Meet woman, first female tennis Olympian, who owned diamond bigger than Kohinoor that saved Tata Steel from bankruptcy, she is…, Ratan Tata was her…
Lady Meherbai Tata stands out as one of the most influential women in the Tata family and a true trailblazer for women’s rights in India. Long before the word “feminism” became widely known in the country, she was already fighting for gender equality and pushing for major social change. Her life was marked by courage, vision, and a deep commitment to making things better for women.
In an era when most women were expected to stay within the walls of their homes, Meherbai chose a very different path. She stood up for women’s education, campaigned against child marriage, and worked tirelessly for reforms that gave women more dignity and freedom. One of her most inspiring achievements was helping get laws passed that banned child marriages.
Her legacy wasn’t limited to social work. She also broke barriers in sports, becoming the first Indian woman to play tennis at the international level. In 1924, she represented India at the Paris Olympics, proudly competing in a sari, symbolizing both grace and strength.
Within the Tata Group, Meherbai was deeply respected for her leadership and progressive mindset. Her voice mattered in important decisions, and she used her influence to support causes close to her heart. Through her actions, Lady Meherbai Tata helped shape a better future—not just for the Tata family, but for generations of Indian women.
Who was Lady Meherbai Tata
Lady Meherbai Tata was born on October 10, 1879, in Bombay (now Mumbai). At just 18, she married Sir Dorabji Tata, the eldest son of Jamsetji Tata, the visionary founder of the Tata Group. Despite her young age, Meherbai quickly rose beyond the traditional expectations of a wife and became deeply involved in social causes that aimed to uplift women.
Meherbai was among the first Indian women to speak up for women’s right to vote and actively worked to end the purdah system, which kept women secluded and restricted their freedom.
Her dedication to reform was instrumental in shaping the landmark 1929 law that banned child marriage in India. She wasn’t just a social reformer—she was a visionary who believed in building a society where women could live with dignity, freedom, and purpose.
How Lady Meherbai Tata saved Tata Steel from financial collapse
One of the most powerful and touching parts of Lady Meherbai Tata’s legacy is how she stepped in to save Tata Steel—then known as TISCO—during one of its darkest chapters. In the early 1920s, the company was reeling under a severe financial crisis caused by the global economic downturn that led to the Great Depression.
At this critical juncture, Lady Meherbai did something extraordinary. Seeing the company struggle, she made a deeply personal sacrifice—she decided to mortgage her priceless jewelry to raise funds. Among her collection was the famous Jubilee Diamond, which was said to be nearly twice the size of the legendary Kohinoor.
Her decision helped provide the financial support Tata Steel desperately needed to recover and move forward.
Meherbai Tata played in Olympics
In 1924, Meherbai made history by becoming the first Indian woman to participate in the Olympic Games, competing in tennis at the Paris Olympics. She played in the mixed doubles category with her partner Mohammad Salim, wearing a traditional Parsi gara sari. Over the course of her tennis career, she won more than 60 international tournaments.
Sadly, Lady Meherbai Tata passed away at the age of 52 in 1931 after a battle with leukemia. She breathed her last in a hospital in Wales. Though her life was cut short, she left behind a legacy rooted in social change, women’s empowerment, and unwavering service to both the Tata family and the nation.
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