Rattanbai “Ruttie” Jinnah, born Rattanbai Petit on February 20, 1900, in Bombay (now Mumbai), was a notable figure in the history of South Asia, primarily as the wife of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Her life story is intertwined with some of the most prominent families of the Indian subcontinent, including her own Petit family and, through marriage, the Jinnah family. Her daughter, Dina Wadia, further connected Ruttie to the influential Wadia family by marrying Neville Wadia, the chairman of Bombay Dyeing.
Family Background
Ruttie was the only daughter of Sir Dinshaw Petit, the 2nd Baronet, a leading businessman and philanthropist in the Parsi community, which is a Zoroastrian community in India. The Petits were highly anglicized, adopting British customs, language, and lifestyle, yet they were also known for their philanthropy, particularly towards the Zoroastrian community in Iran. Ruttie’s upbringing was luxurious, with education from European nannies and an array of personal freedoms unusual for the time, reflecting the family’s wealth and social status. Despite her family’s religious background, Ruttie was agnostic and had a nominal connection to Parsi traditions.
Courtship and Wedding with Muhammad Ali Jinnah:
(The Love Story of Jinnah and Rattanbai)
In the picturesque setting of Darjeeling’s Petit Chateau, fate brought together Rattanbai Petit, the young and vivacious 16-year-old daughter of the affluent Parsi Baronet Sir Dinshaw Petit, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a distinguished lawyer and politician, well-established and twice her age. Their connection transcended the barriers of age and religion—he a Muslim, and she soon to convert to Islam—culminating in their clandestine marriage on April 19, 1918. Their union was nothing short of a fairy tale, celebrated and envied by those who knew them closely.
Jinnah, traditionally reserved and committed to his professional life, transformed in the glow of Rattanbai’s love. He traded his usual evenings of leisure at his club for nights spent at home, engaging in heartfelt conversations with Rattanbai amidst the beauty of their garden. Notoriously prudent, Jinnah found joy in indulging Rattanbai’s penchant for elegant home furnishings and fashionable attire, a testament to the depth of his love and affection for her. This chapter of Jinnah’s life highlighted a rare romantic fervor, reserved exclusively for Rattanbai, indicating she was indeed the sole recipient of his deepest affection.
Marital Life and Challenges
The couple’s early years of marriage were marked by happiness, with Jinnah allowing Ruttie considerable freedom in fashion and household affairs. However, the relationship faced strains due to Jinnah’s political commitments and the conservative expectations of the Muslim community at the time. Ruttie’s bold fashion choices and outspoken nature often clashed with the traditionalist views around her.
Their daughter, Dina, was born in 1919 but was largely raised by nannies, reflecting both parents’ preoccupation with their respective pursuits. Ruttie’s relationship with Jinnah’s family, particularly his sister Fatima, was fraught, further isolating her within her adopted family.
Declining Health and Death
Ruttie’s health began to decline in the late 1920s, marked by both physical ailments and depression. Her marriage with Jinnah had cooled, and after a separation, she lived with her mother and then in a hotel. Ruttie passed away on February 20, 1929, her 29th birthday, under mysterious circumstances. The cause of her death remains speculative, with theories including cancer and depression.
As Ruttie’s body was gently laid to rest in her grave, Jinnah was called upon to perform the solemn duty of casting the first handful of earth. Fulfilling this task, he straightened up only to break down in tears. Overwhelmed by his grief, he wept openly, covering his face with his hands, allowing himself a moment of profound sorrow unlike any seen before. True to his solitary nature, he sought no comfort from those around, choosing instead to mourn in solitude. After this intense display of emotion, he composed himself, wiping away his tears. With a visage that returned to its usual impassive state, Jinnah made his way back to his car, resuming his composed demeanor.
The second time Jinnah ever broke down was in August 1947 when he visited Ruttie’s grave one last time before leaving for Pakistan.
Legacy
Ruttie Jinnah’s life story is a poignant tale of love, rebellion, and tragedy, set against the backdrop of the tumultuous period leading up to India’s partition. Her marriage to Jinnah is often cited as a significant personal dimension to the political narrative of South Asia’s independence and the creation of Pakistan. Despite her early death, Ruttie’s influence on Jinnah and her place in the annals of the region’s history remain subjects of interest and admiration.