Just like it’s always said, “Behind every successful man, there is a woman,” this adage perfectly encapsulates the life of Maharani Chimnabai II. Born as Shrimant Gajrabai Devi to Shrimant Sardar Bajirao Amritrao Ghatge, Sarjerao, of Dewas, she became the second wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. After her marriage, she was renamed Maharani Chimnabai II. Her visionary spirit matched that of her husband, and together, they left a lasting impact on Baroda.
The Better-Half Maharani Chimnabai II
Much like Maharaja Sayajirao III, Maharani Chimnabai II carved out her own identity as a prominent female leader in Baroda. Influenced by her husband’s progressive ideas, she worked alongside him to drive social change. Her commitment to women’s issues was evident in her co-authored book with S.M. Mitra, “The Position of Women in Indian Life.” She played a crucial role in inspiring and establishing various organizations aimed at uplifting the women of Baroda.
Her dedication to women’s rights was further demonstrated when she was unanimously chosen as the first president of the All Indian Women’s Conference, held in Pune in January 1927. In an era when conservative beliefs were predominant, she advocated for compulsory primary education for girls and the abolition of child marriage. Her stance was particularly notable given the presence of other dynamic Indian women at the conference, including Ms. Sarojini Naidu, Ms. Kamala Devi Chattopadhya, Mathu Laxmi Reddy, and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur.
Abolishing the “Purdah”
Maharani Chimnabai II’s progressive stance extended to social customs as well. While she adhered to the purdah system at home, she viewed it critically. By 1914, she and Maharaja Sayajirao III had grown increasingly disapproving of the practice. In a groundbreaking move, Maharani Chimnabai discarded the purdah and publicly appeared with the Maharaja on the same sofa at a function in Nyay Mandir, marking the end of the purdah system in Baroda.
The Institutes and Grants
In her quest to reform female education in Baroda, Maharani Chimnabai II provided substantial financial support to educational institutions and scholarships for girls. She founded and led several key organizations, including the Maharani Chimnabai Mahila Pathasala, Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya, Maharani Chimnabai High School, Maharani Chimnabai Maternity and Child Welfare League, and Maharani Chimnabai Ladies Club.
The Maharani Chimnabai Udyogalaya, also known as the Chimnabai Women’s Industrial Home, was a significant initiative she started in 1914. It aimed to train middle-class and working-class women, particularly widows, in various crafts to make them self-supporting. Maharani Chimnabai also generously donated one lakh rupees to fund scholarships for female students pursuing higher education in Bombay.
Legacy and Passing
Maharani Chimnabai II’s extensive contributions to social and educational reforms were pivotal in shaping the landscape of women’s empowerment in Gujarat. Her legacy endures, securing her place in Indian history as a pioneering advocate for women’s rights in the early 20th century.
Maharani Chimnabai II passed away on 23 August 1958. Her lifelong dedication to women’s empowerment left an indelible mark, and she remains an inspirational figure in the history of Baroda and beyond.
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