The Queen Who Stepped Out of Purdah and Into History: Maharani Chimnabai II's Legacy of Social Reform

Maharanis of erstwhile princely states not only moved around their domestic world, but would also be the ones who dealt with court politics, some served as regents, and even brought in social changes. They played an important role in influencing and shaping society. Maharani Chimnabai II (1872–1958) was one of the most progressive queens of her time. She was the wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda. She also authored a book, The Position of Women in Indian Life. History has shown that women who have embraced female empowerment and are progressive have raised strong and confident daughters. Chimnabai II was the mother of Indira Devi, who would become the Maharani of Cooch Behar. She was also the maternal grandmother of Maharani Gayatri

Devi of Jaipur.Born to Shrimant Gajrabai Devi, she became the second wife of the Maharaja of Baroda. It was after her marriage that she was given the name Chimnabai II."Much like Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Maharani Chimnabai II carved out her own identity as a prominent female leader of Baroda. Influenced by her husband's progressive ideas, she worked alongside him to drive social change," states the History of Vadodara website.She played a crucial role in the upliftment of women in Baroda. The purdah system was followed strictly in Baroda. She would practise it at home, but was always critical of this practice. The Maharaja of Baroda also considered it a regressive practice. It was with his support that, in 1914, Chimnabai made a public appearance without a purdah. She sat on the same sofa as the Maharaja at a function in Nyay Mandir. This move marked the end of the purdah system in Baroda.Read More: Amrita Sher-Gil: The Modernist Icon Who Painted and Loved Without RulesShe supported education for girls - schools were opened, and they were provided financial support and scholarships. She also started the Maharani Chimnabai Udyogalaya, also known as the Chimnabai Women's Industrial Home, in 1914. Her mission was to make women financially independent. It trained women, especially widows, in various crafts to make them self-supporting. She also donated one lakh rupees to fund scholarships for female students who were pursuing higher education in Bombay (present-day Mumbai).She was also the first President of the All India Women's Conference. Maharani Chimnabai's efforts towards social reforms remain an inspiring example of the role women leaders played in bringing about changes in princely India.