Gayatri Devi

Born on May 23, 1919, Gayatri Devi emerged from the illustrious Hindu royal family of Cooch Behar. Her father, Maharaja Jitendra Narayan, ruled Cooch Behar in West Bengal, while her mother, Indira Raje of Baroda, was a Maratha princess and the only daughter of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Gayatri was also the sister of Jagaddipendra Narayan, who succeeded their father as the ruler of Cooch Behar.

In 1940, she became the third Maharani consort of Jaipur through her marriage to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. Her life took a significant turn when her husband signed the agreement for Jaipur State to join the Union of India. Following her step-son's ascension to the title in 1970, she was honored as Maharani Gayatri Devi, Rajmata of Jaipur.

After India's independence and the dissolution of princely states, Gayatri Devi transitioned into a successful political career with the Swatantra Party. Known for her beauty and fashion sense, she became a prominent figure and a vocal critic of Indira Gandhi's government during her twelve years in politics. Eventually, she chose to retreat from the political arena, leading a tranquil life in her expansive estate, indulging in her hobbies and leisure activities.

Gayatri Devi passed away on July 29, 2009, in Jaipur at the age of ninety, after battling paralytic ileus and a lung infection. She left behind a remarkable estate valued at two hundred fifty million pounds, which was inherited by her grandchildren.