Princess, Socialite, Suffragette: Sophia Duleep Singh

Summary

In this video, Dr. Cat delves into the fascinating life of Princess Sophia Jindan Alexandrovna Dulip Singh, a prominent princess, suffragette, and activist. Born into a tumultuous history, Sapphire, as she was known, became a key figure in the women's suffrage movement in England, defying social norms and actively participating in protests, tax resistance, and acts of civil disobedience. Her story also highlights her deep connection to India and the Indian community, as well as her advocacy for Indian soldiers during World War I. The video provides a comprehensive look at Sapphire's life, legacy, and role in both royal and political spheres.

Takeaways

• 👑 Sapphire Dulip Singh was born in 1876 and was a princess and suffragette, known for her activism and royal heritage.
• 📜 Her name 'Sapphire' honored her maternal grandmother, and 'Jindan' honored her paternal grandmother, a prominent figure in Sikh history.
• 🌍 Sapphire's grandfather, the Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, was dethroned by the British at the age of 10, and his personal assets, including the Kohinoor Diamond, were seized.
• 🎓 Sapphire’s early education was provided by a governess, followed by schooling in Brighton, and a Grand Tour of Europe with her sisters.
• 🏰 After inheriting £23,000 from her father, Sapphire and her sisters were granted the use of Faraday House in Hampton Court by Queen Victoria in 1896.
• 🐕 Sapphire was known for her hobbies like horse riding, cycling, music, photography, and caring for several dogs, alongside her fondness for fine fashion.
• 📚 Sapphire became heavily involved in the suffragette movement, joining the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and fundraising for women's votes.
• 📸 She famously sold suffragette newspapers outside her home, and her actions led to a conflict with King George V, who disapproved of her activism.
• 💰 Sapphire was also a member of the Women's Tax Resistance League, refusing to pay taxes until women were granted voting rights.
• 📅 On November 18, 1910, Sapphire took part in the Black Friday protest against violent police tactics during a suffrage march, highlighting the brutality faced by women activists.
• 💬 Sapphire remained an active suffragette even during WWI, contributing to war efforts and supporting Indian soldiers while also advocating for Indian rights and education.
• 🏛 In her later years, Sapphire continued to support causes related to women's advancement, Indian soldiers, and suffrage, even after the Equal Franchise Act of 1928 granted equal voting rights.

Q & A

Who was Princess Sofia Jindan Alexandrovna Dulip Singh?

Princess Sofia Jindan Alexandrovna Dulip Singh was born on August 8, 1876, in London. She was the granddaughter of the Maharani Jindan Kaur, the mother of Maharaja Duleep Singh, who ruled over the Sikh Empire. Sofia was a suffragette and a princess, and she played an important role in advocating for women's rights in the UK.

What is the significance of the blue plaque at Faraday House?

The blue plaque at Faraday House commemorates Princess Sofia Dulip Singh as both a princess and a suffragette. Faraday House was once her residence, granted to her as a grace-and-favor property by Queen Victoria. The plaque recognizes her contributions to women's suffrage and her royal lineage.

How did Sapphire Dulip Singh’s father, Maharaja Duleep Singh, lose his throne?

Maharaja Duleep Singh lost his throne after the second Anglo-Sikh war in 1849, when the British East India Company defeated him. He was just 10 years old at the time, and he was forced to surrender his title, along with the famous Kohinoor Diamond, which was later presented to Queen Victoria.

What event marked a turning point in Sapphire Dulip Singh's life?

A turning point in Sapphire Dulip Singh's life occurred when she visited India in 1903. During this trip, she witnessed significant inequality and suffering, which motivated her to dedicate herself to activism, particularly in the women's suffrage movement.

How did Sapphire Dulip Singh contribute to the women's suffrage movement?

Sapphire Dulip Singh actively participated in the women's suffrage movement by donating money, fundraising, and selling suffragette newspapers. She also joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), where she became a prominent figure due to her royal background, which helped bring attention to the cause.

What was the significance of Black Friday on November 18, 1910, for Sapphire Dulip Singh?

On Black Friday, November 18, 1910, Sapphire Dulip Singh took part in a suffragette march to Parliament, where violent clashes between protesters and police occurred. Sapphire was arrested, but the charges against her were dropped. This event highlighted the extreme measures taken by the police against the suffragettes.

What role did Sapphire Dulip Singh play during World War I?

During World War I, Sapphire Dulip Singh supported the war effort by fundraising for the Red Cross, volunteering as a nurse, and helping to provide shelters for Indian soldiers. She also cared for wounded Indian soldiers and was involved in efforts to support them in London.

How did Sapphire Dulip Singh support the Indian community in the UK?

Sapphire Dulip Singh supported the Indian community in the UK by visiting Sikh temples, attending receptions for Indian dignitaries, and providing financial support for organizations like the Indian Women's Education Association and the Laskar Club, which helped Indian seamen.

What was Sapphire Dulip Singh's involvement with Emmeline Pankhurst's death?

After Emmeline Pankhurst's death in 1929, Sapphire Dulip Singh was selected to be the president of the committee responsible for placing flowers on Pankhurst's statue, which was unveiled in 1930. She also joined the Suffragette Fellowship, which worked to preserve the history of suffragette activism.

How did Sapphire Dulip Singh's life end, and where were her ashes placed?

Sapphire Dulip Singh died on August 22, 1948, at the age of 72. She was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium, and her ashes were later taken to India to be laid to rest alongside her sister, Bamba, the following year.