Lady Meherbai: Sentinel Who Fueled Eternal Flame Of Tata's Legacy

Today, we cannot imagine an India without the prominence of the Tatas. Their influence permeates through various sectors of the Indian economy and history. We all remember the immense contributions and philanthropic endeavours of Jamshedji Tata in the 19th century, followed by Dorabji Tata, J R D Tata, and now Ratan Tata. However, one luminary, who played a pivotal role in safeguarding the legacy of this lineage in India, seems to be forgotten. She is Lady Meherbai Tata, a guardian angel who saved the Tata Group in time of need. 

Not only did Lady Meherbai, wife of Dorabji Tata, play a crucial part in the company, but she also emerged as an integral figure in India's freedom struggle. She worked towards emancipating India from the struggles of child marriage, women's suffrage and the purdah system. She also pushed for girls' education and women's equal rights.

Who Was Lady Meherbai Tata?

Meherbai was born on October 10, 1879, to Jerbai Bhabha and HJ Bhabha, the Inspector-General of Education of the State of Mysore. Belonging to a Parsi family, she inculcated a blend of different cultures including Western liberal ideas. Meherbai studied English and Latin after matriculation and went on to study science in college.

Lady Meherbai was very fond of tennis and she won the Triple Crown at the Western India Tennis Tournament. She was the first Indian woman to play the mixed doubles at the Paris Olympics, in 1924. The best part-- she showcased her sporting prowess in a traditional Parsi saree.

Jamshedji Tata visited the Bhabhas in Mysore and introduced Meherbai to his son, Dorabji. They shared many interests like sports and travelling. Meherbai and Dorabji got married on February 14, 1898. Meherbai got the title of Lady in 1910 when Dorabji was knighted for his contribution to industry.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SheThePeople (@shethepeopletv)

Not only that, Meherbai also played a shaping the future of the Tata Group. Through her philanthropic efforts, she made several contributions to the company. When the company was in crisis, Meherbai selflessly mortgaged her 245.35-carat Jubilee Diamond, a symbol of love from Dorabji, which was twice the size of the Kohinoor.

Fighting For Women

Lady Meherbai is not only known for her connection with the Tatas but also for her contributions to women's empowerment. She believed that India could only progress if women would get the same status in society as upper-class men. She championed women's education and equal rights.

Lady Meherbai, a member of the National Women’s Council and the All India Women’s Conference, vehemently fought for the Hindu Marriage Bill in 1927. In 1929, Meherbai's efforts led to the passing of the Child Marriage Act. Lady Meherbai also demanded equal political status for women in the proposed new Constitution.

Meherbai founded the Bombay Presidency Women’s Council and introduced India to the International Council of Women. She was also a member of the Red Cross Society, through which she raised voices for the rights of women, migrants, labourers, and other marginalised persons. 

On June 18, 1931, Lady Meherbai Tata passed away at a nursing home in Ruthin, North Wales, following a battle with leukaemia. Soon after her death, Dorabji bequeathed most of his personal wealth, which comprised substantial shareholdings in various Tata enterprises, landed property, and his late wife’s jewellery.