Qutub Minar of Delhi is the pride of the city. But few people know that about 75 years ago, Queen Tara Devi of Kapurthala committed suicide by jumping from Qutub Minar along with her two pet dogs. The original name of Queen Tara Devi, a native of the Czech Republic, was Eugenia Maria Grosupovai. She was the sixth wife of Maharaja Jagjit Singh of Kapurthala. The two met in France. Maria’s parents were actors and practiced Christianity. Maria was very beautiful. When Maharaj Jagjit Singh reached Europe, he was fascinated by her beauty.
The Maharaja then spoke to Maria’s parents and persuaded them to marry. He also gave lakhs of rupees as a gift. After the parents agreed, Eugenia Maria Grosupovai reached India with Maharaj Jagjit Singh in 1942. On reaching Kapurthala, both were married according to Sikh customs. After marriage, her name was changed to Rani Tara Devi.
According to historians, Queen Tara Devi was not very happy with her marriage. The reason for this was the age gap between him and the Maharaja. Maharaj was of a calm nature. When Rani Tara Devi was young. Gradually the distance between the two increased. In the year 1946, Rani Tara Devi reached Delhi with her two pet dogs and staff. She stayed in a hotel in Delhi for about 1 month. On 9th December she went to see Qutub Minar with her staff. Giving her handbag to her driver, Rani along with her two pet dogs took a walk in Qutub Minar.
Suddenly Queen Tara Devi decided to climb the Qutub Minar with her two pet dogs. She slowly climbed up and reached the top and jumped from there with her two dogs. Rani Tara Devi and her two pet dogs died in this incident. When Maharaj Jagjit Singh came to know about this, he broke down from inside and started living in shock. He also died of shock 3 years later in 1949. Today 9th December marks the 75th anniversary of the jumping of Queen Tara Devi from Qutub Minar.