Rattanbai “Ruttie” Jinnah, the lesser-known figure in the political history of India and Pakistan, played a pivotal role as the wife of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. While her life has often been overshadowed by Jinnah’s towering political legacy, Ruttie Jinnah herself was a remarkable individual, known for her beauty, intellect, and progressive ideals. Her journey, from the daughter of a prominent Parsi family to the partner of one of South Asia’s most influential leaders, reveals a story of love, sacrifice, and tragedy.
Early Life and Background
Born Rattanbai Petit on February 20, 1900, into the wealthy and influential Petit family of Bombay (now Mumbai), Ruttie grew up in a world of privilege. Her father, Sir Dinshaw Petit, was a prominent businessman and philanthropist, a leading figure within the Parsi community. Ruttie’s upbringing exposed her to Western-style education and liberal social values, which shaped her progressive worldview and rebellious spirit. She was known for her wit, charm, and curiosity about the world, which set her apart in an era when traditional roles for women were often more restricted.
Ruttie was known to defy social norms from an early age, and it was this independent spirit that would later lead her down a path that would make her one of the most talked-about women of her time.
The Love Story with Jinnah
At the heart of Rattanbai’s life story is her relationship with Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Their meeting, which occurred when Ruttie was just 16 years old, led to a romance that shocked Bombay society. Jinnah was 24 years older than Ruttie, and a prominent Muslim lawyer, while Ruttie came from an aristocratic Zoroastrian family. Despite these differences in age, religion, and social expectations, their bond grew strong. Jinnah was captivated by Ruttie’s beauty, intelligence, and zest for life, while Ruttie admired Jinnah’s vision, eloquence, and determination.
Their love story, however, was not without challenges. The Parsi community was deeply conservative, and Ruttie’s decision to marry a Muslim man was met with vehement opposition from her family, particularly her father. Despite this, Ruttie stood her ground. On April 19, 1918, just a day after she turned 18, Rattanbai Petit converted to Islam, taking on the name Maryam, and married Jinnah in a civil ceremony. This act of defiance estranged her from her family and friends, but she believed in the love she had for Jinnah and was ready to face the consequences.
Life as Mrs. Jinnah
After their marriage, Ruttie Jinnah became a constant companion to her husband. They were often seen together at social gatherings, where Ruttie charmed the elites with her vivacious personality. However, life in the political sphere took its toll on their relationship. Jinnah was deeply engrossed in his legal career and political aspirations. Striving for the rights of Muslims in India under British rule. Ruttie, on the other hand, was a free-spirited woman, passionate about art, culture, and personal freedom. As Jinnah’s political career began to consume him, the couple’s marriage began to face strain.
Despite the growing distance between them, Ruttie remained committed to Jinnah’s cause. She was a keen observer of the political developments around her and often voiced her opinions on matters of national importance. In private, however, she felt isolated. The loneliness of being the wife of a man who was increasingly consumed by his public life took a toll on her emotional and physical well-being. Her letters from this time reflect a sense of longing for a deeper connection with Jinnah. A desire for the affection that their earlier relationship had been built.
Tragic End and Legacy
Ruttie’s health began to deteriorate in the early 1920s. She suffered from various ailments, including what was likely cancer, though medical records from the time are unclear. Her last years were marked by increasing physical and emotional pain. Which was exacerbated by the growing distance between her and Jinnah. She left him in 1928 and moved to Europe in an attempt to recover her health, but her condition worsened.
On February 20, 1929, Ruttie Jinnah passed away in Bombay, on her 29th birthday. Her death left Jinnah devastated. At her funeral, Jinnah’s grief was visible, a rare display of emotion for a man known for his stoicism. He is said to have carried a piece of her clothing with him until he died in 1948. A testament to the deep love he continued to feel for her, despite the strains in their marriage.
Conclusion
Rattanbai Jinnah’s life was one of passion, rebellion, and sacrifice. She gave up her family, her faith, and her social standing for the love of Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Though her marriage was fraught with challenges, and her life ended tragically young, Ruttie’s impact on Jinnah was undeniable. Her progressive ideals and independent spirit left an indelible mark on those who knew her, and she remains a poignant, if often overlooked, figure in the history of South Asia. Through her love and her struggles, Rattanbai Jinnah became a symbol of the complexities of personal and political life. A woman ahead of her time in many ways.
