Alexandru Ioan Cuza vs Durga Bai Deshmukh

Alexandru Ioan Cuza was elected Prince of Moldavia on January 5, 1859, following the deposition of Grigore Alexandru Ghica. This election was part of the movement for Romanian unification, as he was also elected Prince of Wallachia later that month.

On January 24, 1859, Cuza was elected Prince of Wallachia, completing the personal union of the two Danubian Principalities. This dual election, achieved through coordinated political maneuvering, created the United Principalities of Romania.

Cuza enacted a major land reform that abolished serfdom and redistributed land to peasants. The reform expropriated church and monastery lands, creating a class of small landowners and modernizing Romania's agricultural economy.

Cuza introduced a modern Civil Code based on the Napoleonic Code, along with a law establishing compulsory primary education. These reforms aimed to secularize and modernize Romanian society, reducing the influence of the Orthodox Church.

A coalition of conservative and liberal politicians, known as the 'Monstrous Coalition,' forced Cuza to abdicate on February 22, 1866. He was arrested and exiled, ending his reformist rule and paving the way for the installation of a foreign prince, Carol of Hohenzollern.

Deshmukh participated in the Salt Satyagraha, a nonviolent protest against the British salt tax. She was arrested and imprisoned for her role in the civil disobedience movement.

Deshmukh founded the Andhra Mahila Sabha, an organization dedicated to women's education and social reform. The institution established schools, hostels, and vocational training centers for women.

Durga Bai Deshmukh was elected to the Constituent Assembly of India, one of the few women members. She contributed to the drafting of the Indian Constitution, particularly on issues of social justice and women's rights.

Deshmukh was appointed chairperson of the Central Social Welfare Board, where she oversaw programs for women's welfare, child development, and community health. She expanded social services across India.