Women who fought for freedom: Unsung heroines of India’s Independence

The tale of India’s independence is often narrated via the actions of its male leaders, but it is also characterised by the courage and determination of women who, as combatants, visionaries, and patriots, resisted the British rule.

These women frequently entered the line of fire with little more than their goals, resolve, and passion to see India free. They battled not just against British colonial control but also against the limitations of a strongly patriarchal culture.

From leading armed uprisings to promoting widespread civil disobedience, their achievements and sacrifices represent a crucial period in the nation’s history that deserves much greater recognition.

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1. Jhalkari Bai: A trusted confidante and advisor to Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Jhalkari Bai disguised herself as the Queen during the Siege of Jhansi (1857), courageously taking the frontline and enabling Rani Lakshmibai’s escape from the fortress. This selfless act has immortalised her as a symbol of valour and sacrifice.

2. Matangini Hazra: Also known as “Gandhi Buri”, Matangini Hazra was inspired by Gandhian ideals and became a veteran participant in the struggle for India’s freedom. She led a procession of around 6,000 volunteers to seize the Tamluk police station during the Quit India Movement (29 September 1942) at the age of 72.

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Despite being shot, she marched forward, holding the tricolour aloft and chanting “Vande Mataram” till her last breath. She became an enduring symbol of patriotism.

3. Kanaklata Barua: Kanaklata Barua was 17 years old during the Quit India Movement (1942) when she led villagers to raise the Indian flag at a police station in Assam. However, she was shot by British police in the act, becoming a symbol of youthful bravery and sacrifice.

4. Tara Rani Srivastava: While leading a protest in Bihar to raise the Indian flag, her husband, Phulendu Babu, was struck by fatal gunfire. Unflinching in her resolve to defend the cause of independence, Tara Rani marched on by herself.

5. Dr Lakshmi Sahgal: Dr Lakshmi Sahgal, a physician turned revolutionary, headed the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, an all-female combat unit in Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army. Following independence, she maintained her activism via public service and politics.

6. Pritilata Waddedar: Pritilata Waddedar, Bengal’s first woman martyr, was a prominent philosophy graduate who worked as a schoolteacher before joining the Revolutionary Group of Bengal, led by Master Da Surya Sen.

In 1932, she led a group of fifteen revolutionaries in an armed attack on the Pahartali European Club, which injured eleven people and killed one. To evade capture and preserve the cause, she committed suicide by consuming cyanide.

7. Rani Gaidinliu: Rani Gaidinliu joined Haipou Jadonang’s social, religious, and political movement at the age of 13 and rose to the rank of lieutenant. Her four-year connection with Jadonang, beginning in 1926 or 1927, prepared her to battle the British.

After Jadonang’s execution, Gaidinliu assumed leadership of the movement.  Gaidinliu began a strong insurrection against the British following the death of Jadonang, for which she was imprisoned for 14 years before being freed in 1947.

8. Sucheta Kriplani: A committed Gandhian, Sucheta Kriplani was arrested during the Quit India Movement and went on to become India’s first female Chief Minister.

9. Aruna Asaf Ali: Aruna Asaf Ali was famous for hoisting the Congress flag at Gowalia Tank Maidan during the Quit India Movement, she was arrested and later organised political prisoners.

10. Bhikaji Cama: A fierce revolutionary and advocate for independence overseas, Bhikaji Cama helped raise awareness abroad and played a key role in designing the Indian national flag.

11. Sarojini Naidu: Also known as the “Nightingale of India”, Sarojini Naidu was a leading figure in the Congress and a compelling voice for freedom.

12. Kasturba Gandhi: A steadfast companion to Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi supported his campaigns and shared his commitment to nonviolent resistance.