Rajmata Gayatri Devi: Enduring Grace

by Dharmendar Kanwar

Rajmata Gayatri Devi traces the lfie and times of one of the most admired icons of modern India. Educated in England, Switzerland and Shantiniketan. Gayatri Devi of Cooch Behar. the princess from the east became the third wife of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. In a tradition bound set up she participated in religious ceremonies, played tennis with male partners, went swimming and horse riding, and did not miss a single season of polo. She also took it upon herself to bring the women of Rajasthan out of the purdah. Vogue voted her as one of the Ten Most Beautiful Women in the World. and with time, the world also witnessed her political courage and her dignified acceptance of life vicissitudes the los of her only child jagat, a five month ordeal in Tihar Jail under Mrs Indira Gandhis regime.

Hardcover

First published March 30, 2005

Reviews

[Kinjal Parekh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is a deep pain in my heart – it hurts very much and there is no one to talk to. In the world where I live there is no one to talk to. In the world that I live there is no love, no sympathy, no loving arms, no shoulder to cry on. You have to hide the hurt because if people saw it that would laugh and be pleased. There is no sympathy here, nor any understanding. So all my pent up feelings are hurting and there is a pain in my chest – sometimes it is such an acute pain.” – Somewhere in Rajmata Gayatri Devi’s diary.

This is a biography of Jaipur’s princess – Gayatri Devi back from the Independence period. Back when war was the only topic discussed.

This biography written by Dharmendar Kanwar is very detailed talking about her personal, social and political doings. Right from her childhood, family events, she falling in love with His Highness Maharaja Man Singh and marriage, family deaths, politics and her life post all the losses.

It was great learning about the royal family. Every page has a picture of the event being talked about. The biography is precisely and very well written in simple language.

Gayatri Devi’s story was inspiring and isn’t it always great reading about history if a place and a person? To trace down what happened in the place where we are living when we weren’t here. To trace where we (our traditions) came from.

I feel proud when they are at their highest form of happiness. I become well aware of my feelings and emotions.

Her diary entry dated 10th March 1971 read –

“I need someone older than me. Someone who cares for me. You had such high principles; no one else seems to have those standards. I am lost and miserable without you… in less than 2 years I have lost Ma, Dada and you. Life is cruel. I had so much happiness and love and now nothing.”

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[Vanellope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information on a wonderful woman. And the pictures were awesome.