The Inspiring Story of Yogmaya And Durga Devi: Rebel Women of Nepal

When we talk about powerful women who defied societal norms and challenged the status quo, names like Marie Curie, Rosa Parks, and Malala Yousafzai often come to mind. However, it is important to recognize that women all over the world have fought against oppression and injustice, even if their stories are not widely known. In this article, we will shed light on the remarkable lives of two rebel women from Nepal: Yogmaya and Durga Devi.

The Unstoppable Yogmaya: Queen of Makawanpur

Yogmaya, born in 1861 in the kingdom of Makawanpur, was a freedom fighter and a symbol of resistance against the autocratic Rana regime in Nepal. From a young age, Yogmaya had a strong sense of justice and a burning desire for change. She refused to accept the discriminatory practices imposed on women and the crushing oppression of the Ranas.

In the late 19th century, Nepal was under the rule of the Rana dynasty, who held absolute power and subjected the people to their dictatorship. Yogmaya became a prominent figure in the growing rebellion against the Ranas. She fearlessly rallied the people, urging them to fight for their rights and challenging the patriarchal norms imposed upon them.

Yogmaya and Durga Devi: Rebel Women of Nepal

by Barbara Nimri Aziz ([Print Replica] Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8444 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	340 pages

FREE

Yogmaya's determination and charisma gained her the support of both men and women in her quest for freedom. Encouraging and empowering women who had long been silenced, she organized secret meetings and gatherings where women could freely express their thoughts and dreams without the fear of retribution.

Yogmaya's rebellion reached its peak when she led a group of armed rebels against the Ranas. Her boldness and strategic planning caught the attention of the authorities, who saw her as a threat to their regime. Despite facing immense pressure and the risk of imprisonment or death, Yogmaya stood her ground and continued to inspire her followers to fight for their rights.

Yogmaya's fearless spirit and unwavering commitment to justice made her a legend in Nepal. Even after her death, her legacy lived on, motivating future generations to stand up against oppression.

The Fierce Durga Devi: Champion of Dalit Rights

Durga Devi, born in a small village in Nepal in 1947, grew up witnessing the discrimination and marginalization faced by Dalits, the "untouchables" of Nepalese society. The rigid caste system had relegated Dalits to the lowest social strata, denying them basic human rights and subjecting them to extreme poverty and inhumane treatment.

But Durga Devi refused to accept this unjust reality. From a young age, she fought against the caste-based discrimination and dedicated her life to improving the rights and living conditions of Dalits. She believed that education was the key to empowerment and worked tirelessly to establish schools for Dalit children, providing them with opportunities that were previously denied to them.

As Durga Devi's reputation grew, so did her resistance against the oppressive system. She organized protests, often risking her own safety, to demand justice for Dalits. Her activism gained national attention, forcing the government to acknowledge the plight of Dalits and take steps towards achieving equality.

Despite facing threats and physical violence, Durga Devi remained undeterred in her mission. Her resilience became an inspiration not only for Dalits but also for individuals across different communities, who began to question the caste-based hierarchies and fight for social justice.

Legacy of Resilience and Hope

The stories of Yogmaya and Durga Devi remind us of the indomitable spirit of women who refuse to be silenced, even in the face of formidable challenges. These rebel women fought for justice, equality, and freedom, leaving a lasting impact on their communities and inspiring generations to come.

While the struggle for women's rights and social justice continues, the legacies of Yogmaya and Durga Devi serve as a beacon of hope for those fighting against oppression. They taught us that change is possible, and that one person's voice can ignite a fire that transforms society.

As we celebrate the achievements of women who have defied conventions and pushed boundaries, let us also honor the lesser-known heroines like Yogmaya and Durga Devi, whose stories deserve to be heard and celebrated.

So, let us be inspired by their courage, determination, and unwavering spirit, and strive to create a world where women's rights are recognized and respected, and where no one's voice goes unheard.

Yogmaya and Durga Devi: Rebel Women of Nepal

by Barbara Nimri Aziz ([Print Replica] Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8444 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	340 pages

FREE

A century ago Yogmaya and Durga Devi, two women champions of justice, emerged from a remote corner of rural Nepal to offer solutions to their nation’s social and political ills. Then they were forgotten.
Years after their demise, in 1980 veteran anthropologist Barbara Nimri Aziz first uncovered their suppressed histories in her comprehensive and accessible biographies. Revelations from her decade of research led to the resurrection of these women and their entry into contemporary Nepali consciousness.
This book captures the daring political campaigns of these rebel women; at the same time it asks us to acknowledge their impact on contemporary feminist thinking. Like many revolutionaries who were vilified in their lifetimes, we learn about the true nature of these leaders’ intelligence, sacrifices, and vision during an era of social and economic oppression in this part of Asia.
After Nepal moved from absolute monarchy to a fledgling democracy and history re-evaluated these pioneers, Dr. Aziz explores their legacies in this book.
Psychologically provocative and astonishingly moving, “Yogmaya and Durga Devi” is a seminal contribution to women’s history.