Panna Dai was a 16th‑century nursemaid who saved the future ruler Udai Singh II of Mewar by sacrificing her own son. Her act is commemorated in museums and institutions in Rajasthan.
Overview
Panna Dhai, also known as Panna Dai, was a nursemaid in the 16th century who served Udai Singh II, the fourth son of Rana Sanga. The name Panna means "emerald" in Hindi, while dhai translates to "nurse" or "someone who breastfeeds another’s child," reflecting her role.
After Rani Karnavati committed Jauhar in 1535, Udai Singh was left in the care of Panna. She became his guardian and protector during a turbulent period.
When Udai was attacked by his uncle Banvir, Panna Dhai made a drastic sacrifice. She gave her own son, Chandan, to the attackers in order to save Udai’s life. This act of selflessness is remembered as a defining moment in her legacy.
Panna Dhai’s story is often cited as an example of loyalty and maternal devotion in Rajasthan’s history. Her actions have been celebrated in local folklore and are considered a significant episode in the region’s cultural memory.
Legacy and memory
Harshadrai Sakerlal Mehta made the silent film Veerangana Panna in 1934, depicting the nursemaid Panna Dai.
In 2014, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje, inaugurated the Shaheed Smarak and Panna Dhai Museum, as well as a boat‑shaped museum at Goverdhan Sagar Lake. The museum is dedicated to Panna Dai and her sacrifice to Mewar, and the hall includes a 3D movie that portrays her life.
A national award has been named after her, and a nursing college in Western Udaipur bears her name. Sachin Sen Gupta released a book titled "Panna Dai" that details her life.
Another college named after her, Panna Dhai Maa Subharti Nursing College, is located on a lush green campus of Swami Vivekanand Subharti University at the outskirts of Meerut.
Based on: the Wikipedia article (CC BY-SA 4.0) — facts from that source; edited and translated by Times of Rajasthan.