Friday, May 11, 2007

THE LADY'S REVOLT!1878-1882

The status of women in our society has been extensively debated upon,but no attempt has been made to highlight the role of women who dared to raise a voice in the society of yesteryears.
King Bhairamdeva of Bastar was married to two sisters Jugraj Kunwar Devi and Suwarna Kunwar Devi-sisters of the Silpara zamindar of Rewa state.It is believed that the king later got involved with a muslim lady of Persian creed named Nawa Bai.This angered the queen Jugraj Kunwar Devi who revolted openly against the king.This incident is known as' Rani cho ris 'or annoyance of the queen.
Under the imperial rule women were opressed.The king was allowed many legal and illegal marriages and the woman was expected to be subjugated to him.According to law they could be jailed for leaving the husband and divorce was next to impossible.Male supremacy was the order of the day.
Jugraj Kunwar Devi revolted with her women soldiers and launched a womens liberation movement.When arrest was imminent she fled to Raipur and continued her struggle from there.She later became the Prime minister of Bastar.Her revolt brought desired results.Her husband was forced to divorce the Persian lady!!!!
May her tribe increase!!!!

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