“Main Apni Jhansi Nahi Doongi”
Rani Lakshmi Bai, Jhansi, 1857
These fiery words from Jhansi Rani Lakshmi Bai back in 1857, heralded the first Indian Freedom struggle. What a proud moment it was! An Indian woman leading from the front. A queen who inspired lakhs of people to fight the British.
Many brave Indian women, following in their footsteps have contributed immensely to the Indian Freedom struggle since then.
Leading from the front
Some of them were equals to men in combat with the British. Rani Abbakka’s fight against the Portuguese in coastal Karnataka is an example.
Kittur Rani Chennamma’s fight for her kingdom in today’s Belgaum district is another story.
Rani Begum Hazrat Mahal who fought for Awadh is one more example of women leading troops to the battlefield.
Lakshmi Sahgal was another woman who joined the Indian National Army under Subhash Chandra Bose.
Uplifting women to unite in the Indian Freedom Struggle
Others contributed to the freedom struggle by uplifting the living standards of society.
Kasturba Gandhi dearly called “Ba” is known for her social work alongside Mahatma Gandhiji, the Father of the Nation.
Sarojini Naidu, the Nightingale of India, as called by Gandhiji gave a call to lakhs of Indians through her poems to put an end to British rule.
Uma Bai Kundapur and Kamala Devi Chattopadhyaya travelled throughout Karnataka and inspired women to join the struggle for freedom.
Savitri Bai Phule from Maharashtra was the first female teacher of India. She fought for the education of girls and contributed towards their equality.
Such was the contribution of Indian women in our freedom struggle that Gandhiji went on to call them, “disciplined soldiers of Indian freedom“. Truly inspirational to our generation.
