Padmavati and other Indian Queens who put their Kingdoms on the Travel Map

Indian queens were not only known for their astounding beauty but also for their incredible valour. Here is a list of such Indian queens who put their kingdom on the travel map, enticing tourists till date about their extraordinary feats.

Rani Padmini of Chittor

An extremely beautiful princess of the Singhal Kingdom, Padmini was well-versed in war strategies and battle skills. During her Swayamvar, she set out a condition that whosoever defeated a designated warrior could claim her hand. In fact, the warrior was Padmini herself. Finally, she lost to King Rawal Ratan Singh of Chittor, who was widely known for his bravery, administrative tactics and passion for art. As they basked in each other’s love, Alauddin Khilji heard about her beauty and attacked Chittor to win her. As the battle raged on, refusing to surrender to the army, Rani Padmini and about 13,000 of her women companions walked down a secret passage to Jauhar Kund, where they lit a mass-pyre and self-immolated themselves. The fierce wails and heat coming from the Kund bewildered the victorious Khilji and he ordered the tunnel to be permanently shut.

Must-visit places to know more about Rani Padmini: Padmini Palace at Chittorgarh Fort. You can actually see the room from where Khilji had had a glimpse of Rani Padmini

Read More: Top tourist places to visit in Rajasthan

Rani Rudrama Devi of Warangal

Rani Rudrama Devi was one of the most prominent rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty, and one of the few powerful queens in Indian history. After her father’s death, she took over the kingdom at the age of 14, sat on the throne dressed as a male, and called herself King Rudradev. Though an exceedingly capable administrator, strategist and warrior, she was resented by few of her nobles and cousins who revolted against her. She dealt them with an iron hand and even defeated the invading Yadavas. She completed the construction of Warangal Fort and ruled ably for a few years. She died in 1289 (or perhaps 1295) due to injuries sustained in the war.  

Must-visit places to know more about Rani Rudrama Devi: The ruins of Fort Warangal showcases the architectural excellence and the brilliant planning by Rani Rudrama Devi to secure her territory’s safety.

Maharani Tarabai of the Maratha Empire

Daughter-in-law of Shivaji, Maharani Tarabai got married to her husband Raja Ram Maharaja at the age of eight. By then, the Mughals were waging a war and had killed her brother-in-law who was the heir to the throne, thus making her husband the king. However, due to the incessant attacks from Mughals, Tarabai and her husband were forced to flee from Raigad to Gingee in Tamil Nadu – the southern tip of Maratha Empire. The Mughals followed them there but Raja Ram, an expert in guerrilla warfare fought courageously and held the fort for eight years, post which they returned to Maharashtra. Raja Ram died within two years and Rani Tarabai took over Maratha Empire as a regent because her son was still a minor. Skilled in cavalry and battle strategies, she led the fight against the Mughals – something that the Mughals had not anticipated. Under her successful leadership, the Maratha power grew stronger and larger. Later, however, she was forced to face a war of succession from her late brother-in-law’s son, who forced her to retreat. Not the one to give up, she tried creating a rival court in Kolhapur. Later she was moved to Satara and put under house arrest. She died at 86 years of age.

Must-visit places to know more about Maharani Tarabai: Panhala Fort, Rani Tarabai’s Palace and Ajinkyatara Fort that Tarabai had won from the Mughals

Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi

People still flock to Jhansi Fort to see the spot from where Rani Lakshmi Bai had jumped to escape the British force. She had later joined hands with other rebel leaders to mount a successful attack on Gwalior. Born on November 18, 1835, to the peshwa household, she was a veteran in horse riding, martial arts and sword fighting. She was widowed at the age of 22 and when the British refused to accept her adopted son as the heir, she initiated a revolt. She fought courageously against the British regime and died a martyr’s death on June 17, 1858.

Must-visit places to know more about Rani Lakshmi Bai: Rani Mahal, Jhansi Fort, Jhansi Government Museum

Read More: Experience the epic tale of the Ramayana in Chitrakoot

Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur

Maharani Gayatri Devi was born in Cooch Behar to Maharaja Jitendra Narayan and studied in London. She met Jai, Maharaja of Jaipur when she was 12 and courted him for six years before finally becoming his third wife. She actively took part in politics after India attained independence, joined the Swatantra Party and ran for Parliament in 1962, winning the seat by a record margin. Later, she went on to establish many schools in and around Jaipur. Fondly called Rajmata, she was known for her exceptional beauty and elegance, and even made it to the Vogue’s list of Most Beautiful Women. She was also a very good hunter, and had killed a panther before she was 13. She passed away at the age of 90 in 2009.

Must-visit places to know more about Rani Gayatri Devi: Royal Palace of Cooch Behar, now part of West Bengal, where she was born