13-year-old Girl Creates History As Rajasthan's Kherwagarh Royal Family Gets Its First Female Heir

Jaipur:  News has come out from Pali district of Rajasthan, which is being considered an example of a new era of social change and tradition. For the first time, in a change to the region's age-old Rajput tradition, 13-year-old stunning Kumari Jodha has been declared the heir to the former royal family. She was formally handed over the succession during the traditional 'Paag ka Dastoor' ceremony at the historic Kherwagarh Fort located in Kherwa village. Until now this tradition was followed only for male heirs. 

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What is the tradition of 'Paag ka Dastoor'?

'Paag ka Dastoor' is a traditional ritual performed in some former princely areas of Rajasthan. After the death of the head of the family, tying a turban on the head of the successor is considered a symbol of handing over the responsibilities of the family. This tradition has been limited to male heirs only for years. In such a situation, it is being considered historic that a daughter has been declared the heir under this ritual for the first time.

Why was Tejashwi Kumari chosen as the successor?

Tejashwi Kumari's father Harish Chandra Jodha and head of the Kherwagarh clan had passed away recently. Since there was no son in the family, the senior people of the community and the family collectively decided to make Tejashwi the successor. It is said that due to the absence of a male heir, this traditional ritual was not conducted for the last 65 years.

How were the rituals performed at the ceremony?

In a ceremony organized at Kherwagarh Fort, Tejaswi Kumari was declared the heir as per traditional rituals amid Vedic chanting. A traditional pink turban was tied on her head, which is considered a symbol of the end of mourning and the beginning of new responsibilities. As per tradition, tilak was also applied on his forehead. It was told that this turban was sent by the former royal family of Jodhpur-Marwar.

How is the society viewing this decision?

Local people and many senior members of the society have welcomed this decision. She believes that with time, positive change in traditions is necessary and daughters should also get equal rights. People say that with this decision, on one hand, the historical tradition was maintained, while on the other hand, the message of equality of women was also sent.

What did Tejashwi Kumari say?

Tejashwi Kumari, studying in seventh class, said that she will continue her studies and will also try to fulfill the responsibilities of family and village with full dedication. She said that her father wanted to make many plans for the development of the village and she would like to work towards fulfilling her dreams in the future. Her historic succession is being considered an important step towards changing social thinking and women's empowerment in Rajasthan.