Subhadra Kumari Chauhan's 117th Birthday

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by New Zealand-based guest artist Prabha Mallya, celebrates the 117th birthday of Indian activist and author Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, a trailblazing writer and freedom fighter whose work rose to national prominence during a male-dominated era of literature. Her evocative nationalist poem “Jhansi ki Rani” is widely regarded as one of the most recited poems in Hindi literature.

On this day in 1904, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan was born in the Indian village of Nihalpur. She was known to write constantly, even in the horse cart on the way to school, and her first poem was published at just nine years old. The call for Indian independence reached its height during her early adulthood. As a participant in the Indian Nationalist Movement, she used her poetry to call others to fight for their nation’s sovereignty.

Chauhan’s poetry and prose primarily centered around the hardships that Indian women overcame, such as gender and caste discrimination. Her poetry remained uniquely underscored by her resolute nationalism. In 1923, Chauhan’s unyielding activism led her to become the first woman satyagrahi, a member of the Indian collective of nonviolent anti-colonialists to be arrested in the struggle for national liberation. She continued to make revolutionary statements in the fight for freedom both on and off the page into the 1940s, publishing a total of 88 poems and 46 short stories. 

Today, Chauhan’s poetry remains a staple in many Indian classrooms as a symbol of historical progress, encouraging future generations to stand up against social injustice and celebrate the words that shaped a nation’s history.    

Happy birthday, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan!  

Guest Artist Q&A with Prabha Mallya

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by New Zealand-based guest artist Prabha Mallya. Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Q. Why was this topic meaningful to you personally?

A. Subhadra Kumari is such an inspiring figure. She shows how the power of creativity, insightful words, determination and humour can overcome great challenges. I admire her courage and strength that manifested not just in her powerful poems, but also in her way of life-she was a woman well ahead of her time.

Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle?

A. Excitement about drawing this amazing, historical figure and learning more about her life and work in the process.

Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? 

A. The Rani of Jhansi seems to be such a kindred spirit to Subhadra :) Also, many of her other poems, including "Khilonewala" and "Balika ka Parichay."

Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A. Courage to follow your dreams :)