How many of you have seen women’ nameplate right outside their houses? Thinking and surprised? Yes, because it is a rare sight in today’ era. However, when we speak of Indian history, this wasn’t taboo as kings used to name ponds and palaces in the name of their queens.
A small town in MP which has big contribution to Indian Railways and Indian trade boasts of this reality. The age old pong called s Jhali Talab was named in memory of Maharani Rajkunwar Jhali. After the World War, the then-Maharaja of Ratlam, Sajjan Singh, performed a ritual for success on its banks. This pond was constructed for his victory and safety by priests and in memory Maharani Rajkunwar Jhali, this pond was named as the jhali talab. The beautiful pond situated near Kalika Mata Temple is carved from red-pink stones with 52 steps and a depth of 86 feet, this pond is recognised as a centre of historical and religious faith.
Today, we talk about women’s empowerment and equality everywhere. In India, having a woman’s name on a house’s nameplate is considered an achievement. However, in India, this isn’t new—it has been a tradition since ancient times. Women’s empowerment has been prevalent even when a woman’s identity was veiledsays Anjali Solanki adding that in this article, she discusses a pond in Ratlam built by the then-ruler Sajjan Singh, which reflects this legacy. A city nestled in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India, is steeped in history and cultural heritage. Among its many landmarks, Jhali Talab stands out as a serene pond with a rich historical narrative tied to the royal legacy of the region. Located within the Kalika Mata Temple complex, this water body is more than just a scenic spot it carries a legacy that intertwines with themes of women’s significance and empowerment, reflecting the strength and influence of women in Ratlam’s past.
So what will you say after reading this article? Dont you feel woman empowerment is not a new term but it existed in India since centuries, asks Anjali.