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Worldwide
Guide to Women in Leadership
WOMEN IN
POWER
1900-1940
Female
leaders
and women in other positions of political authority
of independent states and
self-governing understate entities
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1900-18 Regent Maharani Girraj Kaur of Bharatpur (India) |
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Acted for regent for her son Shri Maharaja Sirurijendra Sawaikishnan
Singh (1898-1900-29) after her husband was deposed and exiled after
the murder of one of his personal servants. Her grandson was Maharaja Brijendra (1918-28-95).
She (d. 1922). |
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Around 1900
Uleebalang and General Pocut Baren Biheue in Aceh Barat
(Indonesia) |
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During the early war against the Dutch she had one of her legs
amputed. She was cured by the Dutch who reinstated her as an
Autonomous Ruler, Uleebalang. Lieutenant H. Scheurleer later
reported that she tried to create orderliness, security and
prosperity under Dutch authority. She lived (1880-1933). |
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1900-13 Ratu Petronella da Costa of Lidak (Indonesia) |
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Succeeded father, Alexander da Costa, and abdicated in favour of her
brother, Raja Josef da Costa (also named Jozef da Costa or Siriman)
who had succeeded their mother Ratu Petronella da Costa as ruler of
Djeniloe. Two other brothers were also rajas: adopted Raja of Naitimoe
and Raja of Fialarang. From 1913 the Dutch merge the small
principalities together, because fewer and bigger political entities
would make it for the Dutch more easier to rule the area. So in 1914
Naitimoe, Lidak and Djeniloe officially became the new federation
Kakoelak Mesak, with Raja Josef da Costa as Raja and the following
year he became ruler of the Federation of the Northern Part of Belu. |
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After 1900 Temporary Ina Latu Mie Pattiradjawane of Makariki
(Indonesia) |
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A
member of the Wattimena family, she succeeded Opu Latu Weinand
Wattimena, who ruled in 1900. She later married Raja S.F.
Pattiradjawane of Kariu at Island of Haruku. |
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Early
1900s Reiging
Okinka
Juliana
of the
Island of
Kanabak (Roxa) (Guinea Bissau) |
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The rules of succession
on the islands of Bubak, Rubane, Orango and Kanabak (Roxa) provide
for it being assumed on a temporary basis by a woman. In some
recorded cases women, whether the eldest daughters of an Olono who
left no male siblings, or widows, assumed their role as “queens” by
succession or election. If no suitable male successor could be found
from within the ruling matrilineage after the death of an olono, an
“okinka” or priestess already charged with the protection of the
ancestral spirits of the ruling matriclan could function as regent. |
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1901-26 H.H.
Sikander Saulat, Iftikhar ul-Mulk, Nawab Sultan Kaikhusrau Jahan
Begum Sahiba, Nawab Begum of Bhopal (India)
1901-02 Chief Minister of Bhopal |
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Also known as Sarkar Amman or Shah Jahan, she succeeded her mother, Sikander Begum.
She was a forceful ruler, and reformed the administration of state.
She attended the coronation of George V in 1911 dressed in a burqa
with her awards worn on the outside. During the trip, she visited
Paris, a spa in Bad Nauenheim in Germany, spent a week in Génève and
travelled by the Orient Express to Istanbul, where she met the
sultan-emperor, Mehmet Reshad. She also visited Hungary, Italy and Egypt where she embarked on her return journey to a Bhopal struck by plague. Later that year she attended the Imperial Dunbar in Delhi.
She introduced free compulsory primary education in 1918. Established an Executive and Legislative Council 1922. A great reformer, like her mother and grandmother, she reformed taxation, the army, police, the judiciary and jails, expanded
agriculture, and constructed extensive irrigation and public works. She established an appointed state council and legislative assembly, and instigated elections for municipalities. However, her main legacy is public health, by pioneering widespread inoculation and vaccination
programmes, improving sanitation, hygiene and the water supply.
In
1926 she returned to London to settle the rules of succession in a
British court. She abdicated in favour of son while still in London,
and after some further legal conundrum, her granddaughter, Abida was
declared heir apparent. Sultan Jahan argued in favour of the rights of the firstborn, regardless of gender.
The peaceful rule of Begums led to the rise of a unique mixed culture in Bhopal. The Hindus were given important administrative positions in the state. This led to communal peace and a cosmopolitan culture took its roots.
After her abdication, she became
an advocate of women’s rights, and in 1928 she discarded purdah, and lived (1858-1930). |
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1901-85 Senior
Rani H.H. Sri Patmanabha Sevini, Vanchi Dharma Vardhini, Raja
Rajeshwari, Rani Setu Lakshmi Bai Maharaja of Attingal, The
Senior Maharani of Travancore (India)
1924-31 Regent of Travancore |
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Adopted into the Royal House of Travancore by her maternal
grandaunt in 1900. In 1924, she became Regent for her infant nephew
and was granted the style of Highness and title of Maharani.
She abolished animal sacrifice, replaced the matrilineal system of inheritance with the patrilineal one, and was known for making Travancore a progressive state. Married to M.R.Ry. Rama Varma Avargal, Valia Koil
Tampuran, and was mother of two daughters.
She lived
(1895-1985). |
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1901-83 Junior Rani H.H. Maharani Setu Parvati Bal of Attingal,
The Junior Maharani of Travancore (India) |
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Sister of Rani Setu Lakshmi Bai. She was granted the personal title of
Maharani in 1924 with the style of Her Highness, from 1933. She
was Pro-Chancellor of. Travancore University and married to M.R.Ry.
Ravi Varma Avargal, Kochu Koil Tampuran. Mother of issue, four
sons and one daughter, and lived (1896-1983). |
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1901-05 Possible
Member of the Council of Regency
H.H.
Sri Pundrikganeshpuri Maharani
Habans Kaur Sahiba
of
Dholpur (India) |
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When her husband, Maharajadhiraja Sri Sawai Maharaj Rana Nihal Singh,
died a council of regency took over the reigns for her minor son, Maharajadhiraja Sri Sawai Maharaj Rana Sir Ram Singh Lokendra Bahadur
(1901-11).
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After 1903 Chief Muyelaansime of Nkokolo (Tanzania) |
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Successor of her brother, Mutitimia, who died 1903, and some time later
succeeded by his daughter, Chiefess Ng’endo. |
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1903-16 Head of the Sovereign Family Titular Queen Laure-Therese
I of Araucania and Patagonia (Chile-Argentina) |
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Fourth sovereign of the Kingdom founded in 1860 by the Mapuche
Indians in territory now occupied by Chile and Argentina. The family was
deported from Chile to France in 1863 where it has lived since. On 6 Nov
1903, the Council of Regency met and chose Georges Sénéchal de la Grange
to be the new "king," but he declined. From that date on, everything
that has been written about the succession is essentially a fabrication
by Philippe Paul Alexandre Henri Boiry (b. 1927), who currently claims
to be Philippe I. His account runs as follows: the sole heir, and hence
successor, of Antoine II was his daughter, Laure Thérèse Cros, veuve
Bernard, who "was" Queen Laure-Thérèse I from 6 Nov 1903 to her death 12
Mar 1916. There is no documentation of her acting as Queen. Prince
Philippe has no children. Laure Therese lived (1856-1916). |
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1905-15 Makole I Raja of Tojo (Indonesia) |
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The
Dutch named her RoE, and she was also known as Indo di Salaso. |
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1905-08 Princess I Njilitimo Aru Baranti of Rapang (Indonesia) |
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Became ruler after the abdication of her younger brother, La Sadapotto
(1904-05), who was also ruler of Sidenreng. She abdicated in favour of
a relative, Princess Tanri.I Tanri. |
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1906-10 De-facto Regent Itegé Taytu Betul of Ethiopia
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Crowned Queen of Shewa in 1883 and became Itegé (Empress-Consort) of
her husband, emperor Menilek II. She acted as
regent during his illness. She was very powerful, but still obtained
her husband's authorization for her decisions. She was removed by a coup
d’etat in 1910, but remained influential. Born as Walata Mikáel, she
lived (1853-1918). |
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1906-17 Aru I Samatana of Malusetasi (Indonesia)
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Succeeded by the male Aru I Makung. The state is also known as Nepo. |
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Until 1906-15 Regent-Ratu/Magau Yahasia of Biromaru (Indonesia)
1907-15 Magau of Sigi |
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Her daughter, I Tondai, followed her as ruler of the state. |
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1906-15 Regent-Ratu/Magau I Tondai of Biromaru (Indonesia)
1907-15 Magau of Sigi |
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Successor of her father, Daeng Masiri of Sigi, the year after she had
followed her mother Yahasia as Regent-Ratu/Magau of Biromaru. I Tondai
abdicated in 1915 and the states of Biromaru and Sigi-Dolo merged. She
was succeeded by the son of her sister Lamakarate, Datu Pamusu, who
was already ruler of Dolo. |
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1907-11 Rani Imbichi Adi-Raja Bibi of Cannanore (India)
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Also known as Imbicchi Ali-Adi Raja Bibi, she succeeded brother,
Mohamed Ali-Adi Raja as head of the Arakkal dynasty. She was daughter of Rani Hayashabe Adi
Raja Bibi who reigned 1838-52 in succession to her mother, Rani
Mariambe Adi Raja Bibi, who reigned (1819-38). In 1905 her
brother, under the heavy burden of debts to the Empire, agreed to
surrender sovereignty and control over Minicoy in the Maldive Islands.
He died before the formal transfer. And after an attempt to back
track, she finally signed over Minicoy to the Emperor Edward VII on 9
February 1909, backdated to 1 July 1905. Following this, Minicoy was
annexed to the District of Malabar.
By she lost the city of Kannur and the
Cannanore Cantonment. By 1911 there was further decline with loss of
chenkol and udaval. |
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1907-08 Interim Conservator and
Consular Agent Elisabeth Morilleau of the French Possessions in
Saint Helena |
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After the death of her husband, Lucien Morilleau, who was in office
1889-1907, she took over as head of the two sites that the Britis
had ceeded in 1858 related to the stay of ex-Emperor Napoléon I on
the Island - his recidence Longwood House and the Valley of the
Tomb. |
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1907-30 Politically Influential Queen Victoria von Baden
of Sweden |
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Involved in the affairs of state during reign of husband, King Gustaf V Adolf of Sweden
(1858-1958), particularly 1911-14 when she acted as liaison between the
king and Premier Karl Staef who did not speak to each other. She was
also the "Head" of the former reigning Holstein-Gottorp-Vasa-family,
mother of three sons, and lived (1862-1930).
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1907 Rebellion Leader Qiu Jin in China |
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Also known as Ch’iu Chin, she was one of the pioneers in the fight
against the monarchy. She was in exile in Japan until 1906, when she
returned to China and worked as a teacher and head mistress at a
school, and was busy building up her own army and was supposed to have
become leader of the uprising in Shanghai. But the uprising in the
other provinces failed, the Imperial Police caught up with her, she
was caught, tortured and executed as the first woman, and already in
her own time she was seen as a martyr. She lived (ca. 1875-1907). |
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1908-12 De-facto Co-Regent, H.I.H. Dowager Empress Xiao Ding Jing Long Yu Huagtaihou of China (13.11-06.12)
1911-12 Empress-Regent (6.12-12.2) |
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Dowager Empress Cixi entrusted a vaguely specified Imperial
authority to her and she became the holder of the Imperial Seal and
exercised the Imperial authority. In 1911 the regent and father of
Emperor Puyi (1906-1908-12-67), Prince Zaifeng, resigned. At 6.12.12
she presided over the final cabinet meeting of the Qing Dynasty and
was forced to sign the imperial abdication decree, which abolished the
monarchy. Long Yu was niece of Empress Cixi and the childless widow of
Emperor Zaitian. She lived (1868-1913). |
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1908
Lieutenant-Representant H.R.H Grande Duchesse Maria-Anna da
Bragança of Luxembourg (19.03-18.11)
1908-1912 Grande Duchesse Regent (18.11-14.06) |
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Regent during the illness of her husband, Gand Duke Guillaume
(19.3.08-25.12.), and the minority of her daughter Grand-Duchess
Marie-Adelheide (25.2-14.6). She was born as Infanta of Portugal and
Princess of Bragança, mother of six daughters, and lived (1861-1942). |
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1908-15 President of the Council of Regency Mugabekazi Nidi
Ririkumutima of Burundi (Belgian Colony, Later Independent)
1915-17 Member of the Council of Regency |
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As
Queen Mother (Mugabekazi) she was regent for her stepson, Mutaga IV
Mbikije (1903-08-15), and his son Mwambutsa IV Bangiriceng
(1912-15-66-77). Her full name was, Nidi Ririkumutima Bizama
hitanzimiza Mwezi, and she was probably murdered in 1917. Since 1972
the Head of the Sovereign Family has been Crown Princess Rose
Paula Iribagiza of Burundi. |
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1908-18 Paramount Chiefess Madam Humonya of Nongowa and Panguma
(Sierra Leone) |
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Elected as the successor of her mother, Madam Matolo, but her rule was
despotic ad therefore she was not re-elected as Paramount Chiefess in
1918. Perhaps chief of Kenema as well. 10 of Sierra Leone's 146
paramount chiefs were women in the period 1914-70. |
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1908-42 Princess I We Tanri of Rapang (Indonesia)
1940-42 Adatuwang Regnant of Sawito |
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Succeeded upon the abdication of her relative, Princess I Njilitimo
Aru Baranti, and was married to Prince Andi Madakelleng of Wajo. In
Sawito she succeeded her mother, I Ba Eda. She abdicated. |
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1908-ca. 23 Possible Head of the Sovereign Family Mary Laguna
de Perlas of Mosquitos (Nicaragua) |
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Also Known as Princess Mary Clarence, she was daughter of the last
king of the Mosquito Indians, Robert Henry Clarence. The area was in
independent kingdom 1661-1861 when it became a Nicaraguan reservation
and in 1894 it was incorporated in Nicaragua, and her father abdicated
he was Hereditary Chief of Mosquito (1873-91-94-1908), who was deposed
twice in 1894. He was son of Princess Victoria, Sister of Inez Ana
Frederic and Henry Clarence, a Miskito Indian. In the same period
another relative, her father's cousin, Robert Frederick also seems to
have been the Heir Apparent to the Headship of the house. Mother of a
son with an unknown husband, Morton Laguna de Perlas, perhaps the same
as Norton Cuthbert Clarence, who was mentioned as head of the house in
1977. |
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1908-09 and 1911-13 Politically Influential First Lady Nellie
Herron Taft, United State of America |
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Already influential during her husband's tenure as Commissioner and
Governor General to the Philippines 1899-1904. 1904 her husband became
Secretary of War and in 1908 he was elected President. Because she
strived so diligently in the role of First Lady, she took on too many
projects at the same time. In mid-May 1909, she suffered a major
stroke while on the presidential yacht, paralyzing her left side and
leaving her unable to speak, and her daughter and sisters took over
her duties. By 1911 she was back in control. She was very versed in
politics, often sitting in on important political discussions and
accompanying William on political trips and golf outings. Her husband
was Chief Justice from 1921 until his death in 1930, and she spend the
rest of her life travelling in Europe, and lived (1861-1943) |
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1909-25 Politically Active Queen Shahzadi Maleka Jahan Khanum
of Persia |
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Her
name meant "Queen of the World". She was married to her cousin
Mohammad Ali Shah who reigned 1907-09 until he was deposed. She was a
strong presence, and she was about to reclaim the throne of Persia for
her son Soltan Ahmad Shah, (1898-1909-25-30), after he was deposed,
but events had conspired against her. Went with her family into exile
in Rome, and lived (1875-?). |
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Until before 1909 Aru Kabe af Alla (or Tobango) (Indonesia)
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Head of a Buginese principality Sulawesi. She was the daughter of
a brother of two previous male rulers: Aru Patta Mataelo and his
successor Aru Mangke. She was succeeded by the son of her sister, Aru
I Lorong, who was already ruling for sure in 1909 and died in 1913. |
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Around 1909 High Chiefess Te-ha'apapa III of Huahine (Tahiti in
French Polynesia) |
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Daughter of Te-ha'apapa II, and proclaimed High Chiefess after the
death of her brother, Marama Teri'i-fa'atau. |
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Ca. 1910-30 Reiging Okinka Pampa
Kanyimpa of the Island of
Orango Grande (Guinea Bissau) |
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Also known as Kanjimpa, she succeeded her father Bankajapa, abolished
slavery, extended women’s rights, and brought reunification to the
Orango Grande islands. She was greatly loved by the Bijagos and
respected by the Portuguese colonisers during the war of
pacification to subjugate the native tribes. It was she who reached
a peace agreement. (d. 1930). |
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1910-28 Regent-in-absentia H.R.H. Infanta Adelgundes de Bragança of
Portugal |
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Handled the affairs of her nephew Dom Duarte (1907/32-?) after her
brother Manoel II's abdication. Manoel died 1932. In 1920 she was
created 7th Duquesa de Guimarães. She was the second wife of Enrico de
Parma, Comte de Bondi (1851-1905) who had no children. She lived
(1858-1946). |
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1910-1926 Datuk I Pancaitana Aru Pancana of Tanette (Indonesia)
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Successor of another woman, Datuk We Tan-ri-Olle, who ascended to the
throne in 1855. I Pancaitana was followed by another woman, I Pateka
Tana, who was ruler for one year. |
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1910s-1940s
Politically Influential
Queen Mother Seingwaeng of
BaKgatla (Botswana) |
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She surfases repeatedly in both oral and archival sources as a key participant at the centre of major events in the chiefdom. She stood by her son, Chief Molefi
of the Kgafela in spite of his troubles with the colonial administrators and frivolous behaviour (drunkedness
and womanising). None the less he treated her badly and hated her
newfound religion – the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) – for its strict lifestyle code and condemnation of ‘sinful’ living, and he had her and the other members publicly flogged at the kgotla and then driven off from the chiefdom. She lived (1883-1967). |
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1910 General Cut Nyak Meutia in North Aceh |
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Also known as Cut Meutia she joined her second husband, Cut Muhammad or Teuku
Cik Tunong, in the fight against the Dutch, he was made District Chief until he
was imprisoned and shot in 1905 and after his successor was killed in the battle
in 1910, she became the new commander with only 45 men 13 guns left, but was
shot herself soon after. She lived (1870-1910). |
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1911-ca. 18 Regent
H.H. Svasti Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Sriman Maharajadhiraja Patta
Rajninam Bada Maharani Revati Raman Rajya Lakshmi Devi Shahamam
Sada Sabhajnabtinam of Nepal |
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Also known as Ratna Divyeshwari Devi, she became regent after the
death of her husband,
Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah Deva (1875-81-1911), for her stepson,
Tibhubana (1906-11-55).
At the time, however, the position of monarch was mainly titular, with real power in the country residing in the powerful, conservative Rana family, which supplied the country with its hereditary prime minister. And
tensions between the royal family and the Ranas came to a head during World War I. The Ranas wanted to join the war in support of Britain, which controlled India to the south. She, however, supported the army, which wanted to remain neutral. To win the military's support, the
prime minister, Chandra Shumshere Rana, blackmailed the young king into ordering the troops to go to war by holding a gun to his mother's head and threatening to kill her if he did not follow his orders. Over the following years, the king was kept a prisoner in the palace and
blackmailed into following the Rana's whims, which included suppressing any attempts at modernization and democratization.
She was born as Princess from Rajputana or
Kangra. Born as a Rajput princess from Kangra in Punjab, and lived
(1878-1926). |
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1911-19 De facto-Ruler Khanum Dondogulam of Mongolia |
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Influential during the reign of her husband the 8th living
Buddha, Jabzandamba Hutagt Bogd Gegeen Ezen Haan (1869-1924),
who declared independence from China in 1911. From 1911 real power lay
in the hand of Baron Roman Fyodorovich von Ungern (1886-1921) on the
one hand and the Chinese governor on the other. Her husband was in
office 1911-20 and 1921-24 when the monarchy was abolished. He was the
last Holy-King (Bogd Haan) or
reincarnated lama ruler. |
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1911-31-? Politically Influential Queen Gagomakwe of the
BaKwena (Botswana) |
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During times of intrigue and political instability she was the hand of
stability during the reign of her husband Kgosi Sechele II (1875-1911-18). She was also the pillar of stability during the reign of her son, Kgosi Kgari I (1931-62) who came to the throne after his brother, Kgosi Sebele II (1918-31), was
ousted by the colonial administration and exiled to Ghazi in 1931. |
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1911-14 Rebellion Leader Me Katilili of the Giriama Tribe in
Kenya |
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Leader of a rebellion against the British, and lived (1841-1920s). |
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1912-19 H.R.H.
Marie-Adélheïde, By the Grace of God Grande Duchess of
Luxembourg, Duchess of Nassau, Countess-Palatine and
Electress of the Rhine, Countess of Sayn, Hadenburg,
Königstein, Krazenborgen and Dietz, Burgravine of Hammerstein,
Dame of Mahlberg, Wiesbaden, Idstein, Merenberg, Limburg and
Eppstein (25.02-14.01) |
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Marie-Adelheide first reigned under the regency of her mother. In 1914, German troops
invaded, in the face of protests from the
Grand Duchess and her government. However, the occupation had
little effect on the day-to-day government. She saw the death of the
Prime Minister, Paul Eyschenin in 1915 as an opportunity to become
more involved in the political affairs of the Grand Duchy. In the face
of opposition, and in spite of accusations that she was acting outside
the spirit of the constitution, she appointed a right-wing minority
government. Her actions aroused hostility among the socialists, who
had been advocating the abolition of the monarchy since 1907. On the
day following the German armistice in 1918, the socialists accused the
Grand Duchess of having had a pro-German stance, stemming from her
reception of Emperor Wilhelm II in 1914. In January 1919, opposition
to the Grand Duchess lead to revolutionary protests, and she was
persuaded that she would have to abdicate in order to preserve the
monarchy. Her abdication took place on 9 January 1919 and she was
succeeded by her sister, Princess Charlotte. Marie-Adelaide became a
nun, joining the Carmelite Order in Modena, Italy. She lived
(1894-1924). |
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1912-37 Politically Influential Safiya Zaghlul in Egypt |
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One
of the most powerful women of her period as the wife of the national
leader Saad Zaghlul. During his exiles, she took his mantle of
leadership and she was his confidant and counsellor. Her father
Mustafa Fahmy appointed him Minister of Education in 1906 in 1910 he
became Minister of Justice, but two years later he resigned to lead
the opposition in the new Legislative Assembly and became its
Vice-President. After he was exiled to Malta in 1919, she led a
demonstration by more than 500 women, and opened her house for the
Wafd Party, and thereby had the opportunity to play a greater role in
the movement. During the unrest she became known as "Mother of the
Egyptians" (Umm al-Misriyyin). After he was freed, she travelled with
her husband to Paris to a conference about Egypt, but the
international powers did not support the quest for Egypt’s
independence, and in 1921 they returned home. The Wafd continued to
organize resistance to the British and the British-backed government,
and he was soon exiled again, this time in the Seychelles. She joined
her husband in Gibraltar in 1922 and when they returned his party won
the elections and he became Prime Minister. After his death in 1927,
she continued to play an active role in Wafd politics, choosing a new
party leader and guiding him. But after a split in the party in 1937,
she retired from politics and resigned her post as head of the Women's
Wafd. She was still a public figure but from then on she refrained
from involvement in political affairs and refused to take sides in
partisan disputes.
She lived
(1876-1946). |
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1913-24 Regent
Dowager Rani Soubhagyavati Gajara Bai Raje Sahib Bhonsle of
Savantwadi (India) |
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Known as Akka Sahib or Yamuna Bai, she assumed the regency for stepson
after the death of her husband, H.H. Raja Shrimant Shriram Savant
Bhonsle, Bahadur, Sir Desai of Savantwadi (1871-1913), Born as H.H.
Shrimant Akhand of Akalkot as daughter of Meherban Shrimant Shahaji
III Raje Maloji II Raje [Baba Sahib] Bhonsle, Raja of Akalkot.
Born as Princess of Akalkot in 1887. |
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Until 1913 Rebellion Leader Muhumusa in Uganda |
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A healer who lead the women-centered popular movement that led
the resistance against European settlers who were attempting to
overrule Africans. The socalled Nyabinghi movement. She organized
armed resistance against German colonialists and was detained in
Uganda in 1913 by the British. The movement was eventually subdued as
women's powers were crushed by the authorities. |
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1914-1918 De Facto
In-Charge of the Government
Duchess Viktoria Luise von Preussen of Braunschweig und Lüneburg
(Germany) (August-8.11) |
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Acting
in the place of her husband Ernst August (1887-1913-18-53), the son of
the exiled king of Hannover, Ernst August, Duke of Cumberland and
Thyra of Denmark. Her husband was given the title of duke of
Braunschweig by her father, Emperor Wilhelm III.
After the death of her husband she feuded with her children, Ernst
August, Queen Frederika of Greece and two others over the inheritance
and other financial matters and even took them to court. Viktoria
Luise
lived (1892-1980). |
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1914-29 Politically influential Queen Marie of Edinburgh of
Romania |
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Unofficial adviser to her husband, king Ferdinand until his
death in 1927. After the First World War he asked her undertake an
unofficial mission to Paris and London in order to mend the damage done
by Prime Minister Bratianu, who lost his temper during the post war
negotiations and she took residence, with her two daughters in the Hotel
Crillon, in Place de la Concorde. Her son, Carol II isolated her and she
took little part in the public life from 1927 to her death. She was the
daughter the Prince Alfred Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria's second
son and Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna of Russia, mother of 6
children, and lived (1875-1938). |
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1914-32 In charge of the Financial Affairs
Maharani Parukutty Nethyar Amma of Cochin (India) |
|
Her husband, Maharaja Rama Varma (Madrassil Theepetta Thampuran), who reigned from 1914-32, was a scholar and had other interests, she took over the finances of the state. Under her guidance salaries were quadrupled and the revenue earned a 17 gun
salute. She was awarded the Kaiser-i-Hind medal by King George V in 1919 for public work. She was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and other Indian nationalists. As one British Intelligence report stated "The hill palace is the centre of nationalist activity and charkhas have
been introduced to assist the weaving of khadi." |
|
|
Until 1915 Princess Regnant Andi Pancaetana of Enrekang
(Indonesia) |
|
The
first known ruler of the Bugis state was Takkebuku. Two other women
rulers were Kota and her daughter, Bissu Tonang, but it is not known
when any of them reigned. |
|

|
1915-17 De-facto Regent Imperatitsa Alexandra Fedorovna of the
Russian Empire |
|
The
Czarina was de-facto in charge of the government business during her
husband, Zar/Emperor Nicolai’s time as commander-in-chief during World
War I, but she obtained his endorsement of her decisions. In 1918 the
whole family - including the four daughters and son were executed during
the revolution. She was born as Princess Alix von Hessen und beim Rhein,
mother of 4 daughters and a son, and lived (1872-1918). |
|
|
1915-16 Tinomana Ngataraiau
Ariki Tinomana Ariki
of the Pauaikura Tribe in
Rarotonga
(Cook Islands) |
|
Succeeded her cousin Tinomana Pirangi. She was daughter of Tekao and
grand-daughter of Papehia and Te Vaerua o te Rangi. |
|
 |
1916-30 Negiste
Nagast
Zawditu, Elect of God, Lion of the Tribe of Judah and Queen of
Kings of Ethiopia |
|
Also known as Zawditu. Her father, Menelik II,
died in 1913 and was succeed by Lij Iyasu, the son of her half-sister
Shewa Regga, and she was exiled to the countryside. When he was
removed from power the Council of State and the Ethiopian Orthodox
Church officially appointed her as his successor. After some years,
her husband, Ras Gugsa Welle, was appointed governor of a remote
province to limit the influence of her stepmother - and his aunt -
Dowager Empress Taytu. And Lij Iyasu, who had escaped captivity,
attempted to regain the throne by force, but was not successful. She
was conservative, believing in the preservation of Ethiopian
tradition, and had the strong backing of the church in this belief.
Slowly, however, she began to withdraw from active politics, leaving
more and more power to Ras Tafari Makonnen, who was a modernizer.
Under his direction, Ethiopia entered the League of Nations, and
abolished slavery. She busied herself with religious activities, such
as the construction of a number of significant churches. After an
uprising against his reforms in 1928, she granted him the title of
Regent and the additional title of Negus. In 1930, her husband led a
rebellion against Negist Tafari, but was killed in battle. Shortly
after she died and was succeeded by Tafari, who took the name Haile
Selassie I. She was originally named Askala Mariam, and had by her
second husband she had a daughter who lived (1891-95) and by her third
another who died at birth in 1906. Married 4 times, she died of
diabetes after having lived (1876-1930). |
|

|
1916-18
Chieftainess and President of
the Council Isabelle Vahine-tua-vira Shaw of Arue (French
Polynesia) |
|
Also known as Princesse Joinville, she was daughter of Chiefess
Teri'itere Ito-Orai of the Grand Clan Teva, which was the most
important in the Kingdom, and the English Jew Salmon Shaw, a
well-known mariner of the South Pacific. She was married to Prince
H.R.H. Prince Joinville Teri'i-tuariva, Chief of Hita'a, the
youngest son of Queen Pomare IV. Mother of Prince Teri'i Hinoi-a-tua
Pomare (1869-1916) She (d. 1918). |
|
 |
1917-44 11th Asantehemaa Kwaadu Yaadom II of Asante
(Ghana) |
|
Elected Queen Mother after the death of her mother, Yaa Akyaa. In
the period 1900-35 there was no Asantehene or king of the Asante. From
1926-35 the kingdom was ruled by chiefs with the title of Kumasehene.
The last of those, Otumfuo Nana Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, began his
reign in 1931, became Asantehene in 1935, and ruled until 1970. Konadu
Yaadom II was followed on the post by her cousin, Nana Ama Sewas
Nyaako, who was in office until 1977. |
|
 |
1917-18 Head of the Government Evheniya Bohdanivna Bosch,
Ukraine (17.12-09.03) |
| Евгения Богдановна Бош,
Yevgeniya Bogdanovna Bosh, or Yevheniya Bohdanivna Bosh was People's
Commissioner of, and it was regulated by a number of documents that
the holder of this office was the Acting Head of the Executive Power.
She had been a socialist activist from 1890's, Head of the Kyiv
Committee of the Russian Social Democratic Worker’s Party (RSDRP)
1911-12 until she was imprisoned and a deprived of civil rights and
exiled to Siberia for life. After the revolution she became Secretary
of Regional Committee of RSDRP(B). She resigned from the government in
protest to the Brest-Litovsk Peace, according to which
Soviet Russia occupied Ukraine. Afterwards she worked on different
party and Soviet posts outside Ukraine. When the pain of her disease
became unbearable, she committed suicide. She was of German-Jewish
origin, and she originally named Gotlibovna Maysh, and lived
(1879-1925). |
|
 |
1917 Chairperson of The Congress of Peasants' Soviets Maria
Alexandrovna Spiridonova, Russia |
|
The
congress was held in Petrograd on the initiative of the Moscow
Co-operative Congress as a meeting of representatives from various
peasant organisations and the Soviets of Peasants' Deputies. Though it
was not fully recognised by the Bohshevik government, the Congress was
attended by delegates from 27 gubernias, from the army and from the
Central and Petrograd Regional Committees of the Peasant Union and
devoted itself to making preparations of the upcoming All-Russian
Congress of Peasants' Deputies. She was one of the most prominent
leaders of the Russian revolution. A member of the Socialist
Revolutionary Party, she was a charismatic speaker who spent the
summer months in 1917 propagandizing among crowds in both cities and
the countryside. She was in the forefront in advocating power to the
Soviets - the councils of workers, soldiers and peasants. When the SR
Party split, she became the leader of the New Left Socialist
Revolutionary Party. She occupied leadership positions in the
important revolutionary bodies and was involved in their
decision-making processes among others as Mayor of Chita in 1917 and
as Leader of the New Left Socialist Revolutionary Party 1917-20. She
had been involved in terrorism in 1906 and 1918. In 1918 she was
candidate for the post of Chairman of The Constituent Assembly, which
was abolished after one day in session. 1919 she was arrested after
having lead and anti-Bohshevik rising and spent the rest of her life
in Sibiria, where she was shot. She lived (1885-1941). |
|
|
1917-? Head of the Royal House Princess Ranavalona IV of
Madagascar |
|
May
possibly have been Head of the Royal House after the death of Queen
Ranavalona III. She was daughter of the Queen's older sister, Princess
Rasendranoro (1853-1901) who accompanied her into exile together with
her daughter Princess Razafinandriamanitra, "Enfant du Bon Dieu", also
known as Crown Princess Marie Louise, who lived (1897-1948). Some
sources describe her as daughter of Henri Razafinkarefo, who was
probably Rasendranoro's son and married to Jennie Marie Waller,
daughter of the American consul. |
|
 |
1918-65 H.M. Kuini Sālote
Mafile'o Pilolevu Veiongo Tupou III,
By the Grace of God Queen of Tonga |
|
Generally known as
Queen
Salote Tupou III, she was absolute ruler and President of the Privy
Council, the 21. Tu’i Kano’kupolu and 1923-65 Head of the Free
Wesleyan Church of Tonga, the National (Methodist) Church. Her
husband, Prince Viliami Tupoulahi
Tungī Mailefihi, was a member of the nobility
and a sideline of the royal family, and held the office of Premier
from 1923, until his death in 1941. She then appointed her son, the
crown prince, as Premier. He succeeded her as Tauf’ahau Toupu IV
(1918-1965-). She brought Tonga to
international attention when she attended the 1953 coronation of
Queen Elizabeth II in London, endearing herself to the British
people by riding through the streets in an open carriage, smiling
and waving, in the pouring rain. She was a keen writer and author of
countless dance songs and love poems (hiva kakala) as well as
majestic lakalaka. She served as Chairman of the Tonga Traditions
Committee 1954–1965, patronised the Tonga Red Cross Society. She
died 16 December 1965 at Aotea Hospital, Auckland, after a long
illness. She
was 191 centimetres tall and mother of three sons, and lived (1900-65). |
|
 |
1918-27 Joint Regent Lady Surma d'Mar Shimun of the Assyrian
Nation (Iraq) |
|
Also known as Surma Khanum, she practically
became regent after her brother, the Catholics Patriarch of the
Church of the East and leader of the Assyrians Mar Benyamin (Benajmin)
Shimun, was assassinated by a Kurdish rebel
and succeeded by her younger brother, Mar Paulus Shimun XXII. In 1918
she was invited by British authorities to present the Assyrian
question in London and she also attended the Treaty of
Versaille negotiations. The descendants of
the Assyrian Empire had lived as a semi-independent nation in the
Kurdish mountains, but they were massacred and driven out by the
Ottomans in 1915. In return they were promised an independent
homeland by Britain, France, and Russia in 1918 in Northern Iraq -
the Mosul district - but this promise was not fulfilled. Her brother
died of tuberculosis 1920 and was succeeded by his 12 years old
nephew, Mar Ishaia Shimun XXIII, (1908-75) (also assassinated). When
he went to school in England until 1927, she assisted the
Metropolitans Mar Yosip Khnanishoo of Rustaqa in Church affairs and
was in charge of the secular affairs together with her brother,
General David d'Mar Shimun, and father of the Patriarch. Throughout
her nephew's life she continued to act as a consultant, given her
temporal and secular expertise. 1928 she hesitantly accepted an O.E.B.
from the British authorities. At the time of the disturbances in 1933
in Iraq, the Patriarchal family were taken to Cyprus, where they
remained until 1949 when they moved to USA. Because of the Patriarchal
succession from uncle to nephew for more then 650 years, she was the
niece, great niece, etc. to numerous Patriarchs.
(d. 1975). |
|

|
1918-21 Politically Influential First Lady Edith Bolling
Galt Wilson, USA (25.9-20.1) |
|
In
1915 she married President Wodrow Wilson, whose first wife was Ellen
Louise Axon (1860-1914). Edith Bolling was a close confidant in all his
decisions, and took part in the cabinet-meetings. In 1918 Wilson
suffered a stroke and was secluded from the public, and she became the
de-facto ruler, though she always insisted she was only acting on his
orders. President Wilson was in office (1912-21) and lived (1856-1924).
Ellen Bolling lived (1872-1961). |
|
 |
1919-64 HRH. Charlotte, By the Grace of God Grande Duchesse
of Luxembourg, Duchess of Nassau, Countess-Palatine and
Electress of the Rhine, Countess of Sayn, Hadenburg,
Königstein, Krazenborgen and Dietz, Burgravine of Hammerstein,
Dame of Mahlberg, Wiesbaden, Idstein, Merenberg, Limburg and
Eppstein
1940-44 Leader of the Government-in-Exile from
London (10.05-10.09) |
|
When
her sister,
Marie-Adelaide, abdicated, support for the monarchy was at an all-time
low and it was made clear that, if the monarchy were to survive at
all, Charlotte would have to remain above political affairs. The
Constitution was amended, limiting the monarch's formal powers. These
acts restored the reputation of the monarchy, and in a referendum on
28.09 1919, 77.8% voted in favour of the monarchy. On 10.05 1940 the
German Army invaded, and she went into exile with her family,
determined to avoid capture by the Germans, and eventually settled in
London, where the
exile-government was already operating. She maintained contact
with her people through regular radio broadcasts on the BBC. The years
following the war were marked by a period of reconstruction, during
which the
Grand Duchess
symbolised the solidarity of the Luxembourg people. She made numerous
official visits abroad, promoting her small nation's position on the
international stage. During the 1950s, she sold off many of the
family's properties in Germany, including Biebrich Palace in Wiesbaden
and Hohenburg Castle in Bavaria, reinforcing Luxembourg's position as
the permanent home of the grand-ducal family. In 1961 her son, Jean,
was appointed regent and in 1964 she abdicated in his favour. Married
to Prince Felix de Bourbon-Parma (1893-1970), and mother of six
children.
She lived (1896-1985). |
|
 |
1919-29 Politically Influential H.M. Queen Soraya Shah of
Afghanistan |
|
Influenced her husband, King Amanulluh Shah, who was one of the most
liberal rulers of the country. He abolished slavery, liberalized the
family code, child marriage was limited; women got right to choose
their own husband, etc. In 1928 Soraya and her daughters appeared
unveiled. Conservative forces forced her husband to abdicate in 1929,
and they went into exile first in India and then in Rome. She was his
third husband, he married two more times, and lived (1892-1960) She
was the daughter of Mahmud Beg Tarzi, sometime Minister for
Foreign Affairs, and lived (1897-1968). |
|
 |
192..-1952
Maori Leader
Princess Te Kirihaehae Te Puea Hērangi in New Zealand |
|
After the devastating influenza
epidemic of 1918, she gathered up 100 orphaned children and founded
the community at Ngàruawahia now known as Tùrangawaewae. King
Koroki
V was a reluctant leader, and she
provided the strength that drove the
tribe forward. Raising money to buy back confiscated land she rebuilt
Turangawaewae marae as a central bastion at Ngaruawahia. She ensured
that every member marae held their poukai gatherings each year to
maintain the solidarity needed to keep the fires of hope burning that
one day justice would return the Raupatu lands.
She had no offspring with her husband,
Rewi Tumoko Katipa,
but she adopted many children, and she groomed her grandniece, the
Maori Queen Te Ata from 1966-2006. The
daughter of Tahuna Herangi and Princess Tiahuia, and grand-daughter of
King Tawhiao, she
was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1937, and lived
(1884 - 1952). |
|
 |
1920 Regent H.M. Dowager Queen Olga of Greece (18.11-11.12) |
|
Born HIH Grand Duchess Olga Konstantinovna Romanova of Russia, she was
acting head of state after her grandson Alexander I (1917-20) had
died after a monkey bite, until her son Contantinos I returned to take
over the throne a second time - he reigned (1913-17) and (1920-22).
She lived (1851-1926). |
|
|
Early
1900s Reiging
Okinka Idiana Ibop of the
Island of Kanabak (Roxa)
(Guinea Bissau) |
|
Elected queen in succession to her husband and
tenaciously fought the Portuguese until the mid 1920s. |
|
|
1920-21 Joint Proprietor Ann Eliza Jennings Carruthers of Swain
Island (American Samoa) |
|
Managing owner
together with her brother, Alexander Hutchinson
Jennings from 1891, and was married to the Britton, Irving H. Carruthers, who
had been named executor and trustee, and they lived in American Samoa.
The 3.25 square kilometre ring of land surrounding a brackish lagoon
never recognized by the international community, that behaved as an
independent state until 1925, when annexed by the USA. Culturally
and geographically it belongs to the Tokelau Islands, but today it is
part of American Samoa, and is still owned by the Jennings family.
She lived
(1897-1923). |
|

|
1921-23 Regent-in-absentia Dowager Queen Milena Vukotić of
Montenegro (Yugoslavia) |
|
Her
husband, King Nikola Petrović-Njegos (1860-1921) was forced into exile
after the Serbian occupation in 1918. After his death their son, Danilo,
proclaimed himself king, but he abdicated after one week in favour of
his nephew, and she took over the regency for grandson King Michael
(1908-86) also after the Serbian annexation. Mother of 12 children.
Lived (1847-1923). |
|
|
1921-31 Rani Ayisha Adi-Raja Bibi of Cannanore (India)
|
|
Succeeded the Maharaja Ahmad Adi-Raja and was succeeded by Abdul-Rahman Ali
Adi-Raja II. |
|
|
1921-? Regent Dowager Rani Saida of Badalpur (India) |
|
Reigned
in the name of her grandson who studied in United Kingdom. |
|
|
1921-1939 Al-Sitt Nazira Jumblatt of the Druze of Lebanon |
|
Her
husband, Fouad Jumblatt was murdered by Shakib Wahab, a member of the
Arslan clan. Her son Kamal Jumblatt was four years old, and grew up in
an atmosphere of tight security and fear due to his mother Nazira's
continued support of the Lebanese state and its French patrons. When
the Druze in Syria revolted against the French in 1925, Nazira played
a key role in keeping the Shouf mostly out of war and worked
tirelessly to find common ground among the French authorities, the
Maronites and the Druze. Her son studied in France until 1939, and
later became one of the chief acteurs in the civil war from the 1970s
onward until his assassination. |
|
|
1921-? Te Ora Aitu (Cook Islands) |
|
Her father, Eturoa Taopua, died and his rangatira title and his landrights
passed to her. He had succeeded through the rights of his mother Te Upoko and
her mother Teioata, but her female ancestors did not hold the title. |
|
|
From 1921 Pirate Commander Honcho Lo, China |
|
Supporter of the Chinese revolution and took over command on
husband's death in 1921. She united her 64 junks with the 50 ship
fleet of another female pirate leader, Wong. |
|
 |
1921-23 Politically Influential Gertrude Bell in Mesopotamia
(Iraq) |
|
Travelled all her life after her first trip to Persia in 1888. She
visited Switzerland, Turkey, Mesopotamia, and rode sidesaddle across
the Arabian Desert. She learned Persian and Arabic and how to ride
camels, but despite her love of adventure she was politically
conservative and joined the Anti Suffrage League. She was the only
woman drafted as an intelligence agent and became Oriental Secretary
to the High Commission in Basra. When Winston Churchill became
Colonial Secretary in 1921 she was among the 40 experts assembled in
Egypt in a conference to determine the future of Mesopotamia. She was
asked to draw up the borders of the new nation of Iraq and helped
choose its first ruler, Prince Faisal. For years she was one of
Churchill's closest personal and political advisers, a position that
earned her the title of "Uncrowned Queen of Iraq". As her political
role in Iraq declined with the new regime in power, she returned to
her first love - archaeology. In 1923 she became Honorary Director of
Antiquities in Iraq and established the Baghdad Museum.
She lived
(1868-1926). |
|
 |
1921-24 (†) Politically Influential First Lady Florence Kling
Harding in United States of America |
|
Unlike other of the early First Ladies, her own career helped to
establish her husband, Warren Harding (1865-1923)'s success as a
politician. She became the driving force behind the growth and
establishment of his newspaper, The Marion Star, as one of the leading
papers in Ohio. Despite convention, her husband always stressed the
influential role his wife had in his career and his deep respect due
to her guidance. Due to her influence over appointments, the Veterans
Bureau was born under the direction of Charles Forbes. Forbes
eventually showed himself to be a criminal, convicted for collusion
and profiteering. They visited Alaska and Canada, when her husband
died on 2 August 1923 on the way back to Washington.
She lived (1860-1924). |
|
 |
1922-32 (†)
Regent and President of the State Council
Dowager Maharani
Siniti Devi of Cooch Behar (India) |
|
Eldest daughter of Babu Keshab Chandra Sen and to Colonel H.H.
Maharaja Shri Sir Nripendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, Maharaja of Cooch-Behar (1862-63-1911), she was regent for grandson, Jagaddipendra
Narayan (1915-22-47-70).
She lived (1864-1932). |
|
 |
1922-32 Member of the State Council
1932-36 Regent and President of the State Council Dowager Maharani Indira Devi Sahiba of
Cooch Behar (India) |
|
After her husband's death, the Viceroy Lord Reading consulted the
British-Indian government of Bengal and the state government of Cooch
Behar to appoint a regent and a council for the minority of her son,
Maharaja Jagaddipendra Narayan (1915-22-47-70) and he asked her to
serve as regent. Her administrative skills were deemed by observers
very middling indeed, but she was socially active and spend long time
in England after her son came of age. Born as a Princess of Baroda,
she had broken off her engagement to the Maharaja of Gwalior to marry
Jitendra, the younger brother of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, who
succeeded to the throne just after their marriage. She was daughter of
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda (1863-1939) and Maharani
Chimnabai II (1871-1958), an advocate of women's rights. The mother of 5
children, she lived
(1892-1968). |
|
|
1922-36 Rani Profulla Kumari Devi of Bastar (India) |
|
Succeeded Rudra Pratab Deo, who had been raja for about a year, and
was succeeded by Dravir Chandra Deo, who got the title of Maharaja.
She lived
(1910-36). |
|
|
1922-33 Regent H.H.
Nawab Kulsum
Begum Sahiba
of Janjira
(India) |
|
Also known as Lady Kulsum Sidi Ahmadkhan, she was regent for her
son, Nawab Sidi Muhammad Khan Sidi Ahmad Khan
(1914-22-72), who was the ruler of the Sunni dynasty of Abyssinian
origin, who had moved to the Island of Janjira (Jhuzira or
Zizera), where they were appointed Captains and later Governors of
the Island. The form of government was a sort of aristocratic
republic, with an established order of succession until Emperor
Aurangzeb conferred the title of Nawab to the ruler in 1671.
They were notorious pirates for many years
until 1733. Born as Kulsum Bibi Sahiba and lived (1897-1959). |
|
|
1922-40 Adatuwang I Ba Eda of Sawito (Indonesia) |
|
Also known as, La Baeda, she succeeded her father, Andi Tamma, and was
married to Adatuang La Sadapotto of Sidenreng (1904-05). Her sister
was Arung La Bode of Alitta, and she was succeeded by daughter, Andi
Tenri. |
|
|
Until 1922 Chiefess Mukunde of Wikangulu (Tanzania) |
|
Head of the
senior Nyisamba chiefdom. |
|
 |
1922-35 Chiefess Alice Brown Davis of the Seminole Nation of
Oklahoma (USA) |
|
Prominent in tribal affairs for much of her life. In 1922 she was
appointed principal chief by President Warren G. Harding in order to
facilitate the closing of the tribal land affairs. Although she was
not the first woman to be chief of an Indian tribe, she was the first
woman to head the Seminole Nation. There was some controversy over the
appointment, but eventually she was accepted by both her own people
and outsiders. Although she was appointed, and not elected in the
Seminole tradition, she was well thought of and well respected and the
people were happy with having her as Chief. The tribal land affairs,
which she had been appointed to resolve, became a source of contention
between Alice and the government. A survey conducted in 1910 had
shifted the old boundaries between the Creek and Seminole Nations, and
the new boundaries transferred several important parcels of land to
the Creeks, and she refused to sign the deeds transferring them to the
Creek Nation or the federal government, on the grounds that it was
morally wrong for her to pass a most valuable tract of land out of the
hands of the destitute Seminole people. Alice continued to serve the
Seminoles as chief until her death on June 21, 1935. She received many
posthumous awards recognizing her achievements. She lived
(1852-1935). |
|

|
1922-30/33 Acting Head-in-exile of the Sovereign Family Dowager
Empress Zita de Bourbon Parma
of Austria-Hungary |
|
Her
husband, Emperor Karl was Austrian head of state 1916-18 and nominal
head of State in Hungary till his death in 1922. She acted as head of
the family as regent for her son, Archduke Otto (b. 1912-), the oldest
of 8 children. Otto has later relinquished all claims of the
Austrian-Hungarian throne and was Member of the European Parliament for
Germany as Dr. Otto Habsburg. Zita was the 17th of 24 children of Duke
Carlos III of Parma-Piacenza. Her younger brother, Felix (1893-1970),
was married to Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg. Zita lived
(1892-1989). |
|
|
1923-36 Regent
Dowager H.H Rani Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Tara Bai Raje Sahib
Bhonsle of Akalot (India) |
|
After her husband, Captain Meherban Shrimant Fatehsingh III Shahaji
Raje Sahib Bhonsle, Raja of Akalkot (1894-96-1923), was killed by
accidental poisoning at the Sassoon Hospital; she took over the
regency for son Meherban Shrimant Vijayasinhrao Fatehsinhrao Raje
Sahib Bhonsle, Raja of Akalkot (1915-23-47-52), who signed the
instrument of accession to the Dominion of India, August 1947. He was
succeeded by his younger brother. She was daughter of second daughter
of Meherban Shrimant Rajamanya Rajashri Sir Pirajirao Bapu Sahib
Ghatge, Chief of Kagal, and was also known as Lakshmi Bai or Akka
Sahib, and lived (1899-1942). |
|
|
From 1923 Ratu Donna Maria da Costa of Djeniloe (Indonesia) |
|
Daughter of Petronella da Costa, who ruled (1879-99) and after her
brother, Raja Josef da Costa, died, she started to behave as ruler of
the territory even though it had been merged into a larger federation
ruled by Raja Josef, and although the Dutch already appointed a Fettor
Bone Rea, a sub-raja). Twice she was asked to leave, although as real
ruling ruler she had not much influence, but her presence in Djeniloe
as nominal-Ratu was a bit a disturbance. The first time she refused
totally to go. Later she would be more indulgent. She and her sister
and brothers were of the then very rare Dasi Raan nobility - only
children from children of children from royal blooded people along the
line. |
|
|
1923-45 Patih Elisabeth Mahulete-Patty of Alang at Ambon
(Indonesia) |
|
Succeeded her father and married Dr. Mahulete, who died in 1937 |
|
|
1923-24 Acting Paramount Chief
Kgosigadi
Mohamagodi Gaogangwe
a Sechele
of the baNgwaketse (British Protectorate, Botswana) |
|
After Kgosi Seepapitso I (1884-1916) was assassinated by his brother Moepitso. Known as the one-eyed queen, she was the double matriarch of BaNgwaketse and
BaKgatla ba ga Mmanaana royal houses. The daughter of the BaKwena
chief, Sechele I by his wife Mokgokong, she was
first married Pilane, the BaKgatla chief until she eloped with Bathoen I and later married
him. She took over power in 1924 to save the BaNgwaketse bogosi from
disintegration and chaos caused by incompetence and early deaths of two of the regents of her grandson, Bathoen II (1908-16-69). She publicly denounced the the last regent of incompetence and financial mismanagement of the
tribal treasury at a kgotla meeting, and she assumed power, as Bathoen II’s regent.
Before she died of cancer she nominated her daughter, Ntebogang as regent and successor,
and lived (1848-1924).
|
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1924-28 Acting Paramount Chief Queen-Sister Ntebogang a
Bathoen of the baNgwaketse (British Protectorate, Botswana) |
|
Ruled at various
times during the minority of her nephew, Bathoen II. She has been described as one of the few female members of an elite group
of progressive-minded Batswana royals. It is said that she feared no one and was
determined to keep BaNgwaketse bogosi intact until its rightful heir was
appointed. She brought stability to the tribe after years of political intrigue and incompetence of the other regents
made worse by the death of her mother, Kgosigadi Gaogangwe. She installed discipline, respect for tradition and during her reign many projects such as the building of schools, dams and medical establishments were carried out successfully. As a convert to the Seventh-day Adventist Church
and to the benefit of the people, she allowed the church to establish a hospital and a number of clinics in the chiefdom. Outside her chiefdom she was influential in other ways too. Later the first woman to sit in the Native Advisory Council and was according to records, one of
its outspoken members. She lived (1882-1975). |
|
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1925-31 Regent H.H. Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Maharani
Chinku Bai Raje Sahib Scindia of Gwalior (India) |
|
Reigned in the name of her son Maharaja Georges Jivaye Rao Scindia
(1916-25-61) after the death of her husband, Maharaja Sir Madho Rao
Scindia Bahadur (1876-86-1925). Maharani Chinku was also
Colonel-in-Chief 2nd 'Ali Jah' Gwalior Lancers.
(d. 1931). |
|
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1925-46 Ranrang Toewa Andi Ninong of Wajo (Indonesia) |
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Married to Andi Malingkaang of Gowa, whose sister was I Batari
Toja of Barru. Andi Ninong. She was deposed by Dutch in 1946 and her
husband was executed by Dutch forces after WW II. Her youngest
daughter, Andi Muddariyah, was regarded in the modern time as Royal
symbol in Wajo, or nominal-Queen, with the honorary name and title
Petta (Princess) Ballasari because she was one of the two persons of
purest royal Buginese blood. Probably dead sometime after 1986. Andi
Ninong was (b. 1904-?). |
|

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1925-38 Joint Head of State, The Ndlovukati Lomawa Nxumalo
Ndwandwe, Swaziland |
|
Ndlovukati means Queen Mother, The Great She-elephant. She was the
mother of King Sobhuza II, and lived (1878-1938). |
|
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1925-71
Paramount Chief Madam Woki Massaquoi of Gallinas Perri (Sierra Leone) |
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The center of the chiefdom was the town of Blama Massaquoi, Pujehun District, Southern Province. 1968 she was designated a Member of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II and she lived (ca. 1871-1971) |
|
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1925-1949 Head of the Sovereign Family Princess Maria Josepha
Sophia de Iturbide of Mexico (Titular Empress) |
|
Inherited the claim to the throne from her uncle, who was grandnephew
of Don Augustin de Iturbide, Emperor of Mexico 1821-23, and was
adopted by Emperor Maximillian, thereby inheriting the Habsburg claim
on the throne. Maria Josepha was a
very traditional Lady, and a devout Roman Catholic, and stayed as far
away from politics as she could. After World War II the Princess and
her husband were imprisoned in Romania by the invading communist
government as "class enemies". The couple died shortly thereafter
under mysterious circumstances. Upon her death, according to her will
and the agreement of her two daughters, the leadership of the Mexican
Imperial Family passed to her grandson, Count Maximiliano Gustav
Albrecht Richard Agustin von Goetzen Iturbide, who had been born in
Hungary in 1944.Maria Josepha lived (1872-1949). |
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1926-31 Regent
H.H. Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Maharani Lakshmi Devi Bai
Sahiba of Dhar (India) |
|
Superintendent, Court of Wards and Controller of the
Household in 1912-1913 and later she acted as regent for her adopted
son, her nephew. She was born as Hansa Bai Raje Sahiba of Savantwadi,
was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire, DBE, and lived
(1890-1931). |
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1926-27 Regent Datuk I Pateka Tana of Tanette
(Indonesia) |
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After the death of the female ruler, Datuk I Pancaitana, she was for
one year until Andi Basso became regent. |
|
 |
1926-41 and 1958-71 Queen Kanuni I of Uukwangali (Namibia) |
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Uukwangali is the name of a kingdom and of one of the tribes of
Namibia. She was forced by the native commissioner in the Kavango,
Eedes, into exile in Angola, and she was succeeded by king Sivute, who
ruled until 1958 when she returned and ruled until 1971.
(d 1978). |
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Around 1926 Chief Ng’endo of Nkokolo (Tanzania) |
|
It
is not known precisely when she succeeded her aunt, Muyelaansime, but
she is known to have been ruling in 1926. She was succeeded by son,
Kasivilo, who in 1934 was succeeded by her brother’s daughter, Sala. |
|

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1926-57 Titular Head of the Royal Family Princess Bamba Sophia
Jingan (Maharani Duleep Singh) of Punjab (India) |
|
Daughter of the last Maharajadhuraja Duleep Singh Bahadur
(1843-93) and (self-proclaimed?) successor of her brother as titular
head. Married to an Englishman and also known as Princess Bamba
Sutherland. She lived (1869-1957). |
|
 |
1927-74 Dame Sibyl Mary Beaumont Hathaway of Sark (Channel
Island) |
|
Also known as La Dame du Serq, she succeeded her father William
Collings as the 21st
Seigneur
of the Sark. Her second husband, Robert Hathaway (1888-1954) became
Seigneur in the right of his wife in accordance with the ancient
custom, but Sibyl remained firmly in charge. She was also President
and member of a number of committees of the Chief Pleas. She appointed
her youngest daughter Jehanne Bell as Deputy Seigneur 1946-68. She was
knighted by Queen Elizabeth and granted the title Dame Commander of
the Order of the British Empire. Sibyl outlived all but two children
and was succeeded by her grandson.
She lived (1884-1974). |
|
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1927-69 Shrimant Sitabaisaheb Bhalchandrarao Patwardhan of
Kurandvad (India) |
|
Her
principality was independent until 1947 when it became part of the
Republic of India. A recipient of the Kaiser-I-Hind-order, she was
known as "Mai Sahib", and lived (1901-69). |
|
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1927-30 Regent Princess Motshabi of bamaNgwato (Botswana) |
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Ruled after the death her brother, Sekgoma II. |
|
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1927-29 Regent Princess Mariangela Bertoleoni of Tavolara
(Italy) |
|
Took up the government at the request of her nephew King Paolo during his absence
from the Kingdom at the Island of Tavolara. At the time of her death it was
reported that Italy was to take over, but her nephew returned and ruled until
his death in 1962. She was daughter of king Paolo I and
Queen Pasqua Favale, who was regent 1882-86, and lived (1841-1934). |
|
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1927-75 Partner in Power First Lady Soong Mayling in China and
Taiwan |
|
Known in the west as Madame Chiang Kai-shek, she became famous during
the Chinese Nationalists' battle against the Japanese and the Chinese
Communists. Madame Chiang took on the role of a diplomat and
spokesperson for the Republic of China on Taiwan. In the 1930s, she
headed the Chinese air force and made many campaigns to engage U.S.
support for the Nationalists. Her husband, General Chiang Kai-shek,
was President of mainland nationalist China 1927-49, and of Taiwan
until his death in 1975. Mayling' sister Song Qingling, vice-premier
and vice-President and acting head of state of Communist China. After
her husband's death, Mayling moved to New York. She lived (1897-2003). |
|
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1927-30 Guardian Queen-Mother Helena of Greece and Denmark of
Romania
1940-47 Politically Influential |
|
After her ex-husband, King Carol had abdicated, her brother-in-law
Prince Nicolaus became regent for her minor son, King Michael, and she
was given the title of Queen Mother. In 1930-40 Carol was king again,
until Michael was reinstated as king, and she was his chief advisor
until he was forced to abdicate by the communists in 1947 and went
into exile in Switzerland. The mother of one son, she lived
(1896-1982). |
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1928-29 and 1936 Counsellor of State HM Queen Mary of Teck of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
|
One of 6
Counselors of State
appointed during the illness of her husband, King Georges V of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Emperor of India, Defender
of Faith, at the 4th of December 1928. It is not clear for how long, but
the king was ill until the summer of 1929, the soon experienced a
backlash until sometime in the beginning of 1930. Mary was born as
Princess of Teck and lived (1867-1953). |
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1928-43-? Chief Mali II of Khaha (South Africa) |
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Initially she was installed as chief after her father's death, but as
she refused to give up her husband (as Mali I did), she resigned and
instead acted as regent for minor brother. |
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1929-62 Chief Mugalula II of Kiwele (Tanzania) |
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Daughter of Msavila and succeeded brother. In 1962 the new government
abolished the chiefly system. |
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1929-39 Pirate Commander Lai Choi San, China |
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Her
name is also transcribed Lai Sho Sz'en. She commanded 12 junks in the
South China Sea. |
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1930-40 Regent Dowager Maharani Kumari Shri Tejkunuerba of
Barwani (India) |
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Reigned in the name of her son, Maharaja Shri Devi singhij Bahadur Rana of Barwani.
Born as Princess of Idar. (b. 1922). |
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1930-? Reiging
Okinka Imaguey
of the Island of
Orango Grande (Guinea Bissau) |
|
A descendant of Pampa Kanyimpa, who reigned from 1910. Later on there
were other queens, such as Eugenia Andanga, Carlhota Jaquen Guen and
Julia Comenpe. It was always the Baloberras, the women who speaks
with spirits, whose task it was to choose the queen. |
|
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1930-62 Politically Influential Menem Asfaw of Ethiopia |
|
Married the regent Ras Tafari in 1911. Early in his reign an army
revolt broke out and he was taken hostage. She commandeered a tank and
drove it herself trough the garrison's gate to free her husband. In
exile during the Italian occupation. After the restoration in 1941 she
was Emperor Hailie Selassie III's closest advisor on all aspects. She
lived (1869-1962). |
|
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1930-40 Politically Influential Elena Lupescu in Romania |
|
Dominated her weak lover, Carol II, who returned from exile, and
pushed his son with his ex-wife, Princess Helene and Queen Mother
Maria aside. She was very conservative and anti-progressive. In 1940
Carol was forced to abdicate, in favour of his son, ex-king Michael.
The couple got married in 1947, and he died 6 years later. She was
created Princess von Hohenzollern, and lived (1902-77). |
|
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1931 Umugabekazi Nyiaranauugo III Kankazi of Burundi
|
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Became Umugabekazi (Queen Mother) (12.11-16.11) after the death of her
husband. Burundi was a Belgian colony at the time. |
|
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1931-36 President of the Council of Regency H.H. Shrimant
Akhand Soubhagyavati Maharani Gajra Bai Raje Sahib Scindia of
Gwalior (India) |
|
Took over as regent for stepson Maharaja Georges Jivaye Rao Scindia
(1916-25-61) after the death of his mother, Maharani Chinku.
(d. 1943). |
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1931-after 66 Owner Frances Highly Kroening of Takuu (Mortlock)
Island (Papua New Guinea) |
|
After her mother, Mrs. Highly Calder, died after a dynamite accident,
she inherited her interests in the island group, approximately 250
Kilometres North East of Bougainville, which consists of a circular
reef bearing 13 islets and three sand cays. Frances was married to a
German medical officer, Dr. Bruno Kroening, and in 1931 she was living
at Kieta in Bougainville. During World War II, the Japanese bombed the
coconut groves on the Mortlocks for no apparent reason, but little
damage was done and no one was injured. In 1966 Frances Kroening still
had her interest in the property, and was now working the property in
association with the islanders. |
|
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1932-19.. Head Woman Frances Repetto, Tristan da Cunha
(Dependency of St. Helena (United Kingdom Dependency)) |
|
The
Head Woman was Chairperson of the Women's Council, which was
(concerned with the welfare of women and children. She was the mother
of one of the Head Men of the Islands. |
|
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1932-43 Pa Tapaeru Ariki,
46th Pa Ariki of the
Takitumu Tribe (Cook
Islands) |
|
Succeeded by her daughter, Pa Ariki Pa Tepaeru Terito Ariki. |
|
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Before 1933-49 Maka Nui Takau Margaret
Ariki, 30th Makea Nui Ariki of the Teauotonga Tribe in
Rarotonga (Cook Islands) |
|
Makea Nui Ariki was the oldest daughter of Makea Nui
Tinirau Teremoana Ariki, and married in 1928 Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Te Whiti
Rongomai Love, a Maori from New Zealand, who became a hero in World War II.
Mother of 4 children: Mokoroa, Inanui, Veia and Myra, and succeeded by sister,
Makea Nui Teremoana Ariki. (d. 1949). |
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1933-37
Proprietor
Dagmar Rasmussen of Kap York Stationen Thule in Greenland (Danish
External Territory) |
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Dagmar
Theresia Rasmussen født Andersen was widow of the polar explorer and
anthropologist Knud Rasmussen, who founded the trade station in 1910
and later his ownership of the area was conformed by the
International Court in the Hauge. She sold it to the Danish State in
1937. Mother of 3 children, she lived (1882-1965). |
|
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1933-45 Politically Influential First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt,
United State of America |
|
In
1921 when a bout with polio left Franklin Roosevelt crippled, her
steadfast encouragement enabled him to return to politics and win the
governorship of New York (1929-1933). In the process she became his
political surrogate, speaking in his behalf to the citizenry, relaying
their feedback to him, and giving her input as well. As First Lady
she was a driving force in the New Deal and other social reforms.
During World War II, she channelled her energies into the war effort.
She did this first by mustering up civilian volunteerism as assistant
director of the Office of Civilian Defence, and by visiting U.S.
troops abroad. After her husband's death she became a delegate to the
United Nations General Assembly, specializing in humanitarian, social,
and cultural issues. In 1948, she drafted the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, which affirmed life, liberty, and equality
internationally for all people regardless of race, creed or colour.
Additionally, she helped in the establishment of the state of Israel
and attempted negotiations, albeit cautiously, with the Soviet Union.
She was niece of former President Theodore Roosevelt, and lived
(1884-1962). |
|
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1934-43 Guardian Dowager Queen Maria of Romania of Yugoslavia |
|
After her husband, King Alexander, was assassinated in France, his
cousin, Prince Paul was regent for King Peter until 1941 when the
family was forced into exile. She lived (1900-61). |
|
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Until 1934 Chief Musonga II of Ipito (Tanzania) |
|
Succeeded father Ivata, she was deposed and succeeded by sister. |
|
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1934-62 Chief Ng’endo of Ipito (Tanzania) |
|
Daughter of Ivata and succeeded sister Musonga II. In 1962 the new
government abolished the chiefly system. |
|
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1934-62 Chief Sala of Nkokolo (Tanzania) |
|
Successor of her cousin, the male chief Kasivilo. |
|
|
1935-59
Mulena Mukwai
Mulima of Nololo,
Chief
of the Southern Part of Bulozi and Regent Princess
of Barotseland (Zambia) |
|
Daughter of
Yeta III, Litunga of
the Lozi and Paramount Chief of
Borotseland until his abdication 1945. She lived
(1893-1964). |
|

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1935-49 Vice-President of the State Council and President of the
Cabinet Princess Abida Sultan Begum of Bhopal (India)
1960-61 Titular Nawab Sahiba, Begum Sultan of Bhopal |
|
Her
full name was Colonel Suraya Jah, Gauhar-i-Taj, Nawab Abida Sultan Begum
Sahiba, but was normally known as Begum Abida Sultan. She was appointed
as Heir Apparent to her father and recognized as such by the Indian
government in 1928. In 1950 she moved to Pakistan. were she was a
Delegate to UN in 1954, Ambassador to Brazil and Chile 1954-59. She was
also an active politician and supporter of Miss Fatima Jinnah's
candidacy for President of Pakistan. She Contested the succession after
the death of her father, HH Sikander Savlat Ifrikar il-Mulk Haji Sir
Muhammad Hamidullah Khan Badur, in February 1960, but the Indian
government ruled against her in January 1961 in favour of her sister,
H.H. Sikander Saulat Iftikhar ul-Mulk Haji Nawab Mehr Tai Sajida Sultan
Begum Sahiba,
Nawab Begum of Bhopal (1960-95). Aida lived (1913-2002). |
|
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Ca.
1936-43 Queen Aline Sitoé Diatta of the Diola Tribe in
Casamance (Senegal) |
|
The
French deposed her because of her opposition to their rule. In 1943
the French attacked her capital, she surrendered, was arrested and
sent into exile in Timbuktu, where she died the following year. She
lived (ca. 1920-44). |
|
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1936-79 Orang Kaya Marie Maspaitella-Wattimena of Rutong at
Ambon (Indonesia) |
|
Appointed temporary ruler of the statelet after the death of her
husband, Orang Kaya Pieter Maspaitella, but she remained in ofice for
the next 33 years, and lived (19194-88). |
|
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1936 Pirate Commander P'en Ch'ih Ch'iko in China |
|
Commanded 100
pirates. |
|

|
1937-52 Counsellor of State HM Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland
1953-54 Senior Counsellor of State
1954-2002 Counsellor of State |
|
First appointed Counsellor of State during the visit abroad of her
husband, King George VI (1895-1936-52) in 1943 and again acted in 1944,
1951, 1953, 1957, 1963 and at least once a year for the rest of her
life, just up to a month before her death. She acted Senior Counsellor of State during her daughter, Queen
Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip's world tour. She later acted as
Counsellor of State on many occasions since. Born as Lady Elizabeth
Bowes-Lyon, she lived (1900-2002). |
|

|
1937-57
Counsellor of State HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Mary of
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Countess of Harewood |
|
Acted as ruling Counsellor in 1939, 1943, 1944, 1947, 1951, 1951, 1956
and 1957. She was the daughter of George V and married to the 6th Earl
of Harewood, Henry Lascelles. During the visit of King George VI, Queen
Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret to South Africa in
1947, she was appointed as one of the Counsellors of State - joint
regents. She was mother of two sons, and lived (1897-1965). |
|

|
1937-44 Counsellor of State HRH The Duchess of Fife, Princess Alexandra
Duff of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
|
Acted as ruling Counsellor in 1939, 1943, 1944 Alexandra Duff,
daughter of Princess Louise, The Princess Royal and 1st. Duke of Fife,
Earl MacDuff and Chief of the Clan of Fife, was created a Princess in
1905 together with her sister, Princess Maud. Alexandra was married to
her cousin HRH The Duke of Connaught, Prince Arthur, former
Governor-General of South Africa. He died in 1942, their son was killed
in 1942 and she was succeeded by her sister's son.
She lived (1891-1957). |
|
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1937-47
H.H. Rani Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Parvati Bai
Raje Sahib Bhonsle of Savantwadi (India) |
|
After the death of her husband, H.H. Raja Shrimant Sir Khem Savant V
Bhonsle Bahadur, she was regent for stepson H.H. Raja Shrimant Shivram
Savant Bhonsle, Also known as Lakshmi Devi, she was born as Princess
of Baroda, and lived (1907-61). |
|
 |
1937-47
Regent
Shrimant Sakal Soubhagyavati
Parvatidevi Raje Sahib Ghorpade of Mudhol (India) |
|
When her husband, Raja
Shrimant Sir Malojirao IV Raje Ghorpade Bahadur (1884-1900-1937),
abdicated she became regent for her son
Raja Shrimant Bhairavsinhrao Raje Ghorpade
Bahadur
(1929-37-84).
She handed over the government to him on 10 July 1947 and on 15
August he signed the instrument
of accession to the Dominion of India and merged his state with
Bombay the following year. He died in a car crash leaving an only
daughter, Rajkumari Shrimant Menka
Raje
Ghorpade-Maurya, who is mother of a son, Vijaysinh Maurya,
Director of The Mudhol Land Holdings
Co. Pvt. Ltd. |
|
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1937-45 Regent....Nunumete-Patiwaai of Hative-Besar (Indonesia) |
|
A small entity at
the Maluku
island of Ambon. |
|
|
1937 Regent .... Loppies-Tuhurea of Tengah-Tengah and Paso
(Indonesia) |
|
Her
original title as ruler of the two landscapes in
the Mandar Region in the South Molukken was Orang Kaya. She was
married to a ruler from the Simau-family. |
|
|
1937 Joint Acting
Chairperson of the Central Executive Committee
Maryam Tugambayeva, Kyrgyzstan (16.09-0 4.10) |
|
As
Vice-Chairperson 1932-37, she acted jointly as Head of State of the
Soviet Socialist Republic together with Mikhail Ivanovich Us. Also
known as Mariya Tuganbayeva, she lived (1907- 86). |
|
|
1937-50's Pirate Commander Huang P'ei-mei, China |
|
Leader of 50.000 pirates. |
|
|
1938 Acting
Chairperson of the Central Executive Committee
Kalima Amankulova,
Kyrgyzstan (15.05-18.07) |
|
As
Chairperson of the Central Executive Committee she was Head of State
of the Soviet Socialist Republic. |
|
|
1938 Chairperson of the
Supreme Soviet Nadezhda Grigoryevna Grek, Belarus
(25.-27.07)
|
| Also "Head
of State". Held a number of other offices, and lived (1880-1966). |
|

|
1938-57 Joint Head of State, The Ndlovukati Nukwase
Nxumalo Ndwandwe, Swaziland |
|
Married to one of king Sobhuza II's 12 uncles, Prince Malunge
Dlamini (1877-1915) and took over the position of Queen Mother, since
his mother and "step-mothers" had died. She lived (1880-1957). |
|
 |
1939 "Possible Throne Candidate" Elena of Montenegro of "The
Kingdom of Croatia" |
|
During World War II, two years before Germany invaded southern
Yugoslavia and Greece (through Bulgaria) in April 1941, Italy was busy
planning, once the war had been won, to restore Montenegro as an
independent kingdom as well as to create a new kingdom of Croatia.
Originally the idea was to make either Prince Michael or Prince Roman,
both member s of the ruling Petrovitch family, into king but neither
accepted, believing that eventually Italy and Germany would be
defeated. Then it was proposed that Queen Elena, wife of King Victor
Emmanuel III of Italy, who had been born a Montenegrin Princess,
should be proclaimed Queen in her own right. This pleased her, but no
one else; and eventually the appointment of one or more native-born
'Regents' was discussed. Born as Elena Petrovitch Niégoch, she lived
(1873-1952). |
|
|
1939-58 Politically Influential Sister Mary Pasqualina Lehnert
in The Vatican |
|
Served as Pope Pius XII's housekeeper and secretary from his period as
Nuncio to Bavaria in 1917, and especially in the pope's final years,
as his health deteriorated she seems to have in effect controlled the
pope, by deciding who could see him, when they could see him, what
documents he could read and advised him on decisions he should take.
Enemies of called her La Popessa. Her intense dislike of him was
credited by Curia members with causing Pope Pius XII to deny the
position of Cardinal to Archbishop Giovanni Montini, the future Pope
Paul VI, so excluding him from the 1958 papal conclave, where it was
suspected that he would have been a leading candidate to be elected
pope. This decision was overturned by the new pope, John XXIII, who
chose Montini to be the first person he appointed to be a cardinal.
Lehnert. She lived (1894-1983). |
Last update
03.05.09
|