Baiza Bai.
Baiza Bai, was a prominent historical figure from Gwalior, India, during the 19th century. She played a crucial role in the history of the Gwalior state and is known for her leadership during difficult times of Scindia kingdom.
Baiza Bai was from kolhapur, Maharashtra, and was born in a family of Kagal, in 1784. She was brought up “on nationalist fervour” in a maratha family. In February 1798 in Poona, at the age of 14, she was married to Daulat Rao Scindia,, who ruled the princely state of Gwalior. She was skilled as a superb horsewoman and was trained to fight with a sword and spear. She had accompanied her husband during the maratha wars with the British, and she fought against Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, at the Battle of Assaye. During the British campaign against the Pindaris, she had urged her husband to support the Peshwa Baji Rao II against them. When Daulat Rao submitted to British demands, it is understood from some historical texts that, she had even left him for some period, accusing him for his cowardice.
She strongly opposed the surrender of Ajmer to the British.
After the death of her husband in 1886, Baiza Bai took on the responsibility of acting as the regent for her adopted son, Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia II, who was a minor at the time. As a regent, Baiza Bai effectively handled the affairs of the state and provided stable governance during her son’s minority. She was a skilled administrator and gained the respect and admiration of her subjects for her benevolent rule. Under her regency, Gwalior experienced a period of relative peace and prosperity.
During her time as regent, Baiza Bai had to face the challenges of maintaining the state’s independence and sovereignty in the face of British colonial influence. The British East India Company was expanding its control over various princely states in India, and Gwalior was not exempt from their ambitions. Baiza Bai managed to maintain friendly relations with the British while also asserting Gwalior’s autonomy. However, her ability to navigate the political complexities of the time did not go unnoticed by the British, and she was highly regarded by them. In 1888, Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia II came of age, and Baiza Bai handed over the reins of power to him. Despite stepping down from her regency, she continued to have a significant influence on the administration of the state and played an advisory role to her son.
Baiza Bai’s regency was notable for her dedication to the welfare of the people of Gwalior and her efforts to preserve the independence and dignity of the princely state. Her legacy remains an important part of Gwalior’s history, and she is remembered as a capable and respected ruler, who governed with wisdom and compassion.
Baiza Bai died in Gwalior in 1863.
