Women Of History: Meet Rukhmabai Raut, India's First Woman Doctor To Practice Medicine In British India

Among the many female leaders in Indian history stands Rukmabai Raut, a fierce figure who was an advocate for women's rights and challenged the societal norms of the era. With our new series, Women Of History, we have been bringing you the journeys and achievements of the unsung women heroes of our country, and this time, we celebrate the contributions of Rukmabai Raut.

Rukmabai Raut's Early Life

Born on November 22, 1864, in Mumbai, India, Raut was brought up in a Brahmin family. Her father, Janardhan Pandurang was a scholar and he encouraged Rukmabai to pursue her studies. However, it wasn't easy for her to access education in an era where gender limitations prevailed and posed many restrictions for girls in society.

Rukmabai Raut's Marriage

Rukmabai Raut was forcefully married to Dadaji Bhikaji, a man much older than her when she was 11 in the year 1884. As she grew up, she got to know about her rights and later refused to accept the marriage. She soon filed a case to get her marriage nullified and it became the talk of the town back then. The 'Rukmabai Case' got a lot of attention and sparked a debate on women's rights in India. Rukmabai was supported by many social activities and women's rights activists. She, unfortunately, lost the case.

Some reports suggest that after losing the case, Rukmabai Raut appealed to Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria then apparently overruled the court's decision and dissolved Rukmabai's marriage with Dadaji Bhikaji. However, there is no evidence to prove this intervention.

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia

Another report suggests that Bhikaji agreed to dissolve the marriage for a payment of two thousand rupees in the year 1888. In 1889, Bhikaji remarried and Rukmabai went on to become a medical practitioner. Post the legal battle, she pursued her passion for medicine studies.

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Rukmabai Raut’s Passion For Medicine

No matter how many obstacles came Rukmabai Raut's way, she didn't lose hope and with the support of her father and other progressive leaders of the society, completed her degree in medicine from the London School of Medicine for Women. With this achievement, she scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to study medicine. She became a ray of hope for all those who aspired to study and break free from societal prejudice.

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In the year 1929, after her retirement, Rukmabai published a pamphlet titled 'Purdah - the need for its abolition'. The pamphlet argued that young widows were denied any chance to contribute to society. In the year 1955, Rukmabai Raut died of lung cancer. Throughout her life, she fought for gender equality and social justice. Despite the early struggles, she made it big in the field of medicine, a male-dominated sphere, and opened up many opportunities for women in the country.

Image Courtesy: Firstpost

Doctor Rakhmabai, a Marathi-language biopic based on the life of Rukmabai Raut released in the year 2016. The film starred Tannishhtha Chatterjee in the titular role. HerZindagi celebrates Rukmabai’s courage and grit to make this world an equal place for women.