Born: 1904
Died: 1948 (London, England)
Biography:
Rani Shri Amrit Kaur Sahiba of Mandi was an influential figure in Indian history, known for her dedication to women’s rights and her determination to uplift the marginalized. Born in 1904 to Jagatjit Singh Sahib Bahadur, the Maharaja of Kapurthala, and his fourth wife Rani Kanari Sahiba, Amrit Kaur had a privileged upbringing that would later inspire her activism.
Amrit received her education at a progressive girls’ boarding school in Eastbourne, England, where she not only excelled academically but also explored her interests in sports and the arts. She was an accomplished tennis player and even led a five-piece jazz band during her time there. Amrit’s love for performing arts also led her to take part in plays.
After completing her education, Amrit was sent to Paris, where she was introduced to a world of art, culture, and social activism. In 1923, she was married to the Raja of Mandi, Joginder Sen Bahadur. The newlywed couple embarked on a tour of Europe shortly after their wedding, and they were honored by a reception with King George V and Queen Mary in London.
Upon their return to India, Amrit Kaur and the Raja of Mandi started their family, welcoming a son named Tikka Yashodan Singh in 1923 and a daughter named Princess Nirvana Devi in 1929. However, despite her responsibilities as a wife and mother, Amrit’s dedication to fighting for the rights of marginalized women remained steadfast.
In a 1927 interview with the New York Herald Tribune, Amrit expressed her commitment to championing the cause of the impoverished and marginalized women in society. This determination would become the driving force behind her subsequent actions and activism.
Sadly, Amrit’s marriage faced challenges when her husband took a second wife. In 1933, she made the courageous decision to leave India and her children behind, seeking refuge in Paris. This marked a turning point in Amrit’s life, as she never returned to her homeland.
During her time in Paris, Amrit Kaur embraced her passion for social justice and became involved in various movements. However, her activism led to her arrest by the Gestapo on December 8, 1940, on false accusations of aiding Jewish individuals in leaving France. Amrit was imprisoned in the internment camp at Besançon.
Amrit’s father, concerned for her well-being, appealed to the British Foreign Office and Marshal Pétain for assistance in securing her release. However, despite the Germans offering an exchange for one of their spies imprisoned in India, a British official deemed her repatriation as not of significant political importance, leading to her extended internment.
Tragically, Amrit Kaur passed away in London in 1948. Her life was characterized by her unwavering dedication to women’s rights and her fight against injustice. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of women and serves as a testament to the courage and resilience of individuals striving for social change.