Key Points
- Princess Sudhira Sundari Devi Narayan, the youngest daughter of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, was engaged to the Yuvraj of Kapurthala when she was just 5.
- She fell for Alan Mander and was determined to marry him, despite her family being totally against it.
- She married Mander in 1914, had four kids, and became a women’s rights activist in London.
- She teamed up with notable people like Princess Sophia Duleep Singh and supported Indian soldiers during WWI.
- She was also the aunt of Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur.
Looma News
Princess Sudhira Sundari Devi Narayan’s story is a fascinating mix of royal life and personal rebellion. Growing up in Cooch Behar, she was part of a family that was known for being a bit unconventional.
Her dad, Maharaja Nripendra Narayan, had already shaken things up by marrying someone outside the royal circle. Even though she was promised to another royal from a young age, Sudhira was in love with Alan Mander, who was her sister’s brother-in-law. Her refusal to go through with the arranged marriage caused a lot of drama, including her mom trying to change her mind with a long cruise.
Not backing down, Sudhira even threatened to join a convent to avoid the marriage, which eventually gave her the freedom to marry Mander in 1914. After tying the knot, they settled in London where Sudhira became a passionate activist.
She worked with well-known figures like Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, advocating for women’s rights and raising funds for Indian soldiers during WWI. Her influence didn’t stop there; she was connected to other prominent figures like Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. Sudhira’s life is a powerful example of following your heart and breaking free from tradition.
