JAIPUR: Renowned Rajasthani scholar and senior politician Laxmi Kumari Chundawat died here today after a prolonged illness.
She was 98 years old.
"She was suffering from infection in lung and age-related problems. She was admitted to a private heart and general hospital since April 4," her family member Anirudh Singh Rathore told PTI.
Chundawat was a scholar of Rajasthani folk tales and verses.
She was the Member of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from 1962 to 1971 from Deogarh, Member of Rajya Sabha from April 1972 to April 1978 and President of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee from September 1971 to April 1972.
Chundawat was awarded the Padma Shri in 1984 for her contribution to Rajasthani literature and was also the recipient of other awards like Rajasthan Ratna, Maharana Kumbha Award, among others.
She authored a number of books in Hindi and Rajasthani languages and was also known for her bold decision on abandoning "purdah" (veil) system in the feudal era. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje condoled the death.
In a message, Raje said Chundawat gave new heights to Rajasthani literature and folk tales through her writing and her contribution to literature and public life would always be remembered.