The Pioneering Role of Princess Devajammani in India's Vaccination Campaign
A Young Royal Advocate for Vaccination
In the early 19th century, a young princess, just entering her teenage years, emerged as a prominent figure in India's vaccination efforts. Princess Devajammani of Mysore, now known as Mysuru, played a crucial role in advocating for the smallpox vaccine during a time when public skepticism was rampant. At only 12 years old, she took the initiative to encourage her community to embrace vaccination, a practice that had been met with fear and resistance.
Smallpox had claimed countless lives throughout history, and there was no known cure. The first effective vaccine was created in 1796 by Edward Jenner, an English physician. The vaccine made its way to India in 1802, but many were hesitant to accept it. The first recipient of the smallpox vaccine in India was a three-year-old child named Anna Dusthall from Bombay (now Mumbai), who received it on June 14, 1802. However, the process of inoculation faced challenges, including a fee and widespread distrust of British medical practices, compounded by superstitions that attributed the disease to divine punishment.
The rulers of Mysore recognized the significance of vaccination. Rani Lakshmi Ammani, a respected member of the royal family, actively promoted the smallpox vaccine, believing that royal endorsement could alleviate public fears and foster acceptance. Princess Devajammani, who married Krishnaraja Wadiyar III in 1805, became a vital figure in this campaign. Her willingness to participate publicly was groundbreaking, as royal women typically remained out of the public eye. Their actions held substantial sway over the populace, who looked up to their leaders.
This vaccination campaign was immortalized in an oil painting by Irish artist Thomas Hickey, which features three royal women from the Mysore court. Historians have identified the younger Princess Devajammani as the figure on the right, pointing to her upper arm where the vaccine was administered. This detail was intentional, serving as a powerful visual cue that encouraged others to follow suit.
Mark Wilkes, the Resident at the Court of Mysore, was assigned by Lord William Bentinck, the then Governor-General of India, to spearhead the smallpox vaccination initiative. With the support of Purniya, the Chief Minister of Mysore, and Rani Lakshmi Ammani, this well-planned campaign was effectively communicated through Hickey’s portrait of the three princesses. Heritage Lab notes, "Mark Wilkes, Resident at the Court of Mysore, had been tasked by Lord William Bentinck (the then Governor-General of India) to promote smallpox vaccination. Aided by Purniya, the Chief Minister of Mysore, and Rani Lakshmi Ammani, the development of this well-thought-out campaign was portrayed through Thomas Hickey’s portrait of the three princesses."
Similar to modern influencers, royal family members historically played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion. By showcasing the support of esteemed royal women for vaccination, the campaign aimed to instill confidence in the public. Historians consider this portrait a significant visual document in the history of medicine in India, illustrating how social influence was harnessed to restore public trust. Princess Devajammani's involvement underscores the critical role women played in advancing public health initiatives. Her advocacy for vaccination was instrumental in safeguarding communities against smallpox. Although details about her later life are scarce, her legacy as an early champion of vaccination remains firmly established. Royal families were key players in promoting vaccination efforts in the early 19th century; for example, in 1813, the Travancore royal family initiated a modern vaccination campaign, with Maharani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi establishing the first vaccination department in Travancore and personally vaccinating herself and other royals.