Mahitab Devi, also known as Rani Gaddan as well as Rani Katochan, was the daughter of Raja Sansar Chand Katoch of Kangra. She was compelled to marry Maharaja Ranjit Singh 1829. Mahitab Devi had an artistic bent of mind. After her marriage she promoted Kangra art of paining, music, dance, Phulkari and embroidery etc. at Lahore. She had a grand collection of hill paintings and miniatures in her suit in the Lahore fort. She was a benevolent lady. She gave financial help to poor people for the marriages of their daughters. Rani Gaddan’s another sister was also married to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who had committed suicide when once Ranjit Singh had remarked that Moran (Ranjit Singh’s dancer wife) was his prettiest wife. When Maharaja Ranjit Singh died, Rani Gaddan placed the head of the Maharaja in her lap and performed Sati (self immolation) at the pyre of the Maharaja on June 28, 1839.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)