Until 1840 Rani Mehatab Kaur of Kanhaiya (India)

Her son, Sher Singh, was Maharaja of Lahore after deposing Maharani Chand Kaur in 1841, until his death two years later. She was also known as Mahitab Kaur.

1840 Regent H.H. Dowager Nawab Dadibu Begum Sahiba of Junagadh (India)

Reigned in the name of her son, H.H. Nawab Hamid Khanji II Sahib Bahadur.

1840-41 Reigning Maharani Mai Chand Kaur of Punjab (Lahore) (India)

Also known as Maharani Malika Makkadas, she was widow of Maharaj Kharak Singh and assumed ruling powers on the death of her only son Maharaja Nau Nihal Singh. An arrangement was arrived at under which she was to act as regent for her expected grandson, while another pretender, Sher Singh, would function as vice-regent and head of the council of regency, and Dhian Singh as the principal Minister. But a few days later, two powerful Sandhanvalia Sardars, Atar Singh and Ajit Singh, collaterals of the royal contenders for the throne, arrived in Lahore and took over control. On 2 December 1840, Chand Kaur was proclaimed the Maharani of the Punjab, with the title of Malika Muqaddasa, empress immaculate. Sher Singh and Dhian Singh Dogra left the capital, and she gained complete control of the administration together with the Sadhanvalias. But Sher Singh still had the support of the army and in January, 1841, he arrived in Lahore with at the head of a considerable force and assured the safety of life and property to the citizens and offering pardon to those who would come over to him. The leading courtiers made their submission, she, however, chose to fight. For two days, Sher Singh's artillery shelled the fort, but with little effect. On the evening of 17 January 1841, Dhian Singh Dogra arrived and secured a ceasefire. Chand Kaur was persuaded to accept a jagir and relinquish her claim to the throne.

1840 Regent H.H. Dowager Nawab Dadibu Begum Sahiba of Junagadh (India)

Ruled in the name of her son, H.H. Nawab Hamid Khanji II Sahib Bahadur.

Before 1840 Ras Zmama Worq of Shawa, Menz etc. (Ethiopia) 

Her son Ras Shale Selassie married Ras Bezebesh of Marra Biet in 1840.

1840-47 Politically Influential Empress Mennen Liben Amede of Ethiopia
1840-47 Ruler of The Provinces North and West of the Tana Lake (Ethiopia)

Also known as Manam Liben-Amde, she helped bring her husband, Emperor Yohannes III, on the throne. He ruled 1840-41, 1845 and 1850-51 and was deposed by rival fractions. In 1845 Lij Kassa Hailu rebelled against her and her son Ras Ali II, who held the office of Viceroy, he invaded and pillaged Dembiya in October 1846, conquered Gondar in January 1847, defeated and captured her in June 1847 but released her again in August. She was the widow of Ras Alula Gugsa, Governor of Gojjam, and daughter of Imam Liban Amade Kolase, chief of the Wollo of Warra Himenu, and lived (ca. 1800-50s).

Ca. 1840-51 Governor MaMotshiame of the Central Province of the Bulozi Kingdom (Zambia)
1851-58 Regent Makololo Morêna of Bulozi (or Barotseland)

Her father, king Sibitwane, appointed her as governor of a central province. On his deathbed, he appointed her as his successor. She later abdicated in favour of brother, Sekeletu. She died (1888).

1840-42 Governor Queen Ka-hei-hei-malie Kalakaua [Hoapili-wahine] of Maui in Hawaii (USA)

Also known as Alii Kaheiheimalie Kalakaua, she was first married to H.R.H. Prince Kala'imamahu, Chief Priest of Io and Kane (d. after 1820) and after their divorce around 1795 to King Kamehameha the Great - who had also been married to her daughter, Miriam, who became Kuhina Nui in 1838. Her third husband was Uluma-hei-hei Hoapili-kane, Alii of Lahaina, Governor of Maui (d. 1840), she (d. 1842).

1840-47 Member of the House of Nobles H.R.H. Princess Laura Konia of Hawai'i, Hawaii (USA)

Married to The Hon. Alii Abner Kuho'oheiheipahu Paki (ca. 1808-55), sometime Chamberlain to the King, Judge of the Supreme Court, and acting Governor of Hawaii Island. She died during the influenza epidemic (d. 1857).

Before 1841 Ratu Agung Gusti Besar of Bangkalaan, Sampanahan and Menungul, Angeran Seria of Cengul, Cantung and Batu Licen (Indonesia)

Succeeded her brother Pangeran Nata. Another brother, Pang Mangku Gusti Ali, ruled in Sampanahan. She married Aji Raden of Pasir, and was succeeded by son Pang Aji Jawi in all the principalities until his death in 1841.

From 1841 Deshmukh Bhagirathi Bai of Jath (India)

Joint ruler with Amrit Rao (1841-92).

1841-53 Regent Dowager Rani Sahebjibai Baya Saheb of Phaltan (India)

Managed the affairs of state for Madhoji Rao Jan Rao Naik Nimbalkar, who was maharaja (1841-1916). Dowager Rani Mudhoji was regent of the State 1860-1916.

1841-54 Regent Dowager Maharani Larai Rani of Orchara  (India)

In charge of the government in the name of her son, Sunjan Singh II Mahendra.

1841-43 De facto Regent Sri Sri Sri Kancha Maharani Rajya Lakshmi Devi of Nepal
1843-46 Official Regent of the Kingdom

1842-67 and 1871-78 Sultan Jumbe Fatima bint Abderremane of Mwali/Mohéli (Comoro Islands)

Succeeded her father, Ramanetaka, cousin of Radama I of Madagascar, who conquered Mwali. Also known as Reketaka Jombe Sudy or Djoumbé Soudi or Djoumbé Fatouma. Jumbe Fatimah was married two times and was deposed by the French Colonial powers in 1867 but was reinstalled and ruled until her death. She lived (1837-78).

1842-51 Regent Dowager Sultan Rovao of Mwali/Mohéli (Comoro Islands)

Reigned for daughter together with her second husband, Tsivandini.

1842-56 Regent H.H. Dowager Maharani Shri Kika Bai Sahiba of Kishangarh (India)

After the death of her husband, H.H. Umdai Rajahai Buland Makan Maharaja Shri Mokkam Singhji Sahib Bahadur, she was regent for her adopted son, H.H. Umdai Rajahai Buland Makan Diwan Maharaja Shri Prithvi Singhji Sahib Bahadur (1838-42-79). She was daughter of Maharaj Shri Amar Singhji Sahib Bahadur, of Udaipur.

1842-45 Possible Ruler Princess Inez Ana Frederick of The Mosquito Nation in Nicaragua

Also known as Agnes Ana, she is by some considered to have been Queen of the Miskito, a British Protectorate on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua and Ecuador inhabited by Miskito Indians, by others as member of the council of regency during the minority of her brother, George Augustus Frederic II (1832-42-65). Anyhow, it was she who approved the cession of San Juan del Norte to Nicaragua against the wishes of her brother.  For a brief time in 1849, she was considered a possible heir to the Miskito throne. Married to. Michael Hodgson, Councillor of State to 1860, and of the General Council from 1860. They had no children, and the Mosquito throne was inherited by her sister's three sons in succession.

1842-44 Governor HRH Princess Anna Keahikuni-i-Kekauonohi of Hawai'i of Maui, Hawai'i (USA)

The daughter of Prince Kinau Kahoanuku of Hawaii and Princess Kahakuha'akoi Wahini-pio of Maui, she was married to King Lihohilo Kamehameha II, Prince Keali'iahonui (whose first wife was Queen Elizabeth Ka'ahumanu, whose first husband was king Kamehameha the Great) and Levi Ha'alelea. Princess Anna lived (1805-51).

1842-44 Governor HRH Princess Kekauonohi of Kauai in Hawaii (USA)
1844-51 Member of the Privy Council of Hawai'i

Granddaughter of Kamehameha I, and one of the five wives of Kamehameha II. In 1828 she married Aaron Keliiahonui, son of Kaumualii the last King of Kauai, and she married Levi Haalelea in 1850. Stephen Reynolds in his Journal (now in the Peabody Essex Museum) noted at her death that she was "the last of the old stock of chiefs – one of the best of them – good natured, benevolent, liberal and generous." She lived (1805-1851). 

Ca. 1842-48 Exile-Leader Mawa of Zulu Political Refugees (South Africa)

During the reigns of her two nephews Shaka (ca. 1815-28) and Dingane (1828-40) she served as liaison in a British military town. In 1840 another nephew ousted Dingane and, in ca. 1842, had his brother assassinated. Mawa fled with several thousand followers to Natal, where she gathered additional supporters and eventually negotiated a treaty with the new British administration to settle permanently in Natal. She (d. 1848).

1843-44 Regent HH Dowager Maharani Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Tara Bai Raje Sahiba of Gwalior (India)

Ruled in the name of her adopted son, Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia. 

1843-49 Regent H.H. Maharani Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Maji Keshri Bai Sahiba of Indore (India)

A potter woman who entered the harem of H.H. Jaswantrao Holkar VI Subadar Bahadur, Maharaja (1798- 1811), but she never formally married him.  She was regent for her adopted grandson H.H. Maharajadhiraja Raj Rajeshwar Sawai Shri Khanderao Holkar (1843 -44) and his successor. She (d. 1849).

1843-46 Regent HH Dowager Maharani Jindan Kaur Sahiba of Punjab (India)

After the death of her husband, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, she took over the regency for son H.H. Maharajadhiraja Duleep Singh Bahadur (1838-93). She resisted the efforts of the British to annex Punjab for some time. She came out of Purdah and held durbar with the chiefs of the army, daily took counsel with the nobles, and conducted the State with uncommon common sense, in some of the most difficult situations facing the kingdom. After the defeat, she was removed from Shaikhupura Fort to a fort of Chunnar, in Uttar Pradesh. She managed to escape from jail. After an arduous journey to Nepal, she got asylum from the Prime Minister Jung Bahadur in spite of the objections of the British Resident in Nepal. She later joined her son in exile in England and lived (1817-63). 

1843-44 Regent HH Dowager Maharani Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Tara Bai Raje Sahiba of Gwalior (India)

Reigned in the name of her adopted son, Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia. 

1843-4.. Ngwegunhmu Mi Thit of Pingtara (Myanmar-Burma)

Succeeded brother, Maung Shwe Min (1819-43), as Princess regnant and succeeded by sister sometime in the 1840s as leader of the Ethnic Shan-Thai state. 

184.. Ngwegunhmu Mi Sit of Pingtara (Myanmar-Burma)

Succeeded sister as Princess regnant. The Burmese name of the state was Pindara. 

1844-49 Regent Begum H.H. Sikander Begum Sahiba of Bhopal (India)
1859-68 Nawab Begum Regnant

Had been proclaimed Reigning Begum at the age of 15 months in 1819 under the regency of her mother, Begum Quisada, who resigned in 1844, and on a special Dunbar conveyed in Bhopal, the British Political Agent, J.D. Cunningham, read out a proclamation from the Governor-General that Sikander would be the sole regent and exercise full executive powers on behalf of her 9 year old daughter, Shahjehan. She was the most aggressive, dynamic and charismatic. She rode, played polo, went tiger hunting and was an expert swordswoman. She reorganized the army, whose commander she was. She backed the winning horse in the 1857 mutiny and became the star of several British Dunbars held for Indian rulers. She was a devout Muslim but did not take the veil, but was the first Indian ruler to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. She had separated from her husband, Gahangir Muhammad, who had been titular ruler, after a short period. She lived (1818-68).

1844-59 H.H. Nawwab Sultan Shah Jahan Begum Sahiba, Nawab Begum of Bhopal (India)
1868-1901 Nawab Begum Regnant

Proclaimed by the British authorities, as successor to her father and reigned under the Regency of her mother, Begum Sikander, who was recognised as the sole ruler of Bhopal from 1860 until her death. Instead she was installed as Heir Apparent. She threw off purdah on the death of her first husband first husband, General H.H. Nasir ud-Daula, Nawab Baqi Muhammad Khan Bahadur, in 1867 and finally succeeded on the death of her mother in 1868. Secondly married to H.H. Wala Jah, Amir ul-Mulk, Nawab Sayyid 'Abu'l-Taiyib Muhammad Saddiq Hasan Khan Bahadur, Nawab Consort of Bhopal (1832-90), who was Assistant Minister and 1871-74 and Chief Minister 1874-84, deprived of his titles and dismissed from all his official posts by order of the Viceroy 1884. She attended the Imperial Durbar at Delhi in 1877. She reorganised her army, administration and revenue collection along modern lines, introduced a modern judicial system, established a nominated parliament to represent different groups, built railways, founded a hospital, built dispensaries and schools, installed water works, and lit the capital with gaslight. During most of her reign, she was at odds with her daughter, Sultan Jahan, and died without them being reconciled. She lived (1838-1901).  

1844-93 Chief Mugalula I of Kiwele (Tanzania)

Succeeded her father, Nyungu-ya-Mawe, who had originally designated his sister’s son, Nzwala, as his successor, but he predeceased him. She committed suicide and was succeeded by Nzwala’s daughter Msavila. According to some sources she was Sultan Mugalula of Nyamwezi in 1893 – but Nyamwezi was the name of the ruling dynasty in Kiwele.

1844-1847 Opu Bonko Laloasa Daeng Sugina of Bontobangun/Bontobango (Indonesia)

Ruler of the biggest state at the Salei Islands under Celebes/Sulawesi, which was divided into minor landscapes, and was succeeded by the male ruler, Dorahamen Daeng Sirua.

1844-62 Sovereign Duchess Dorothea Biron von Kurland of Sagan and Representative of the Sovereign Dukes of Courland (Latvia/Poland/Germany)

Succeeded after her sister Pauline renounced the title in her favour and she bought Sagan from her nephew. The third sister, Johanna Catharine (1783-1876), who was divorced from Francesco Pignatelli Duca di Acerenza also renounced her rights in favour of the youngest sister. Dorothea was married to Edmund de Talleyrand-Périgord, Duc de Dino et de Talleyrand, French Foreign Minister, and her sons got the title of Duke of Sagan in 1844, again the succession was conferred to males, and following their extinction to the nearest female was confirmed by the King of Prussia in 1845 and in 1846. Dorothea gave birth to three children, and lived (1793-1862).

1844-52 Princess-Abbess Maria Karolina von Habsburg of the Theressian Chapter for Noble Ladies at the Hradschin of Prague (Austria-Hungary)

As abbess she enjoyed princely ecclesiastical rank (fürstliche geistliche würde), only temporal duties and a high income. Her sister, Maria Theresia, was abbess around 1834-35. Maria Karoline married her cousin, Archduke Rainer, and became known as "Aunt Marie Rainer", she had no children, and lived (1825-1915). 

Had the right to grant letters dismissorial for ordination, and issued licenses authorizing priests, within the limits of her abbatial jurisdiction, to hear confessions, to preach, and to engage in the cure of souls.

1845-52 Regent Dowager Princess Emma von Anhalt-Bernburg-Schaumburg-Hoym of Waldeck-Pyrmont  (Germany)

Following the death of her husband, Fürst Georg II (1813-45) she assumed the regency for son, Georg Viktor (1831-45-93). She was very popular and became known as "Fat Emma" (Dicke Emma). Grandmother of Queen Emma who was regent of the Netherlands 1890-98. Princess Emma lived (1802-58).  

1845-68 Regent Dowager Rani Parvathavardini of Ramnad (India)

The state is also known as Ramanathapura and is situated in present day's Tamil Nadu.

1845-50 Sultan Regnant Bata-ri-Toja Sittie Aisya Karaeng Bontomasugi of Tallo (Indonesia)

Her ceremonial name was Tumenanga-ri-Bontomanai.

1845-1870 Politically Influential María de los Dolores Rafaela Quiroga in Spain

As a nun, she was known as Sor Patrocinio, she became famous in 1829 when she had visions and revelations, followed by the development of the stigmata. Her reputation spread and cloths stained with the blood of her wounds were in request as curative amulets. During the Carlist war, the clericals, who favoured Don Carlos, saw in her a useful instrument. She was made to prophesy the success of the Pretender and to furnish proof of the illegitimacy of the young Queen Isabel II. She returned to the convent, but a few years later she was back, and exercised a strong conservative influence on the Queen together with some rightwing clergymen and brother Manuel Quiroga. In 1849 she was held to have forced Isabel to dismiss the Duke of Valencia (Narvaez) and his cabinet. This was followed by what was known as the Ministerio Relámpago (Lightning Ministry), which held office for three hours on 19 October. Narvaez was recalled, and she had to leave the court, but was soon recalled. His successor, Bravo Murillo, sought to get a respite by persuading the Nuncio Brunelli to send her to Rome, but this availed little, for she soon returned, more powerful than ever, with the blessing of Pius IX. Under her guidance, during the remainder of Isabel's reign, she and her followers practically ruled the kingdom and precipitated the revolution of 1868, which, for a time, supplanted the monarchy with a republic. After the fall of Isabel she became Abbess of Guadalajara. María Rafaela Quiroga or Sor María Cipriana del Patrocinio de San José lived (Ca. 1809-91).

Around 1846 Ratu Intan II of Bangkalaan, Menungul and Cengul (Indonesia)

Married Aji Pati, the Pangeran Agung of Pasir, who was co-ruler until his death 1846. She then married Abdul Kadir of Kusan, who ruled 1845-61).

1846-52 Tenant Marie Alliére Collings of Jethou
1852-53 Dame and President of the Chief of Pleas of Sark (Crown Dependencies of the British Monarch)

In Jethou she followed her father, Jean Alliére (1822-46), who had grown wealthy through privateering. When she bought Sark in 1852 he States of Guernsey took over the Island. The previous Seigneur, Peter Carey Le Pelley, who had mortgaged the fief in order to finance the unsuccessful Sark Mining Company. La Dame du Serq, as she was also known, died within a year and her son the Reverend W.T. Collings became Seigneur. She lived (1791-1853).

1847-59 Opu Dorahamen Daeng Sirua of Bontobangun/Bontobango

Ascended the throne after the death of princess Bonko Laloasa, and became ruler of the biggest state at the Salei Islands under Celebes/Sulawesi, which was divided into minor landscapes.

1848-51/3 and 1870/75 Queen Regnant Iye Idolorusan Warri of Itskiri (Nigeria)

When her father, Akengbuwa or João, died she became ruler of the Warri or Benue region. (d. 1870/75).

From 1848 Reigning Dwabenhemaa and Dwabenhene Nana Afrakoma Panin of Dwaben (Dwabehene or Dwabeii) (Ghana)

Succeeded mother, Ama Sewa, and was succeeded by daughter, Nana Akua Saponmaa, as holder of the dual offices of Dwabenhemaa and Dwabenhene (Queen Mother and King). 

After 1848 Reigning Dwabenhemaa and Dwabenhene Nana Akua Saponmaa of Dwaben (Dwabehene or Dwabeii) (Ghana)

Succeessor of her mother, Nana Afrakoma Panin, at a not known time.

1848-73 Politically Influential Maleka Jahan Khanum of Persia (Iran)

Her official name was H.M The Mahd-i-'Aliua, also spelled Mahd-e Olia, "Sublime Cradle", and se was one of the strongest women of the Qajar (Kadjar) Dynasty. Wielding her power from the Harem, once her son, Nasser-ed-Din Shah (1848-96), ascended the throne. She ensured the strengthening and survival of the Qajar nobility against the rivalries by commoners elevated to positions of prominence as a result of policies of successive Qajar (Kadjar) Shahs. She is characterized as an accomplished and cunning woman of some political gifts, strong personality, and characterized the undercurrent of matriarchy in the Qajar elite. She was granddaughter of Fath 'Ali Shah, who was shah (1797-1834), and married to her cousin Mohammad Shah (1834-48), and lived (1805-73). 

1848 Politically Influential Empress Maria Anna di Savoia-Sardinia of Austria-Hungary

Persuaded her husband, Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria (King Ferdinand V of Ungarn (1793-1835-4875), to abdicate during the revolutionary movement and thereby avoided further bloodshed. Together with her sister-in-law, Sophia, she was also instrumental in securing that the emperor abdicated in favour of his nephew, Franz Joseph, rather than his brother, Franz Karl. Ferdinand suffered from epilepsy, and they had no children. Maria Anna Karolina lived (1803-84).

1848-58 Politically Influential Queen Elisabeth Ludovika von Bayern of Preussen (Germany)

After the revolution of March 1848 her husband, king Friedrich Wilhelm IV, never really recovered, and she became his closest advisor. After he suffered several strokes, she arranged that her brother-in-law, Prince Wilhelm, became regent in 1858. He was a liberal and reformist politician and the party around General Leopold von Gerlach got the idea to name the Queen regent, but she refused. They had no children and when her husband died in 1861, Wilhelm became king. She concentrated on charity work and spent the rest of her life travelling through Europe, died during a visit to her twin-sister,  Queen Amalie von Sachsen. She lived (1801-73) (1801-73).

Ca. 1849-59 Politically Influential Grand Duchess Maria Antonia de Borbone-Napoli of Toscana (Italy)

The wife of Leopold II von Habsburg of Toscana, she advocated the close ties between Toscana and Austria and was opposed to the Italian nationalism, which led to the unification in 1859. The family went into exile, and her husband died 1870. Maria Antonia was daughter of Francesco I of Napoli Sicilia and lived (1814-98).

Around 1850 Reigning Tsarina Kurmandjan Datka of Alay (Kyrgyzstan)

The Queen of the South - Kurmanjan Datka or Datka Kurmanjan Mamatbai kysy - is sometimes known as "The Tsaritsa of Alai". Born into a nomad family of the Mongush clan in the Alai mountains, and broke with tradition - deciding to stay with her father in his yurt. In 1832, the feudal lord, Alimbek - who had taken the title Datka and ruled all the Kyrgyz of the Alai, freed her from the promise to marry a man, whom she did not like, and instead married her. Alimbek died after a palace coup in 1862, and she was recognized by the khans of Bukhara and Kokand, later marrying one of the batyrs (heroes). In 1876 the Alai region joined the Russian Empire. Two of her sons and two of her grandsons were accused of "contraband" and of murdering customs officials. When her favourite son was executed she refused the urging of some of her followers to effect a rescue, saying that she would not her private hopes and ambitions be the cause of suffering for her people. The others were then exiled to Siberia, and she retired from public life - giving away all her property and leading a hermit like existence in a village. She was survived by 2 sons, 2 daughters, 31 grandsons, 57 great grandsons and 6 great-great-grandsons. She is also thought to have been a poetess, and lived (1811-1907).

1850-62 Maradia Passelepa of Majene (Indonesia)

Her Brother, I Nyaring, was one of the Sub-rulers in Majene, Her father was also Maradia of Majene. One other female ruler of the state was I Sama to Buku, but it is not known when she reigned.

1850-63 Karaeng I-Patima Daeng Matin of Binamu (Indonesia)
1863-72 Nominal Regent

Deposed because of bad rule and obstructing the cooperation with the Dutch, but was allowed to continue as Regent of the Makassarese state in South Western Celebes under direct rule by the Dutch.

1850-63 Politically Influential Countess Louise Danner in Denmark

Louise Christine Rasmussen was a former ballet-dancer and later owner of a fashion-boutique. She had been the mistress of then Crown-Prince Frederik's best friend, Carl Berling, with whom she had a son that was given up for adoption but she kept touch with him for the rest of his life. After Frederik 7. (1808-48-63) Succeeded to the throne, she moved into the royal palace and the couple married two years later. She was very influential during the reign of her husband, who had a very difficult personality, and divorced his two first royal wifes. Louise was granted the title Lensgrevinde Danner (Fief-Countess) and lived (1815-74).

1850-84 Politically Influential Bernice Pauahi Bishop in Hawai'i (United States of America)

In spite of her parent's opposition she married an American named Charles Reed Bishop in 1850. He was a widely respected and successful businessman who through banking, real estate, and other investments, became one of the wealthiest men in the kingdom and an advisor to the monarchy. The Bishops became social and cultural leaders in Honolulu. Charles held various positions in government and founded a bank, and she managed the lands inherited from her parents and aunt 'Akahi. She and Charles travelled to the United States and Europe, where they were received by Queen Victoria in England and Pope Pius IX in Rome. In December of 1872, Kamehameha V lay dying, surrounded by the high chiefs and Chiefess, and declared that he wanted her to succeed him, but she declined. Her cousin, Chiefess Ke'elikolani died in May 1883 and left her with 350,000 acres of land, which she willed to the foundation of the Kamehameha Schools, which is the largest private landowner in the state of Hawai’i. She was daughter of the High Chiefs Abner Paki and Laura Konia (Member of the House of Nobles 1840-47) and lived (1831-1884).

1850-53 Reigning Abbess-General María Concepción Casilda de Rozas of the Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de Las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)

1851 Army Leader Seh-Dong-Hong-Beh in Abomey (Benin)

Leader of the ”Amazons” under King Gezo, and led an army of 6.000 women against the Egba fortress of Abeokuta. Because the Amazons were armed with spears, bows and swords while the Egba had European cannons only about 1,200 survived the extended battle. In 1892 King Behanzin of Dahomey (now Benin) was at war with the French colonists over trading rights. He led his army of 12,000 troops, including 2.000 Amazons into battle. Despite the fact that the Dahomey army was armed only with rifles while the French had machine guns and cannons, the Amazons attacked when the French troops attempted a river crossing, inflicting heavy casualties. They engaged in hand to hand combat with the survivors eventually forcing the French army to retreat, but was later defeated, and the Amazons burned fields, villages and cities rather than let them fall to the French. 

1851-? The Iyoba of Uselu in Benin (Nigeria)

Until 1852 The 6th Tamaha Princess 'Amelia Fakahiku-'o-'uiha, Tamaha, Tonga

Daughter of Princess Nanasipau'u, Tu'i Tonga Fefine and Haveatungua. She married Finau Tuku'aho [Talai Tupou], 14^th Tu'i Konokupolo, who was killed by Finau-'Ulukalala in 1799. In the Tongan social structure, women outranked their male relatives. The father’s eldest sister had the highest rank within the family, and was accorded fahu status. The fahu has been defined as the person (usually woman) with 'unlimited authority' over others within her blood kin. This meant in social terms that this woman and her children had the right to ask and expect goods and services from her brothers and mother’s brothers (fa’e tangata or male mother) and kin over whom she was fahu. However, she had no authority over them, and could not inherit land or title. But through the fahu system they were often quite powerful. She (d. 1852).

1852-1918 Politically Influential Grand Duchess Luise von Preussen of Baden (Germany)

Very influential through her involvement in the social reforms of the Grand duchy, where the wars and upheavals of the 19th century had caused extended poverty and hardship. She founded schools, hospitals and asylums, and she was engaged in the women's associations, the welfare of war veterans and her name became closely connected to the newly established Red Cross. Her husband, Friedrich I, was also very liberal and introduced vide ranging political reforms (for men). In 1870 she was given her own Secretariat in the Geheime Kabinet (Secret Cabinet or Privy Council) of the Granducal administration. She continued her activities after her son, Friedrich II, succeeded to the throne in 1907. After his abdication in 1918 the family had to flee Karlsruhe and moved to Neue Schloss in Baden-Baden, which had remained a private property of the family, but she continued her charitable activities even though she had turned blind because of an illness. Daughter of Prince Wilhelm of Preußen and Augusta of Sachsen-Weimar, and mother of three children, she lived (1838-1913).

1853-57 Regent Dowager Duchess Katarina Chavchavadze of Mingrelia (Georgia)

In charge of the government in the name of Nikolaus, Duke of Dukes of Mingrelia (1847-53-67-1903), who abdicated in 1867, and was created a Prince of the Russian Empire with the hereditary title of Prince of Mingrelia and was the Russian candidate for the throne of Bulgaria in 1886.

1853-57 Dowager Maharani Lakshmi Bhai of Jhansi (India)

Also known as Mani Karnika, she ruled in the name of her Stepson. In 1854 the British invaded the state, and she led the resistance against the British in the 1857-uprising. The Rani was active in defending her country against the British and was in charge of the eastern side of defence. However, she lost her life on the second day of fighting. A popular Indian ballad said that she was the most dangerous of all the rebel leaders. She lived (1827/35-57).

Until 1853 Sultan Mwana Mwema in Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Followed on the throne by Sultan Yusuf as ruler of the Wahadimu on the northern part of Zanzibar Island.

1853-57 Regent Princess We Tan-ri-Olle of Tanette (Indonesia)
1857-1910 Aru Regnant

Succeeded father, also known as Siti Aisyah We Tenri Olle, she was married to d La Sangaji Unru, until their divorce in 1853.

1853-57 Junior Rani Lakshmi Bai of Attingal in Travancore (India)

Also known as Pooradam Tirunal, she was joint administrator of the principality of Attingal, which were given as appanage to the two senior Princesses of the Travancore royal family. Married to M.R.Ry. Raja Raja Varma Avargal, Koil Tampuran. Mother of two sons, and lived (1829-57).

1853-1901 Senior Rani H.H. Sri Patmanabha Sevini Vanchipala Dharma Vardhini Raja Rajeshwari Maharani Setu Lakshmi Bai Attingal, The Senior Maharani of Travancore (India)

Also known as Bharani Tirunal, she was adopted into the Royal House of Travancore in 1749. Married M.R.Ry. Kerala Varma Avargal, Valia Koil Tampuran of Changanasseri. She adopted her two nieces in 1900, and lived (1848-1901).

1853-56 Reigning Abbess-General María Joaquina Calderón of the Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de Las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)

1854-59 Regent Dowager Duchess Luigia de Borbone-Parma of Parma e Piacenza (Italy)

1854-97 High Chiefess Ari’ioehau Ari'i Ta'ima'i of Papara (Tahiti)

Another version of her name was Terlirere i otu rau ma torai ariioehau Ariitamimai, and she succeeded her grandfather and was succeeded by son Chief Tari (1850-1918). She was secretary of Queen Pomare IV, and her daughter was Queen Johanna Marau-toaroa Tepa’o Salmon (1860-1934), who was very influential during the reign of her husband, King Pomare V, and by many the preferred throne-candidate after his abdication. Ta'ima'i lived (1821-97).