Bety of Betsimisaraka facts for kids

Marie Elisabeth "Bety" Sobobie (1735–1805) was a powerful queen. She ruled the Betsimisaraka kingdom. This kingdom included Île Sainte-Marie and parts of eastern Madagascar. She was queen from 1750 to 1754 on Île Sainte-Marie. She also ruled eastern Madagascar until 1762. Queen Bety is famous for giving Île Sainte-Marie to France in 1750.

Life of Queen Bety

Early Life and Family

Bety Sobobie was born in 1735. Her father was King Ratsimilaho of Betsimisaraka. He was also known as Tom Smilo. Her mother was Princess Mamadion of Boina. Bety's grandfather was a British or American pirate named Thomas. Her grandmother was Queen Antavaratra Rahena of Zana Malata.

At that time, Île Sainte-Marie was home to the Zana Malata people. They were a mix of local people and Western pirates. Pirates had used the island as a base since the 1680s. Bety's father united the island into one kingdom. He also took control of part of Madagascar's eastern coast. He named this new kingdom Betsimisaraka.

Becoming Queen and French Protection

When her father died, Bety became queen. On July 30, 1750, she followed his wishes. She placed her kingdom under the protection of the French East India Company. This happened during a special ceremony on a ship called Mars. Sixty local chiefs supported her decision. Representatives from the French governor of Isle de France (Mauritius) were also there.

Ruling as a French Protectorate

Queen Bety continued to rule Île Sainte-Marie. It was now a French protectorate. This meant France offered protection but Bety was still in charge. She married a Frenchman named Jean Onésime Filet. He became her prince consort, helping her rule.

In September 1751, a rebellion started on Île Sainte-Marie. Many French people were killed. Bety and her mother traveled to Île de France. They convinced the French governor they were not involved. She stayed on Île de France for five years.

Later Rule and Legacy

In 1756, Queen Bety returned to her kingdom. She ruled the eastern coast of Madagascar for six years. In 1762, she gave Foulpointe to her half-brother, Jean Hare. This event is seen as the end of the Betsimisaraka kingdom. Some smaller areas still remained under her name.

Queen Bety then settled permanently in Mauritius. She owned a lot of land there. People described her as kind and beautiful. The French respected her greatly. She died in 1805 in Vacoas, Mauritius. She left her remaining lands to her nephew Iavy. However, the Betsimisaraka kingdom no longer truly existed. The French controlled the remaining areas.