The Story of My Life

The granddaughter of Seth Cursetjee Manekjee Shroff, the noted philanthropist whose statue in Byculla Mumbaikers fondly call ‘Khada Parsi’, Dosebai Cowasjee Jessawalla (1832-1911) was one of the first Indian girls to receive the benefits of an English education. This decision made by her mother, Meheribai, triggered both criticism from the Parsi community and mockery from the popular press. However, its life-changing effects were apparent in just a few years—and endured for a lifetime—as Dosebai became a part of both Indian and Western society and was empowered in ways unimaginable for most women at the time. In her lifestyle and choices, she proved herself to be of brave spirit and independent mind.