from purdah to the people

jayembee

i have recently read an amazing autiobiography by rani laxmi kumari chundawat called 'from purdah to the people'. it tells of her life in feudal rajastahani society, her marriage at 17, and her decision to break free from the constraints of purdah in 1956. she not only abandoned purdah but entered political life (as a member of the congress party) - an amazingly courageous act for the times. she was a successful politician and served terms both in the rajasthan assembly and in parliament where she worked for the cause of women's education and development.

laxmi kumari chundawat writes evocatively of many places in rajasthan which is particularly interesting when, as a tourist, you've just visited them.

i came upon this book whilst staying at jas vilas, jaipur (see hotel section) run by lily and mahendra. laxmi kumari chundawat is lily's mother and i'm pleased to say that at the time we stayed, december 2003, she was in good health and still taking a great interest in politics and in the results of the elections that had just taken place.

if anyone is interested, i suggest they contact lily or mahendra info@jasvilas.com, to see whether the book is still available.

jayembee