India’s fight for independence was not just a man’s battle. Behind the scenes, and sometimes right on the front lines, were brave women who played crucial roles in shaping history.
In India’s journey to freedom from British rule, numerous courageous women stood shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, playing pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s destiny. Their resilience, determination, and sacrifices have left an indelible mark on India’s history.
Let’s delve into the inspiring stories of 20 remarkable women who fought tirelessly for India’s independence.
Overview of Women Freedom Fighters Of India
| Freedom Fighter | Born | Died | Place of Birth | Place of Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rani Lakshmibai | November 19, 1828 | June 18, 1858 | Varanasi, India | Gwalior, India |
| Sarojini Naidu | February 13, 1879 | March 2, 1949 | Hyderabad, India | Lucknow, India |
| Kamala Nehru | August 1, 1899 | February 28, 1936 | Delhi, India | Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Kasturba Gandhi | April 11, 1869 | February 22, 1944 | Porbandar, India | Pune, India |
| Aruna Asaf Ali | July 16, 1909 | July 29, 1996 | Kalka, India | New Delhi, India |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal | c. 1820 | April 7, 1879 | Faizabad, India | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Matangini Hazra | October 19, 1870 | September 29, 1942 | Tamluk, India | Kolkata, India |
| Usha Mehta | March 25, 1920 | August 11, 2000 | Bombay, India | Mumbai, India |
| Annie Besant | October 1, 1847 | September 20, 1933 | Clapham, England | Adyar, India |
| Durgabai Deshmukh | July 15, 1909 | May 9, 1981 | Rajahmundry, India | Hyderabad, India |
| Vijay Laxmi Pandit | August 18, 1900 | December 1, 1990 | Allahabad, India | Dehradun, India |
| Madam Bhikaji Cama | September 24, 1861 | August 13, 1936 | Navsari, India | Mumbai, India |
| Kamla Chattopadhyay | December 3, 1886 | November 26, 1973 | Mangalore, India | Chennai, India |
| Sucheta Kriplani | June 25, 1908 | December 1, 1974 | Ambala, India | New Delhi, India |
| Kittur Chennamma | October 23, 1778 | February 21, 1829 | Kakati, India | Bailhongal, India |
| Savitribai Phule | January 3, 1831 | March 10, 1897 | Naigaon, India | Pune, India |
| Lakshmi Sahgal | October 24, 1914 | July 23, 2012 | Madras, India | Kanpur, India |
| Captain Lakshmi Sahgal | October 24, 1914 | July 23, 2012 | Madras, India | Kanpur, India |
| Subhadra Kumari Chauhan | August 16, 1904 | February 15, 1948 | Nihalpur, India | Allahabad, India |
| Bhikaiji Cama | September 24, 1861 | August 13, 1936 | Navsari, India | Mumbai, India |
20 Women Freedom Fighters of India
1. Rani Lakshmibai
Rani Lakshmibai, the Rani of Jhansi, was a fearless warrior who led the resistance against British forces during the Indian Rebellion 1857. She valiantly defended her kingdom and became a symbol of courage and defiance against colonial rule.
2. Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu, fondly known as the “Nightingale of India,” was a celebrated poet and a prominent political activist. She used her eloquent speeches and writings to inspire the masses to join the freedom movement and played a vital role in the Indian National Congress.
3. Kamala Nehru
Kamala Nehru actively participated in protests and nationalist activities against repressive British laws. She marched alongside others in the Salt March and supported various initiatives to achieve independence.
4. Kasturba Gandhi
Kasturba Gandhi, the wife of Mahatma Gandhi, was a steadfast advocate for nonviolent resistance and social reform. She endured many hardships, supporting her husband’s endeavors and promoting the cause of Indian independence.
5. Aruna Asaf Ali
Aruna Asaf Ali fearlessly organized and led protests during the Quit India Movement. She defiantly hoisted the Congress flag, symbolizing the spirit of resistance against British oppression.
6. Begum Hazrat Mahal
Begum Hazrat Mahal, the queen of Awadh, played a crucial role in the 1857 uprising, fiercely resisting British annexation and inspiring others to join the fight for freedom.
7. Matangini Hazra
Matangini Hazra was a fearless protester who led a procession during the Quit India Movement. Despite adversity, she remained resolute in her commitment to India’s independence.
8. Usha Mehta
Usha Mehta established “Congress Radio” to disseminate the message of independence and mobilize support for the freedom struggle. She played a vital role in galvanizing public sentiment against British rule through radio broadcasting.
9. Annie Besant
Annie Besant championed Indian self-rule and various social causes, advocating for home rule and promoting education and women’s rights. Her tireless efforts contributed significantly to the nationalist movement.
10. Durgabai Deshmukh
Durgabai Deshmukh was a staunch advocate for women’s rights and social reform. She actively participated in movements like the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement, working towards a free and equitable society.
11. Vijay Laxmi Pandit
Vijay Laxmi Pandit, India’s first female ambassador to the United Nations, played a crucial role in fighting colonialism and promoting women’s rights internationally.
12. Madam Bhikaji Cama
Madam Bhikaji Cama designed and unfurled the “Flag of Indian Independence” in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907, symbolizing India’s aspiration for freedom on the global stage.
13. Kamla Chattopadhyay
Kamla Chattopadhyay became the first woman to be elected to a legislative seat in India’s Madras Province, actively participating in the Khadi Movement and advocating for social and economic empowerment.
14. Sucheta Kriplani
Sucheta Kriplani, the first female Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, played a significant role in the Quit India Movement, leading the charge for India’s independence from British rule.
15. Kittur Chennamma
Kittur Chennamma, the first female ruler to rebel against the British, led the Kittur Rebellion, inspiring others to resist colonial oppression and fight for their rights.
16. Savitribai Phule
Savitribai Phule, India’s first lady teacher, dedicated her life to promoting education and social reform. She advocated for widow remarriage and worked tirelessly to uplift the marginalized sections of society.
17. Lakshmi Sahgal
Lakshmi Sahgal, a prominent leader in the Indian National Army, fought alongside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, leading the charge for India’s independence from British rule.
18. Captain Lakshmi Sahgal
Captain Lakshmi Sahgal, a medical practitioner, provided invaluable medical and nursing services to injured freedom fighters, established medical units for the Indian National Army, and contributed to soldiers’ healthcare needs.
19. Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, a prolific poet and writer, used her literary prowess to inspire patriotism and nationalism among the masses, contributing to the freedom movement through her poignant verses.
20. Bhikaiji Cama
Bhikaiji Cama, a prominent nationalist leader, played a key role in the Indian Home Rule Movement and represented India at international forums, advocating for India’s independence on the global stage.
Conclusion
These brave women freedom fighters of India exemplify the indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to the cause of independence. Their sacrifices, courage, and resilience have left an enduring legacy that inspires generations. Their contributions to India’s freedom struggle will always be remembered and cherished as a testament to the power of determination, unity, and sacrifice in pursuing liberty and justice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is India’s first female freedom fighter?
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi.
2. Who was the youngest female freedom fighter?
Bina Das.
3. Who was the beautiful lady in Indian history?
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi.
4. Who is great lady in India?
Sarojini Naidu, Indira Gandhi, Kalpana Chawla.
5. Who is known as old lady gandhi?
Indira Gandhi.