Meet Indira Devi, Young Widow Of Cooch Behar, Called Off Wedding, Went Against Her Parents To Marry

Indian royals and their luxurious lives have often left us awestruck. Whether it's their impeccable fashion, royal taste, or opulent lifestyle, people are often left in awe. Though they are supposed to follow the royal norms set by their family, there are many royals, who have questioned the age-old traditions and beliefs. One such Princess was Indira Devi.

A young woman with modern thoughts, Indira Devi was born as Indira Raje to Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the Maharaja of Baroda. She spent her childhood in the luxurious Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Baroda. Unlike the other princesses, Indira Devi defied societal norms and dared to go against her parents. Do you know this young princess called off her engagement? Read on to learn more about her.

Indira Devi called off her engagement with Maharaja Of Gwalior

Indira Raje was engaged to Madho Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior, at a very young age. Their union was the coming together of two royal families. However, the Princess was not keen about her engagement to the Maharaja as he was not only significantly older than her, but was already married once.

Maharaja of Gwalior, Madho Rao Scindia, also laid down a strict regime, that didn’t suit the Princess, who enjoyed a great deal of freedom in her household in Baroda. She was not willing to live under such scrutiny as a second wife. As a result, she personally wrote a letter to the Maharaja and ended her engagement. 

Indira Devi went against her parents to marry Prince Jitendra Narayan

While she was engaged to Maharaja of Gwalior, Madho Rao Scindia, Indira met prince Jitendra Narayan, younger brother of the then Maharaja of Cooch Behar. After successfully breaking her engagement, Indira expressed her desire to marry Jitendra, which was vehemently opposed by her parents.

Indira’s father didn’t consider Jitendra an equal match and also warned him to stay away from his daughter. Indira was even sent to Europe to avoid any scandal, but she didn’t budge. Her parents reluctantly gave their consent but didn’t attend the wedding. Finally, in August 1913, Jitendra and Indira got married in a registrar’s office in London. No member of Indira’s family was present.

Indira Devi became the young widow of Cooch Behar

Days after the wedding, Jitendra’s elder brother, Rajendra Narayan, passed away, and Jitendra became the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. Soon, Indira and Jitendra became parents to five children. Within a decade of their wedding, Jitendra passed away, leaving behind his young widow, Indira Devi, as the Maharani of the princely state of Cooch Behar.

Indira faced a lot of criticism for her mediocre administrative skills. Along with raising her five children, Indira also had to look after the expenses of the palace. However, her high-profile social life garnered a great deal of attention. Despite being a widow, she was linked with many high dignitaries. 

Throughout her life, Indira faced many tragedies. She lost her husband within ten years of their marriage. Her daughter, Illa Devi, died at a young age, and her son, Prince Indrajit Narayan Bhup, passed away in an accidental fire. However, despite all the tragedies, Indira led her life on her own terms.

Indira Devi startled many by raising her opinions on patriarchy and refusing to abide by the conventional norms set for a woman in society.

Also Read: Mira Nair's 1st Marriage With Epstein: Met In Harvard, He Was Her Teacher, Punjabi Wedding, Divorce

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