Maharani Gayatri Devi

One of the most beautiful women of the world passed away on July 29th, 2009. She was also one of the most intelligent, compassionate, humble, liberal and brave woman I have seen. She was the queen of Jaipur, princess of Cooch Behar. An era culminates with the passing away of Maharani Gayatri Devi.

Even at 90 she had radiance on her face, command in her voice and warmth in her heart. She was known for her style, iconic fashion and killer looks. But, she was more…much more than that. She was an avid golfer, adept equestrian and an able politician. She single handedly took charge of building schools for educating girls in her state. I hail from the same state and though I never went to one of her schools, I can vouch for their standard and their invaluable contribution to education and women.

I never met her, saw her publically once and read her biography more than once. And yet, in my mind (in everyone’s mind who knows Jaipur) there’s no one I see more emblematic for the pink-city than the late Raj-mata Gayatri Devi. No one after her, from the blue-blood clan, has been able to make room in people’s hearts and no one after her has been willingly given a status of royalty. No one after her, commanded such respect from their masses.

Her life as a liberal, her interest in her state, her politics for the good, her fight in freedom struggle, her love for her life partner, her discipline in life, her taste of subtle colors, and her eye for fashion were remarkable. She stood for education, progress and kindness. A woman who had a private plane from the age of 21 and who had customized Bentley in her early youth, didn’t while away her life. She used her power, intellect and empathy to create a state she envisioned.
I always read of her as the gorgeous woman and never thought of her as only gorgeous. She was a strong, opinionated woman with her heart in the right place and a will to make a difference. The pink city will miss her…her charm and her nurture.