Prominent Personalities of Rajasthan: Eminent Men and Women

Prominent Personalities of Rajasthan: Men and Women Eminent Personalities The History of Rajasthan highlights the contributions of great men like Rao Gopal Singh Kharwa, Bavji Chatursingh (Literature), Swami Keshavanand (Education), Pandit Jhabarmal Sharma (Journalism), Kripal Singh Shekhawat (Blue Pottery), Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha, Vijaydan Detha, Komal Kothari, Pandit Vishwamohan Bhatt, Acharya Tulsi, Major Piru Singh Shekhawat, Jayanarayan Vyas, Mohanlal Sukhadia. Besides, the contribution made by inspirational women personalities like Gavari Devi, Banno Begum, Allah Jilai Bai, Narayani Devi, Janaki Devi Bajaj, Kalibai, Hadi Rani and Rani Padmini in social, cultural and nation building is also studied.

Prominent Personalities of Rajasthan

Rao Gopal Singh Kharwa –

“Rao Gopal Singh Kharwa” was born in 1872 and passed away in 1939.
He was the ruler of the Kharwa princely state of Rajputana.
The British government sentenced him to four years of imprisonment in the Todgarh Fort on charges of rebelling against the British.
“Thakur Kesari Singh Barhath” said about him that just as Punjab is proud of Lala Lajpat Rai and Maharashtra is proud of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, similarly Rajasthan is proud of Rao Gopal Singh Kharwa.
In the year 1910, Kesari Singh Barhath, Vijay Singh Pathik and Rao Gopal Singh Kharwa” together founded an organization named Veer Bharat Sabha.

Bawji Chatursingh (Literary Figure) –

“Bawji Chatursingh” was a famous literary figure of Rajasthan.
His works were connected to the lives of common people and the culture of Rajasthan.
His literature made the literary heritage of Rajasthan even more enriched and strong.

Swami Keshwanand (Education Sector) –

“Swami Keshwanand” was born in 1883 AD in Mangluna village of Sikar district.
His father’s name was Chaudhary Thakarsi and his childhood name was Birma.
People gave him the title of “Shiksha Sant” (Education Saint) due to his service to education.
Between 1944 and 1956, he helped in opening about 300 schools in the desert villages of Bikaner.
He made a huge contribution to spreading education in rural areas and in the development of villages

Pandit Jhabarmal Sharma (Journalism) –

“Pt. Jhabarmal Sharma” was born in 1880 AD at a place named Jasrapur.
He is honoured as the “Bhishma Pitamah of Journalism” in Rajasthan.
In the year 1905, he took training in Hindi journalism and editing from Pandit Durgaprasad Mishra.
Through his writing and editing, he played an important role in spreading intellectual awakening and national consciousness in Rajasthan.

Kripal Singh Shekhawat (Blue Pottery – Shilp Guru)

“Kripal Singh Shekhawat” was born in 1922 AD in Mau village of Sikar district.
He was given the title of “Shiksha Guru” due to his art.
By doing beautiful painting on Blue Pottery, he gave this traditional art recognition across the country and abroad.
For his art, he was honoured with the “Padma Shri” award in 1974 AD.
He played a major role in reviving and making the handicraft tradition of Rajasthan popular.

Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha –

“Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha” was born in 1863 AD in Rohida village of Sirohi district.
He was a famous historian and archaeologist of Rajasthan
He conducted a deep and serious study of the history of Rajasthan.
He discovered, collected, and studied ancient inscriptions and records.
Due to his contribution, he is called the “Historian of Rajasthan.”

Kaviraj Shyamaldas –

“Kaviraj Shyamaldas” was born in 1836 AD in Saliwada Dhokliya village of Bhilwara district.
He was a court poet in the courts of Maharana Shambhu Singh and Sajjan Singh of Mewar.
The name of his most famous work is “Veer Vinod,” which is an important book written on the history of Rajasthan.
While staying in the Mewar court, he worked to secure and preserve the history of Rajasthan through his historical texts.

Vijaydan Detha –

“Vijaydan Detha” was born on 1 September 1926 in Borunda village of Jodhpur district.
He was affectionately called by the name “Bijji”.
He wrote famous works such as Chaudhrayan ki Chaturai, Batan Ri Phulwari, Duvidha, and Alekhu Hitler.
By writing the folk tales of Rajasthan in beautiful language, he gave them a special place in modern literature.
For his contribution, he was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1974, the Padma Shri in 2007, and the Rajasthan Ratna in 2012.

Komal Kothari –

“Komal Kothari” was born on 4 March 1929 in Kapasan of Chittorgarh district.
In 1960 AD, he established the “Rupayan Sansthan” in Borunda town of Jodhpur district.
He worked continuously to save and promote the folk art, folk music, and folk culture of Rajasthan.
He became famous throughout the country as a researcher of folk culture (Folklorist).

Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt –

“Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt” is a renowned Indian classical musician.
He invented a special musical instrument named Mohan Veena, which is a beautiful blend of guitar with the strings of Sitar, Sarod, and Veena.
He was honoured with the Grammy Award in the year 1994.
He played a crucial role in making Indian classical music famous at the international level.

Acharya Tulsi –

“Acharya Tulsi” was born on 20 October 1914 in Ladnun town of Nagaur district.
He became the ninth Acharya of the Terapanth Sangh at the age of only 22.
He started the “Anuvrat Movement,” which emphasized living an ethical life through small vows.
He used to give this message – “A human is a human first, a Hindu or Muslim later.”
He promoted morality, non-violence, and human unity in society.

Major Piru Singh Shekhawat –

“Major Piru Singh Shekhawat” was the first Rajasthani soldier to receive the Param Vir Chakra.
He showed extraordinary bravery in the Jhangar sector of Jammu and Kashmir during the 1947–48 Indo-Pak war.
He attained martyrdom during the war, therefore he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
The people of Rajasthan remember his bravery as a symbol of pride and inspiration.

Jamnalal Bajaj

“Jamnalal Bajaj” was related to Kashi Ka Bas village of Sikar district.
Mahatma Gandhi affectionately called him his “fifth son”.
In 1921, he established the Satyagraha Ashram in Wardha.
In 1925, he founded the Charkha Sangh and promoted Khadi.
He gave great importance to the Hindi language and called it the “language of religion”.

Jai Narayan Vyas –

“Jai Narayan Vyas” was born in 1899 in Jodhpur.
He is known by respectful nicknames such as Loknayak, Sher-e-Rajasthan, and Massab.
He contributed to the starting of Marwar Hitkarini Sabha in 1924, Tarun Rajasthan magazine in 1927, and Akhand Bharat magazine (Mumbai) in 1936.
He became the nominated Chief Minister of Rajasthan and later also became the elected Chief Minister.

Mohanlal Sukhadia –

“Mohanlal Sukhadia” is called the “Creator of Modern Rajasthan.”
He served as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan for about 17 years.
This time period is known as the longest tenure of a Chief Minister in the history of Rajasthan.

Haribhau Upadhyaya –

“Haribhau Upadhyaya became the first Chief Minister of Ajmer State.
He established the Gandhi Ashram in Hatundi (Ajmer).
He did significant work for women’s education by establishing the Mahila Shiksha Sadan.

Gokulbhai Bhatt –

“Gokulbhai Bhatt” is called the “Gandhi of Rajasthan.”
He established the Sirohi Prajamandal in the year 1939.
He was famous for his simple living, truth, and non-violence.

Balwant Singh Mehta –

“Balwant Singh Mehta” was born in 1900 AD in Udaipur.
He played a role in the establishment of Pratap Sabha in 1915 and Mewar Prajamandal in 1938.
In 1943, he established the Vanvasi Hostel in Udaipur, where focus was given to the education of tribal students.

Tikaram Paliwal –

“Tikaram Paliwal” played an active role in the Vidhyarthi Youth League, Delhi, in 1929.
In 1952, he became the first elected Chief Minister of Rajasthan.

Vaidya Magharam –

“Vaidya Magharam” is considered the father of the freedom movement in Bikaner state.
He established the Bikaner Prajamandal in 1936.
In 1946, he became the President of the Bikaner State Praja Parishad.

Sardar Harlal Singh –

“Sardar Harlal Singh” was born in 1901 in Jhunjhunu district.
He established Vidhyarthi Bhavan, Jhunjhunu, making it a center for political and social activities.
He remained active in peasant movements and Prajamandal movements.
Due to his courage and leadership, people gave him the title of “Sardar.”

Captain Durgaprasad Chaudhary –

“Captain Durgaprasad Chaudhary” was born in 1906 in the Neem Ka Thana area.
He received his early education from Arjun Lal Sethi’s Vardhaman Pathshala.
He remained active in the independence movement and peasant movements by joining the Rajasthan Seva Sangh.
Later, he became the editor of the newspaper named Dainik Navjyoti.

Prominent Women Personalities of Rajasthan

Gavari Devi (Bikaner / Jodhpur)

Gavari Devi was born in Bikaner.
She was a famous Mand singer of the Jodhpur royal family.
She attained the greatest fame during the time of Maharaja Umaid Singh.
In 1954, she participated in the All India Music Conference in Jaipur.
She was honored with the titles “Nightingale of Rajasthan” (Rajasthan ki Kokila) and “Mand Malika”.
She is also associated with Pali and was renowned for singing Bhairavi-infused Mand.

Banno Begum (Jaipur)

Banno Begum was a famous singer from Jaipur.
She was proficient in Classical music, Mand, Thumri, Geet, and Ghazal singing.
Her mother, Johar Bai, was a renowned singer in the Jaipur court.
She was a member of the Jaipur Gunijan Khana (Department of Virtuosos).
Her Guru’s name was Nazeer Khan.
She performed before Rajmata Gayatri Devi and Queen Elizabeth of England.

Mangibai (Udaipur / Pratapgarh)

Mangibai was born in Pratapgarh.
She was a skilled singer of Mand and Classical music.
She was honored in 1994 for her significant contributions to music.

Allah Jilai Bai(Bikaner) –

Allah Jilai Bai was a famous Mand singer associated with the Bikaner royal family.
She was honored with the title “Maru Kokila” (Nightingale of the Desert).
Her Guru’s name was Ustad Hussain Bux.
She was honored with the Padma Shri award in 1982.
She also received the Dagar Gharana Award from the Mewar Foundation.
In 1987, she performed at the Albert Hall, London.
In 2003, the Government of India issued a ₹5 postage stamp in her honor.
Her famous songs include “Kesariya Balam” and “Baisa Ra Veera” as the most prominent ones.

Jamila Bano (Jodhpur) –

Jamila Bano was a famous singer from Jodhpur.
She was associated with the Mand singing tradition of Rajasthan.

Kishori Devi –

Kishori Devi was the wife of freedom fighter Sardar Harlal Singh.
She presided over the Katrathal Conference on 25 April 1934.

Narayani Devi –

Narayani Devi was the wife of Manikya Lal Verma.
She established the Mahila Ashram in Bhilwara in 1944.
She served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1970 to 1976.
She spread education and awareness among the Bhil community in the Khandlai region of Dungarpur state.
In 1939, she participated in the Prajamandal movements and was imprisoned.
In 1942, she participated in the Quit India Movement and was imprisoned again.

Snehlata Verma –

Snehlata Verma was the daughter of freedom fighter Manikya Lal Verma.
She participated in the Bijolia Peasant Movement under her father’s leadership.

Ratan Shastri –

Ratan Shastri was the wife of Hiralal Shastri, the first Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
She participated in the Jaipur State Prajamandal Satyagraha Movement in 1939.
During the Quit India Movement of 1942, she served underground workers and their families.
She received the Padma Shri honor in 1955.
She was also honored with the Jamnalal Bajaj Award.
In 1975, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan.
Her major contribution was in the field of women and child welfare.

Anjana Devi –

Anjana Devi was the wife of freedom fighter Ramnarayan Chaudhary.
She led women in the Bijolia and Bundi Peasant Satyagraha.
She formed a group of approximately 500 women to help release farmers who were illegally arrested.
She participated in the Salt Satyagraha of 1930 and served 6 months in jail.
She also provided services at the Women’s Information Center of the Bharat Sevak Samaj.

Nagendra Bala –

Nagendra Bala was the granddaughter of the great revolutionary Kesari Singh Barhath.
She remained active in peasant movements from 1941 to 1947.
After independence, she became the first woman Zila Pramukh of Rajasthan (Kota).
She also served as a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Janki Devi Bajaj –

Janki Devi Bajaj was born in Jaora (Madhya Pradesh).
She was the wife of Jamnalal Bajaj.
In 1944, she presided over the Jaipur Prajamandal Session.
She got 108 wells dug during the Bhoodan Movement.
She was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 1956.

Shanta Trivedi –

Shanta Trivedi was born in Nagpur (Maharashtra).
Her husband’s name was Parsuram Trivedi, who was a resident of Udaipur.
She established the Rajasthan Mahila Parishad in Udaipur in 1947.

Miss Lutter (Lillian Godfreda Damithron Lutter)

Miss Lutter was born in Kyaukmau (Burma).
In 1934, she became the first Principal of Maharani Gayatri Devi (MGD) School, Jaipur.
She remained the Principal of the same school throughout her life.
She was honored with the Padma Shri in 1970.
In 1976, she was recognized by the British Government for her contributions to women’s education.

Kali Bai (Bheel Girl)

Kali Bai was a resident of Rastapal village in the Dungarpur district.
In 1947, she was martyred by police gunfire while trying to save her teacher (Sengabhai).
A memorial has been constructed in Rastapal in her memory.

Shrimati Satyabhama –

Shrimati Satyabhama was the daughter-in-law of Bundi freedom fighter Nityanand Nagar.
She led the Beawar–Ajmer movement in 1932.
She was known as the “Adopted Daughter” (Manas Putri) of Mahatma Gandhi.

Kamla Devi –

Kamla Devi was the first female journalist of Rajasthan.
She started her writing career with the newspaper ‘Prakash’.

Khetubai –

Khetubai was the sister of Bikaner freedom fighter Vaidya Megharam.
She led the women in the Dudhwa Khara Peasant Movement.
She kept a lifelong vow to wear only Khadi.

Rama Devi –

Rama Devi was born in Jaipur in the house of Vaidya Gangasahay.
She became a widow at the young age of 11.
Later, she married Laduram Joshi.
In 1931, she participated in the Bijolia Movement and was imprisoned.

Lakshmi Devi Acharya
- Lakshmi Devi Acharya was a founding member and the President of the Bikaner Prajamandal.
- She remained active in the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Swadeshi Movement.
Vijaya Bahen Bhavsar
- Vijaya Bahen Bhavsar was married to the freedom fighter Dhulji Bhavsar of Banswara.
- She established the ‘Mahila Mandal’.
Panna Dhai
- Panna Dhai was a heroic woman of Chittorgarh.
- In 1537 AD, she sacrificed her own son, Chandan, to protect Udai Singh (the future Maharana of Mewar).
Gora Dhai
- Gora Dhai was associated with Jodhpur.
- She sacrificed her own son to protect Ajit Singh (the infant prince of Marwar) from the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Hadi Rani (Sahal Kanwar)

Hadi Rani was the wife of Ratan Singh Chundawat of Salumbar.
She beheaded herself and presented her severed head to him.

Rani Padmini (Padmavati)

Rani Padmini was the Queen of Chittorgarh.
She performed Jauhar (self-immolation) to protect her honor from the siege of Alauddin Khilji.

Aruna Roy

Aruna Roy’s significant contribution lies in the creation of the RTI (Right to Information) and NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) laws.
She was honored with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Sumitra Singh

Sumitra Singh became the first female Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.

Kushal Singh
- In 2009, Kushal Singh became the first female Chief Secretary of Rajasthan.
Yashoda Devi
- Yashoda Devi was the first female MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) from Banswara.
Sharda Bhargava
- Sharda Bhargava became the first female Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from Rajasthan.

Pratibha Patil

Pratibha Patil became the first female Governor of Rajasthan.
She also served as the first female President of India.

Bhakti Sharma
- Bhakti Sharma is a famous swimmer from Udaipur.
- She is the first Rajasthani female swimmer to cross the English Channel.
Krishna Poonia
- Krishna Poonia is a renowned discus throw athlete.
- She won the Gold Medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
- She was honored with the Padma Shri in 2011.
Apurvi Chandela
- Apurvi Chandela is a famous Indian shooter.
- She won the Gold Medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
- She received the Arjuna Award in 2016.
Tanushree Pareek
- Tanushree Pareek cleared the UPSC examination in 2014.
She became the first female Assistant Commandant of the BSF (Border Security Force).