Maharani Gayatri Devi, also known as the Rajmata of Jaipur, was a prominent figure in Indian royalty during the 1940s. As the third Maharani consort of Jaipur, she married the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Man Singh II. Born into a royal household, Gayatri Devi received her education in England, Switzerland, and India, and developed a passion for equestrian sports, polo, and driving. Despite her husband already having two Maharanis, she married him after a long courtship. Gayatri Devi was not only a fashion icon but also a trailblazer in promoting education and Rajasthani handicrafts. She even achieved a Guinness record by winning the Jaipur Lok Sabha seat in 1962, representing the Swatantra Party. Despite her success in politics, she eventually retired due to a rivalry with the Congress Party. Known for her beauty and elegance, Gayatri Devi popularized the chiffon saree and was regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the world.
Quick Facts
- Indian Celebrities Born In May Also Known As: Princess Gayatri Devi
- Died At Age: 90
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Man Singh II (m. 1940–1970)
- Father: Maharaja Jitendra Narayan of Cooch-Behar
- Mother: Princess Indira Raje of Baroda
- Children: Prince Jagat Singh
- Born Country: England
- Royal Family Members
- Indian Women
- Died on: July 29, 2009
- Place of death: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
- Notable Alumni: Visva-Bharati University
- Cause of Death: Lung Failure
- More Facts
- Education: Visva-Bharati University
Early Life & Education
Gayatri Devi was born on May 23, 1919, in London, England, to Maharaja Jitendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur of Cooch Behar and Maratha Princess Indira Raje Gaekwar of Baroda. She was one of five children and was affectionately called Ayesha by friends and family. Gayatri received her early education from private tutors and later attended Glendower Preparatory School and St. Cyprian’s in Eastbourne, England. She graduated from Visva-Bharati University in India in 1936 and then attended Brillantmont, a finishing school in Lausanne, Switzerland. She also studied at the London College of Secretaries. Throughout her early years, Gayatri developed hobbies such as hunting, horse riding, and playing polo. She also had a love for cars and owned the first Mercedes-Benz W126 in India.
Marriage, Personal Life, & Family
Gayatri Devi met Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur when she was just 12 years old. Sawai Man Singh, also known as Jai, was the maharaja of Jaipur and a renowned polo player. The two quickly fell in love and got married on May 9, 1940. However, at the time of their marriage, Sawai Man Singh was already married to his two queens. After India gained independence in 1947, Sawai Man Singh had to give up his sovereignty and the couple had to adjust to a different lifestyle. They moved into a smaller palace and had to make changes to their standard of living. Gayatri and Sawai Man Singh had one child together, Prince Jagat Singh. Gayatri also became a stepmother to Sawai Man Singh’s other children. Sadly, both Sawai Man Singh and Prince Jagat Singh passed away in the following years.
Political Career
In 1961, Gayatri Devi joined the Swatantra Party, a right-wing rival of the Congress Party led by Indira Gandhi. She made history in 1962 by winning the Lok Sabha seat of Jaipur with the highest number of votes ever recorded. She continued to win in the 1967 and 1971 elections. Gayatri campaigned tirelessly, delivering speeches and meeting with the people of Jaipur. She focused on the development of Rajasthan during her first term and formed a coalition with the Hindu Jan Sangh in the 1967 elections. However, she lost the assembly election but won the Lok Sabha poll.
Empowerment of Women & Other Social Initiatives
Gayatri Devi was a champion for women’s rights. In 1943, she established the Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ Public School, the first all-girls school in Jaipur. After her husband’s death, she built a co-educational school in his memory. Gayatri also worked for the Red Cross and served on the purchasing committee of India’s National Museum. She promoted art and craft, revived the art of blue pottery, and launched a company to export cotton rugs made by local weavers.
Final Years, Death, & Legacy
In 1971, a bill was passed to de-recognize all former rulers, including Gayatri Devi, and abolish their privileges and titles. She dedicated her later years to the development of the City Palace Museum and launched a company to export cotton rugs. In 1976, her biography, “A Princess Remembers,” was released. Gayatri Devi passed away on July 29, 2009, at the age of 90. She was known for her beauty and style, being named one of Vogue magazine’s Ten Most Beautiful Women in the World. She was also a fashion icon, known for her chiffon saris and bob haircut.