Verses of Valor: Celebrating the Poetry of Subhadra Kumari Chauhan

Saurav Singh

Image Courtesy: Google Doodle

Subhadra Kumari Chauhan (16 August 1904 –15 February 1948) was a notable Indian poet, known for her contributions to literature and her inspiring poems. Among her most celebrated works is the poem “Jhansi ki Rani,” which pays tribute to the brave Queen of Jhansi.

Life and Career

Born in Nihalpur village in Prayagraj District, Uttar Pradesh, Subhadra Chauhan’s early education took place at the Crosthwaite Girls’ School in Allahabad. During her time there, she formed a close friendship with Mahadevi Verma. She successfully completed her middle-school examination in 1919. In the same year, at the age of sixteen, she married Thakur Lakshman Singh Chauhan of Khandwa and eventually became the mother of five children. After her marriage, she moved to Jubbulpore (now known as Jabalpur) in the Central Provinces.

Legacy and Award

Subhadra Chauhan’s legacy is well-recognized. The ICGS Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, an Indian Coast Guard ship, was named in her honor. A statue of her was erected by the government of Madhya Pradesh in front of the Municipal Corporation office in Jabalpur. Her literary contributions were also acknowledged by India Posts, which released a postage stamp in her memory on August 6, 1976.

On August 16, 2021, Google paid tribute to Subhadra Kumari Chauhan with a Google Doodle on what would have been her 117th birth anniversary. Google highlighted her poetry as a symbol of historical progress, emphasizing its significance in motivating future generations to stand up against social injustices and celebrate the impactful words that played a role in shaping the nation’s history.

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