13-year-old creates history, becomes first female heir to Rajasthan royal family

In a notable departure from long-standing tradition, a 13-year-old girl has been formally declared the heir to a former royal family in Rajasthan’s Pali district, marking a rare shift towards gender inclusion in a custom historically reserved for male successors.

Tejaswi Kumari Jodha was ceremonially anointed under the traditional “Paag Ka Dastoor” at Kherwa village on Thursday, succeeding the Kherwagarh lineage following the death of her father, Harish Chandra Jodha.

The ceremony took place at the historic Kherwa Fort, believed to date back to the 17th century, and was attended by hundreds of villagers. It marked the first time in the region that a girl was recognised as an heir under this customary Rajput succession practice.

As part of the ritual, Vedic chants were recited as Tejaswi sat through the proceedings. A ceremonial pink turban, symbolising the end of mourning and the assumption of responsibility, was placed on her head.

The turban was reportedly sent by the former royal family of Jodhpur-Marwar as per tradition. A tilak was also applied during the ceremony in line with customary practices.

The “Paag Ka Dastoor,” followed in parts of Pali that were once under the Jodhpur kingdom, traditionally marks the transfer of leadership and responsibility within a family after the death of its head, though it has historically been restricted to male heirs.

Community elders said the decision to name Tejaswi as successor was taken collectively, as her father had no son. The family had not performed the ceremony for nearly 65 years due to the absence of a male heir, making this instance particularly significant.

Locals described the move as progressive and reflective of changing social attitudes. Residents said the community chose to preserve tradition while adapting it to contemporary ideas of equality.

Tejaswi, a Class 7 student, said she would continue focusing on her studies while also accepting the responsibilities entrusted to her. She added that she hoped to work towards fulfilling her father’s vision for the development of the village.

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