In the late nineteenth century, a remarkable woman named Rukhmabai Bhikaji emerged as an inspiration in British India, questioning cultural norms and pushing for women's rights. She was born on November 22, 1864, in Bombay. Her transformation from child bride to qualified physician was a historic turning point in the fight for women's rights. Rukhmabai's story illustrates the strength, courage, determination, and bravery that stand against the winds of time.
Rukhmabai's early life was impacted by the common practice of child marriage. She got married at the young age of 11 to Dadaji Bhikaji, who was eight years older than her, but she decided not to live with her spouse, a decision that went against social norms. With the support of her stepfather, Sakharam Arjun, a professor at Mumbai's Grant Medical College, Rukhmabai challenged societal expectations by pursuing her studies.
Rukhmabai's life changed when her husband, Dadaji, requested to live with him. Rukhmabai, who became an intelligent and cultured young woman, refused the proposal, resulting in a highly publicized court case in 1884. The Bombay High Court gave her a choice: comply with matrimonial instructions or face imprisonment. She chose imprisonment over an undesired marriage performed without her consent at an age when she was unable to give it.
The court battle revolved around the age of consent for marriage and Rukhmabai's disagreement that a marriage performed at such a young age was invalid. The case was finally settled out of court in 1888. Despite the compromise, Rukhmabai's opposition contributed to the development of the Age of Consent Act, which increased the minimum marriage age from 10 to 12.
After being freed from the constraints of an unwanted marriage, Rukhmabai pursued her dream of becoming a physician with the support of Edith Pechey Phipson, director of Bombay’s Cama Hospital. She attended the London School of Medicine for Women and after obtaining qualifications from various institutions, Rukhmabai graduated and became a practicing lady doctor in 1894.
When she returned to India, she experienced societal obstacles but eventually obtained acceptance in Surat, where she established the Seth Morarbhai Vrijbhukhandas Hospital and Dispensary for Women and Children.
Rukhmabai delivered care across socioeconomic classes and during epidemics. Her commitment to women's health extended beyond the hospital, as she actively encouraged women to seek medical treatment.
Rukhmabai's Surat home became a haven for anyone she welcomed, including friends and family members. When a plague epidemic hit Surat in 1897, Rukhmabai monitored the Civil Hospital's female patients. She worked tirelessly for nine months throughout the epidemic, making house-to-house visits and demonstrating the values of "female professionalism" established in her during her studies in London. The British Indian government awarded her the Kaisar-i-Hind Silver Medal in recognition of her contributions during the epidemic.
Rukhmabai's legacy extends beyond her revolutionary medical career. She played a vital role in challenging societal norms, advocating for women's rights, and influencing legal reforms. Her bravery and determination created the path for future generations of women to pursue education, employment, and self-determination.
Google Doodle honored Rukhmabai on her 153rd birth anniversary, recognizing her as an influential figure who changed the conversation about women's liberty and legal reforms in Colonial India. The doodle features an illustration of Rukhmabai with a stethoscope around her neck, surrounded by patients, depicting her dedicated work as a skilled physician.
Rukhmabai's life illustrates the power of individual dedication to produce positive social transformation. Rukhmabai's constant devotion to defying traditional norms, pushing for women's rights, and assisting with legal reforms has had an everlasting effect on Indian history. Today, she is justifiably regarded as an inventor who opened the path to a more inclusive and equitable society.
1. Pal S. The Better India. 2016 [cited 2024 Feb 16]. From a child bride to india’s first practising woman doctor: the untold story of rukhmabai. Available from: https://www.thebetterindia.com/65696/india-first-practising-lady-doctor-rukhmabai/
2. Deepalakshmi K. Who is Rukhmabai, the woman in today’s Google Doodle. The Hindu [Internet]. 2017 Nov 22 [cited 2024 Feb 16]; Available from: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/internet/rukhmabai-the-first-indian-woman-physician-gets-google-doodle/article61853208.ece
3. Who was rukhmabai raut? [Internet]. The Indian Express. 2017 [cited 2024 Feb 16]. Available from: https://indianexpress.com/article/who-is/who-was-rukhmabai-raut-4949058
(By Susmita Bhandary)
