at the house of Gayatri Devi’s family. At that time Gayatri Devi was only 12 years old. Man Singh ji was 21 years old. He had already been married twice. Both the wives were from the royal family of Jodhpur. Gayatri Devi was fascinated after seeing him for the first time. She used to call him Jai. It was love at first sight.
Who was Raja Man Singh II?
Raja Man Singh ji was the Maharaja of Jaipur. He was very beautiful and brave. Was a famous polo player. He was also skilled in horse riding and flying airplanes. People liked him very much. He had already married twice as per Rajput tradition. Still Gayatri Devi settled in his heart. His personality was very attractive.
Gayatri Devi and Raja Man Singh. Photo: Getty Images
This is how love started
At the age of 12, Gayatri Devi fell in love with Man Singh ji. She considered him her hero. Man Singh was also attracted towards him. There was a big difference in their ages. Still the love continued to grow. Gayatri Devi’s mother did not like it initially. She knew that the daughter would become her third wife. Still the love could not stop.
A time came when Maan Singh and Gayatri Devi had to keep their love hidden. They used to meet under the pretext of playing tennis and bicycle racing. Sometimes he would go out secretly. This was a very exciting time. They started understanding each other better. This secret love continued for about six to eight years. Both of them met very cautiously. This love gradually became stronger.
Gayatri Devi was 21 years old when she became the third Maharani of Jaipur. Photo: Getty Images
Marriage proposal came in the park at the age of 16
When Gayatri Devi turned 16 years old. Man Singh proposed her while walking in the park. He said that he has already spoken to his mother. He also told about the dangers to his life. Still Gayatri Devi said yes. His mother was not happy. Still both of them took the decision. This proposal was very honest.
One of the most expensive weddings in history
They got married on 9 May 1940. This marriage was one of the most expensive marriages in history. Gayatri Devi was 21 years old. She became the third queen of Jaipur. The wedding was very grand. People remembered it. Gayatri Devi started a new life.
Gayatri Devi faced many difficulties after reaching Jaipur. She was surrounded by the practice of purdah. The traditions of Rajput family were strict. She was modern minded. Initially he felt scared. Still he did not lose courage. By adjusting to the family, she gradually managed to adjust things to her liking.
Gayatri DeviTaught girls that veil is not necessary.
Ended purdah system with the weapon of education
Gayatri Devi opened a girls’ school with the help of Raja Man Singh. Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls Public School started functioning. With the help of education, he abolished the purdah system in 10 years. Taught girls that veil is not necessary. This was his big contribution. She became an inspiration for the women of Rajasthan.
Gayatri Devi and Man Singh ji had a son. His name was Jagat Singh. He was born in 1949.The family was small but happy. Gayatri Devi gave a new look to Jaipur. She was interested in politics. Man Singh ji died in the year 1970. He collapsed while playing polo in England. This was a big shock for Gayatri Devi. He moved forward with his life alone. Always remembered his love.
Had to go to Tihar Jail due to politics
Gayatri Devi had entered politics while her husband was alive. She won the Lok Sabha elections in 1962. Then she also won the elections of 1967 and 1972. She joined the Swatantra Party. She was a staunch opponent of Indira Gandhi. During the Emergency in 1975, he had to go to Tihar Jail. She was a brave woman. Took a direct fight with Indira Gandhi but did not compromise. She was both lured and threatened, but she did not bow down. Gayatri Devi passed away in 2009 at the age of 90. She lived in Jaipur. His memories are still alive. She was an example of beauty, courage and modernity.
Gayatri Devi’s love story is unique. He changed Rajasthan. His story inspires people even today. This is a story of love, struggle and success.
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