A brave woman, a doctor, and a pioneer for women’s rights in India!

The judge told her she had two choices: go to jail for six months, or go and live with her husband. She was only 22 years old, and she had never even met that man. She chose jail. Then she wrote letters that later helped change Indian law. Bombay, 1885 Rukhmabai was sitting in a courtroom. A man she did not know was saying that she was his wife and must live with him. His name was Dadaji Bhikaji. According to the law, they were married. The marriage had happened when she was 11 years old. It was arranged by her stepfather. She had no choice and did not understand what was happening. After the ceremony, she went back to her mother’s home. This was common at that time. Young girls stayed with their parents until they grew older. Then her life changed. Her stepfather passed away. Later, her mother married again. This time, her new stepfather was a doctor named Sakharam Arjun. He believed girls should be educated. For the first time, Rukhmabai had a choice. She chose to study. She learned English, mathematics, and science. By the time she was in her twenties, she was one of the most educated women in Bombay. She clearly knew that she did not want to live in a marriage forced on her when she was a child. But Dadaji had other plans. In 1884, he went to court. He asked the judge to force Rukhmabai to come and live with him as his wife. He said, “We are legally married.” Rukhmabai said something very bold for that time: “I was a child. I did not agree to this marriage. I do not accept this man as my husband.” People were shocked. In those days, child marriage was common. Many believed it was part of tradition and religion. The case became very famous. Newspapers in India and England wrote about it. Some people criticized her. Others supported her. Rukhmabai did not stay quiet. She wrote letters to newspapers using the name “A Hindoo Lady.” In these letters, she asked important questions: Why can girls be married so young but not educated? Why are traditions followed without thinking about girls’ happiness? Why are girls not allowed to choose their own lives? Her words reached many people. But the law was still against her. In 1887, the judge said she must either go and live with Dadaji or go to jail for six months. Rukhmabai calmly said she would rather go to jail. This was a very brave decision for a young woman in that time. People across the country began discussing her case. Social reformers supported her. Many others opposed her. Finally, the British government stepped in because the case had become very controversial. They convinced Dadaji to withdraw the case after receiving some money. Rukhmabai was free. But she did not stop there. Her case showed something very serious: the legal age for girls in marriage was only 10 years. This shocked many people. In 1891, a new law was passed. The age was raised from 10 to 12. It was still low, but it was the first step toward protecting young girls. Rukhmabai’s courage played an important role in this change. After this, she made another bold decision. She decided to become a doctor. At that time, very few women studied medicine. Many colleges refused her. So she went to England to study at the London School of Medicine for Women. People raised money to help her go there. She studied for six years and became a qualified doctor in 1895. She returned to India as Dr. Rukhmabai. She worked for many years treating women and children. Many women felt comfortable going to her because they could not visit male doctors. She also supported education for girls and spoke about social reform. She never married again. She dedicated her life to helping others. Rukhmabai lived a long life and passed away in 1955 at the age of 91. For many years, her story was forgotten. But today, she is remembered as one of the first women in India to stand up for her rights. She showed that a girl who had no choice at 11 could grow into a woman who changed laws and helped society. Because of her, many girls later found it easier to choose education and freedom. The judge gave her two choices: jail or submission. She chose jail. Then she chose education. Then she chose to become a doctor. Then she chose to help others. Her courage opened the door for many women after her. Dr. Rukhmabai (1864–1955) A brave woman, a doctor, and a pioneer for women’s rights in India.