Jankidevi Bajaj - a life well lived
Jankidevi was born on 7th January, 1893 in a well-to-do Vaishnav Marwari business family of Jaora (Madhya Pradesh). Her father Girdharilal Jajodia was said to have a retinue of workers at his command - managers, servants, clerks and accountants.
Jankidevi got a few years' primary education but imbibed more of traditional way of life like love of gold, caste distinctions, strict religious rituals as also being helpful and kind.
She also acquired all the accomplishments necessary for the girls of her time - being good at cooking, sewing, knitting and embroidery, etc.
She was married into the affluent family of Bachhraj Bajaj at the tender age of eight. Her marriage to Jamnalal Bajaj in the year 1902 brought her to Wardha (Maharashtra). From the glitter of gold and silver, Jankideviji was transported into the sparkling world of diamonds and pearls.
Soon Gandhiji came into Jamnalal’s life like a whirlwind. Jankidevi followed in Jamnalalji's footsteps and identified herself with the Gandhian movement.
Jankidevi with Kasturba Gandhi at Sewagram
She embraced her husband's stringent lifestyle and willingly joined him on the path of sacrifice. Seen here with Dr. Rajendra Prasad, lunching in traditional style at Bajajwadi, Wardha.
Jankidevi was barely 14 years old when Jamnalalji, because of the chiding by Bachchrajji, decided to renounce his home, family, wealth and consequent material comforts. He left home to become a sadhu and told Jankidevi nothing about it. It is another matter that he was dissuaded by his grandfather Bachhrajji.
