Rani Rashmoni of Jan Bazar,
Kolkata was the symbol of women empowerment in the male-dominated society of the nineteenth century. Born on 28th September 1793, Rashmoni was married to Babu Rajchandra Das.
Widowed at a tender age, Rashmoni quickly took charge of the family business. With the assistance of her son-in-law Mathur Babu, Rashmoni expanded the business. She took up common causes and became the champion of the common people. She set up a new bathing facility on the Hooghly river in Kolkata. The fishermen on the Hooghly river, whose livelihood was threatened by the speeding British steamers turned to Rashmoni for help. Rashmoni took a bold step by blocking the river traffic with iron chains and did not remove it until her demands were met. However, her greatest contribution was the founding of the Dakkhineshwar Kali temple. She patronized Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the Guru of Swami Vivekananda, as the guardian of the Dakkhineshwar temple. Her outstanding social service earned her the title of Rani or queen. This great philanthropist died on 19th February 1861.
