A Forgotten Chapter of Indian Legal History
In an era when women’s voices were silenced and child marriage was the norm, one young woman stood up against societal pressure—and in doing so, sparked a historic legal battle. Rukhmabai, a courageous woman from Bombay, became the face of what is widely known as India’s first major divorce case, long before divorce laws even existed in the country.
Her case wasn’t just about ending a marriage—it was about a woman asserting her right to choose, in a society where that was unthinkable.
Early Life: A Girl with a Strong Spirit
Born in 1864, Rukhmabai’s early years were shaped by tragedy and transformation. After her father’s passing, her mother remarried Dr. Sakharam Arjun, a forward-thinking physician and social reformer. At the tender age of 11, Rukhmabai was married to Dadaji Bhikaji, a 19-year-old man. However, as was customary at the time, they never began living together as a couple.
Unlike many girls of her time, Rukhmabai continued her education, encouraged by her progressive stepfather. Over time, she grew increasingly aware of the unjust traditions surrounding her.
The Legal Battle Begins
When Rukhmabai refused to move in with Dadaji even after reaching adulthood, he took the matter to court. In 1884, he filed a restitution of conjugal rights suit, a colonial-era legal provision that allowed a spouse to demand their partner return to the marital home.
Rukhmabai’s refusal to comply shocked society. She boldly stated that she would rather be imprisoned than live with a man she did not accept as her husband. Her statement made headlines both in India and Britain, stirring public debate on women’s rights, marriage, and individual freedom.
A Landmark Case in Indian Social Reform
The case, officially titled Dadaji Bhikaji vs. Rukhmabai, unfolded over several years. In 1885, the court initially ruled in favor of Dadaji, ordering Rukhmabai to return to him or face jail time. But she did not back down.
The case attracted attention from Indian reformers and British intellectuals alike. Figures like Behramji Malabari and Allan Octavian Hume supported her cause, and media coverage played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Eventually, Dadaji agreed to an out-of-court settlement, and the case was withdrawn. Rukhmabai was free.
A Life of Purpose
After winning her freedom, Rukhmabai went on to study medicine in England—a bold and rare move for an Indian woman in the 19th century. She returned as one of India’s first female doctors and spent the rest of her life treating women and fighting for social change.
Her efforts directly contributed to later reforms in marriage laws, including raising the legal age of consent. Though the term divorce was not legally used at the time, her stand is often seen as India’s first symbolic divorce—a landmark moment in the history of women’s rights.
Rukhmabai’s Enduring Legacy
More than a century later, Rukhmabai’s courage still resonates. In today’s world, where legal systems support women seeking divorce or equal rights, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the long journey it took to get here.
She proved that even in the most difficult circumstances, one voice can create ripples of change.