A centuries-old Rajput tradition witnessed a historic change in Rajasthan’s Pali district as 13-year-old Tejaswi Kumari Jodha became the first female to be declared heir to the Kherwagarh royal lineage under the customary Paag Ka Dastoor ceremony. (Image-AI)
The formal ceremony was held at the historic Kherwa Fort, where villagers gathered in large numbers. Following the death of her father, Harish Chandra Jodha, Tejaswi was formally recognised as the family’s successor. (Image-Viral Bhayani)
During the traditional ritual, Vedic chants filled the fort as Tejaswi participated in the ceremony. A symbolic pink turban, representing the end of mourning and the acceptance of family responsibilities, was placed on her head. (Image-Viral Bhayani)
For generations, the ‘Paag Ka Dastoor’ custom recognised only male heirs. Community elders, however, unanimously decided to honour Tejaswi as the rightful successor, marking a significant step towards gender equality while preserving tradition. Image-AI)
The Kherwagarh family had not performed the succession ceremony for nearly 65 years because there was no male heir. This year’s decision broke with convention, making Tejaswi’s formal ceremony a landmark moment for the region. (Image-Viral Bhayani)
A Class 7 student, Tejaswi said she plans to continue her education while embracing the responsibilities that come with her family’s legacy. She also hopes to carry forward her late father’s vision for village development. (Image-Viral Bhayani)
Residents hailed the ceremony as a powerful blend of heritage and progress. By recognising a girl as heir for the first time, the community demonstrated that even centuries-old customs can evolve with changing social values.
