However, the brute strength of the British army impeded Avantibai’s guerilla warfare. Both Durgavati and Avantibai chose sacrifice when the tide of the battle turned against them instead of bowing before the enemies. These heroines transitioned from the role of bravehearts to that of legends.

The last century was not that different for the history of Madhya Pradesh as it witnessed the transition of a common citizen first to a monarch and then to a successful politician.

That historical personality was the Maharani of Gwalior, Vijaya Raje Scindia.

From Commoner To The Crown Of Gwalior

Born Lekha Devi, Rajmata was raised by her grandmother. Lekha Devi spent her childhood as a common civilian. At a young age, she took part in the freedom struggle while continuing her studies in Vasantha College, Benares, and then Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow.

Even in those days, Lekha Devi made an impression on people around her by projecting confidence and a hearty persona. These were the qualities that caught the attention of the Maharaja of Gwalior, Jivajirao Scindia.

It is said that on their first meeting, Jivajirao made the resolve to marry Lekha Devi. The marriage between a king and a commoner raised many questions, but Lekha Devi, now Vijaya Raje, through her diligence and intelligence, quashed all doubts.

One of her most notable achievements as Maharani was the founding of the Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya (SKV) in 1956. The SKV paved the way for an all-rounded Indian education of girls, stressing on Indian values, religion, and culture.

Rajmata Scindia once said: