maharani gayatri devi

Remembering Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur on her birth anniversary

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Being touted as one of the most beautiful women of the world of her times, Former Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur has impressed and inspired many with her legendary life. She was born in London on 23 May 1919. 

Not just because of her royalty but this charismatic beauty was also known for her embarking fashion style, unapologetic boldness, and flourishing love story.

Let’s take a look at her legendary life: 

Early life 

Princess Gayatri Devi was the daughter of Maharaja Jitendra Narayan (Prince Of Cooch Bengal), and Maharani Indira Raje (Princess Of Baroda). 

Gayatri Devi pursued her studies at Glendower Preparatory School in London, and then in Patha Bhavana of Visva-Bharati University, Shantiniketan, and later in Lausanne, Switzerland. She studied secretarial skills in the London School of Secretaries and Brillantmont and Monkey Club London.

Political interests 

Gayatri Devi, despite being associated with the royal family, was active in politics to serve society. She earned a seat in the Indian Parliament in 1962. As recorded by the Guinness Book of Records, she won the constituency in the Lok Sabha in the world’s by largest majority of votes. She kept on holding the seat from 1967-1971 as a member of the Swatantra Party. The party was established by C Rajagopalachari, operating against the Indian National Congress Party.

Hobbies 

Maharani Gayatri Devi was an exceptionally avid equestrienne, an outstanding rider and a stunning Polo player. She had a good aim and took pleasure in days out on Shikars. She was really fond of cars and is recognized for importing the first Mercedes-Benz W126 to India. This was later sent out to Malaysia. She also possessed many Rolls-Royce and an aircraft.

Married Life 

She first met the Maharaja of Jaipur when she was 12 when she had come to Calcutta to play polo and stayed with their family. After six years of courtship, she tied her knot with Maharaja Of Jaipur (His Highness Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur) on 9 May 1940 and became the third queen of Pink city. 

Her revolution for girls education

Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur was very serious about girl education. She insisted that girls get a chance to study well. For better training, in those times of curtain practice, she opened schools for girls. The most popular of them and one of the top schools of Jaipur is the Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ Public School. It was founded in 1943.

Relevance with Polo

She had a strong relevance with polo. Her association with polo was since childhood when polo more than a sport, it was a way of living. She wanted to be a syce from always. She was a prominent supporter of Jaipur Riding and Polo Club. After her death, she and her exemplary polo skills were commemorated by ‘Rajmata Gayatri Devi Memorial Cup’ funded by Rambagh Palace, Jaipur. Not just this, the ‘Maharani Polo Cup’ dedicated to her is celebrated every year in Argentina.

Her Highness also restored and promoted the then-dying art of blue pottery in Jaipur. Particularly known for her beauty, Rajmata was once included in Vogue magazine’s Ten Most Beautiful Women list. Two books have been published on Gayatri Devi named ‘A Princess Remembers’ and ‘A Government’s GateWay’.

She died a quiet death in 2009 at the age of 90 on 29 July suffering from paralytic ileus and lung infection. Rajmata lived a happy and regret-free life. She believed to live in the present and did what she could do when she saw unhappiness around her. In her life filled with the grace of royalty, Rajmata Gayatri Devi indulged herself as the quintessence of elegance. Gayatri Devi is a legend who will be remembered forever as one of India’s most beautiful, independent brave soul and modern Maharanis.

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