On August 22, 1948, Princess Sophia Duleep Singh passed away peacefully in her West London home, marking the end of a remarkable life dedicated to both social justice and national pride. Born on August 8, 1876, Sophia was the daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the Sikh Empire, and the granddaughter of the revered Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Her legacy extends beyond her royal heritage, reflecting a deep commitment to the suffragette movement and the fight against imperialism.
Sophia’s early life unfolded in Suffolk, England, where she was educated at home and nurtured a love for activities such as hockey, riding, photography, and music. Her adventurous spirit was evident as she became one of the few women publicly known to ride a bicycle in England—a testament to her trailblazing nature.
Her father, Maharaja Duleep Singh, had been exiled to England following the annexation of Punjab in 1854. Despite several attempts to reclaim his throne, he was unsuccessful. Under the guardianship of devout Christians, Duleep Singh converted to Christianity and eventually married Bamba Muller. Although he did not succeed in restoring his kingdom, he instilled in his children a strong sense of heritage and identity.
Sophia’s own activism began in earnest when she joined the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1909. As a prominent suffragette, she participated in numerous protests, including the pivotal ‘Black Friday’ protest of 1910. Her defiance of British authority was further exemplified when she refused to pay taxes and disregarded the 1911 census, advocating for ‘No taxation without representation’ and asserting that women should not be counted until they had the right to vote.
Navtej Sarna, author of “The Exile,” notes that while Sophia was too young to join her father’s quest to reclaim the Sikh empire, she carved out her own path in the suffragette movement. Her activism, however, did not overshadow her connection to her heritage. Sarna observes, “Sophia led the suffragette movement while maintaining a deep linkage to her father’s legacy and Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s heritage.”
Sophia’s visits to Punjab in 1907 and 1924 were deeply significant. Her journey to Amritsar and Lahore in 1907, accompanied by her sister Bamba Sutherland, introduced her to influential freedom fighters like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Lala Lajpat Rai. Their impassioned speeches further fueled her resolve against British rule. During her 1924 visit, she was moved by the profound affection the people held for her ancestors and was deeply affected by the poverty she witnessed. Her diary entries from this period reveal a personal connection to her heritage and a keen awareness of the socio-political landscape.
During World War I, Sophia’s humanitarian efforts were notable. She organized flag days for Punjabi troops and nursed soldiers at various hospitals, including Brighton Pavilion. Her compassionate gesture of distributing signed photographs to the soldiers was deeply appreciated, with one soldier from the ’15 Sikhs’ expressing his admiration in a letter to his home in 1916.
Princess Sophia Duleep Singh’s life was a testament to the intersection of British and Indian histories and the fight for social justice. Her legacy endures as a symbol of resilience, courage, and the unyielding pursuit of equality. As we remember her contributions, we honor a life that bridged cultures and championed the cause of women’s rights with unwavering determination.
