Table of Contents
Women Freedom Fighters of India: In India’s fight for independence, remarkable women like Rani Lakshmibai, Sarojini Naidu, and Kasturba Gandhi emerged as leading figures. These lady freedom fighters played crucial roles in resisting colonial rule with their bravery and dedication. Their inspiring actions and sacrifices highlight the significant contributions of women to India’s freedom struggle. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of their strength and commitment in shaping the nation’s future.
Women Freedom Fighter of India
When discussing India’s freedom struggle, it’s essential to acknowledge the vital role played by women freedom fighters. These women, coming from diverse backgrounds, bravely fought for India’s independence with exceptional courage and dedication. During the 1920s, many women actively participated in the Gandhian movement, particularly in the Non-Cooperation Movement. They faced many trials and injustices with unrivaled bravery and tenacity in order to ensure India’s freedom. There are many tales from the freedom movement of these strong, brave women who shown extraordinary bravery and strategic foresight.
Women first became involved in the Indian liberation movement in 1817. For instance, Bhima Bai Holkar used guerilla warfare to defeat Colonel Malcolm’s British men with great ferocity. Other noteworthy individuals who opposed the British East India Company before the First War of Independence in 1857 were Rani Channama of Kittur and Rani Begam Hazrat Mahal of Avadh. Their involvement led to the formation of numerous women’s organizations across the country.
The contributions of women freedom fighters in India are a crucial subject for the UPSC exam, including Prelims, Mains Paper I, and UPSC History Optional papers. This topic is also significant for the essay and general studies sections of the UPSC Mains examination.
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First Women Freedom Fighters of India
Women Freedom Fighters of India: The courageous sacrifices of the first female combatants in India’s history of women’s participation in the country’s freedom battle span multiple centuries. Among them is Jhansi’s Rani Lakshmibai, who became known for her leadership skills during the 1857 Rebellion. She became a symbol of resistance to colonial oppression via her tenacious defense of her realm against British invaders.
Sarojini Naidu, known as the “Nightingale of India” for her powerful speeches and poems, is another well-known person. Her persuasive arguments for independence and her leadership within the Indian National Congress made a major contribution to the freedom movement.
Awadh’s queen, Begum Hazrat Mahal, was also a key figure in the rebellion of 1857. Her strong opposition to Awadh’s British annexation demonstrated her fortitude and leadership.
Freedom Fighters Women’s Name List
This table highlights the significant contributions and roles of notable female freedom fighters in India’s struggle for independence.
| Freedom Fighter | Contributions and Role | Notable Movements and Actions |
| Rani Lakshmibai | Led resistance against British forces during the rebellion | Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
| Sarojini Naidu | Renowned poet and activist who inspired with her speeches | Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement |
| Kamala Nehru | Active in protests and nationalist activities | Salt March, Protests against oppressive laws |
| Kasturba Gandhi | Promoted nonviolent resistance and social reform | Supported Mahatma Gandhi, faced numerous hardships |
| Aruna Asaf Ali | Organized protests and defiantly raised Congress flag | Quit India Movement |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal | Led troops in battles during the 1857 uprising | Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
| Matangini Hazra | Led a fearless procession during Quit India Movement | Quit India Movement |
| Usha Mehta | Established “Congress Radio” to broadcast independence messages | Radio broadcasting for mobilization |
| Annie Besant | Advocated for Indian self-rule and social reforms | Home Rule Movement |
| Durgabai Deshmukh | Championed women’s rights and social reforms | Salt Satyagraha, Quit India Movement |
| Vijay Laxmi Pandit | First Indian woman ambassador at the UN | Anti-colonial efforts, Promotion of Women’s Rights |
| Madam Bhikaji Cama | Designed and unfurled the “Flag of Indian Independence” | Paris Indian Society Formation |
| Kamla Chattopadhyay | Elected as the first woman to a legislative seat in India | Khadi Movement |
| Sucheta Kriplani | Served as the first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh | Quit India Movement |
| Kittur Chennamma | Rebelled against British colonial rule as a ruler | First Kittur Rebellion |
| Savitribai Phule | Pioneered women’s education as India’s first lady teacher | Advocated for widow remarriage |
| Lakshmi Sahgal | Led the Indian National Army (INA) | Leadership in INA |
Top 20 Women Freedom Fighters of India in Detail
Here are the list of top 20 female Freedom Fighters of India:
1. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi
- In Varanasi, India, on November 19, 1828, Rani Lakshmibai was born. After her marriage to Raja Gangadhar Rao, she got the title of Queen of Jhansi.
- She was a prominent leader during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, known for her fearless resistance against British forces.
- Rani Lakshmibai led her troops with remarkable bravery, defending Jhansi and later escaping to Kalpi.
- Her leadership and courage during the rebellion made her a symbol of resistance against British rule.
- She died on 18 June 1858, fighting to protect her kingdom and legacy.
2. Sarojini Naidu
- On February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, Sarojini Naidu was born into a Bengali Brahmin family.
- She was a renowned poet and a significant political activist in the Indian independence movement.
- Known as the “Nightingale of India” for her poetic works, she inspired many with her eloquent writings and speeches.
- In 1905, she joined the independence movement and became a follower of Mahatma Gandhi.
- She was appointed as the ambassador of the Home Rule League to England in 1919.
- In 1925, she became the President of the Indian National Congress and, post-independence, served as the Governor of the United Provinces in 1947.
- Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman to hold both these prestigious positions.
- She was also involved in the formation of the Women’s Indian Association and was arrested several times by the British during the struggle.
3. Begum Hazrat Mahal
- Begum Hazrat Mahal was born in 1820 in Lucknow. She became the queen of Awadh after her marriage to Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
- She played a crucial role in the 1857 Rebellion, leading resistance against the British annexation of Awadh.
- Begum Hazrat Mahal organized and led her forces in battles and was a key figure in the revolt.
- Her leadership and defiance during the uprising highlighted her commitment to the freedom struggle.
- After the fall of Lucknow, she fled to Nepal and continued her advocacy for Indian independence until her death in 1879.
4. Kasturba Gandhi
- Kasturba Gandhi was born on 11 April 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. She was the wife of Mahatma Gandhi and a devoted supporter of his principles.
- She was actively involved in various nationalist activities, advocating for nonviolent resistance and social reforms.
- Kasturba Gandhi participated in the Salt March and supported numerous protests against oppressive laws.
- Her enduring commitment to Gandhi’s ideals and her personal sacrifices made her a respected figure in the freedom struggle.
- She faced many hardships but remained steadfast in her support for India’s independence movement until her death on 22 February 1944.
5. Aruna Asaf Ali
- Aruna Asaf Ali was born on 16 July 1909 in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. She was a prominent activist during the Quit India Movement.
- She played a key role in organizing protests and famously hoisted the Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay.
- Her bold actions and leadership during the movement made her a significant figure in the fight against British rule.
- Aruna Asaf Ali was frequently arrested by the British authorities but continued her activism even while in prison.
- Her contributions to the independence struggle were widely recognized, and she remained an influential leader until her death on 29 July 1996.
6. Matangini Hazra
- Matangini Hazra was born on 19 October 1870 in a small village in Bengal. She actively took part in the Quit India Movement.
- Matangini Hazra was known for her fearless protests and leadership, particularly during the Quit India Movement.
- She led a procession in her village to protest against British rule and was known for her unwavering courage.
- Her involvement in the freedom struggle, including her final act of defiance, earned her a place in the history of India’s independence movement.
- She died on 29 September 1942 while leading a protest, embodying the spirit of resistance and sacrifice.
7. Sarala Devi Chaudhurani
- Sarala Devi Chaudhurani was a writer and social reformer.
- She established the Bharat Stree Mahamandal to empower women and advance education.
- She was a close associate of Lala Lajpat Rai and played a role in militant nationalism.
8. Annie Besant
- Annie Besant was a British activist who supported Indian independence.
- She joined the Indian National Congress, founded the Central Hindu College, and launched the Home Rule League.
- Her efforts highlighted India’s struggle for freedom in her newspaper ‘New India.’
9. Rani Velu Nachiyar
- Born in the 18th century, Rani Velu Nachiyar was the queen of Sivaganga.
- She led a successful revolt against the British and reclaimed her estate.
- Known as ‘Veera Mangai,’ she was the first Indian queen to fight the British.
10. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was a feminist and social reformer.
- She was the first woman arrested during the freedom struggle and led significant movements like the Dandi March.
- She received the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awards for her contributions.
11. Pritilata Waddedar
- Pritilata Waddedar was involved in the revolutionary activities in Bengal.
- She participated in the Chittagong armory raid and later led the attack on Pahartali European Club.
- To avoid arrest, she committed suicide by swallowing cyanide.
12. Usha Mehta
- Usha Mehta played a vital role in the Quit India Movement of 1942.
- She ran the underground Congress Radio, which broadcasted freedom messages across India.
- Her contributions were recognized with the Padma Vibhushan award in 1998.
13. Moolmati
- Moolmati was the mother of Ram Prasad Bismil, a key revolutionary.
- She supported and inspired her son’s involvement in the freedom struggle.
- Even after her son’s execution, she remained proud and encouraged further involvement in the movement.
14. Captain Lakshmi Sehgal
- Born on 24 October 1914, she was a doctor and freedom fighter.
- She served as a captain in the Indian National Army (INA) and led the Rani Jhansi Regiment.
- She was later a Rajya Sabha member and received the Padma Vibhushan award.
15. Sucheta Kriplani
- Sucheta Kriplani was a Gandhian and the first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
- She established the All India Mahila Congress and trained women in arms for the struggle.
- She also served on the Constitution Drafting Committee.
16. Rani Gaidinliu
- Rani Gaidinliu was a Naga leader who began resisting British rule at age 13.
- She led the Heraka movement and fought for Naga nationalism.
- Arrested in 1932, she spent 14 years in prison and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1993.
17. Uda Devi
- Uda Devi was a notable figure in the 1857 Rebellion, fighting against British rule.
- She and other female rebels are remembered as “Dalit Veeranganas” or warriors of the revolt.
- Her courage and leadership in the rebellion remain celebrated.
18. Madam Bhikaji Cama
- Born on 24 September 1861, Bhikaji Cama was a key activist and nationalist.
- She unfurled the first Indian national flag at the International Socialist Conference in 1907.
- Her efforts in promoting Indian independence were significant on the global stage.
19. Kamala Nehru
- Kamala Nehru, the wife of Jawaharlal Nehru, was an active participant in the independence movement.
- She led various protests and campaigns, including the No Tax Campaign.
- Her efforts contributed to the broader freedom struggle.
20. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
- Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was a prominent Congress leader and diplomat.
- She was the first Indian woman President of the Congress Party and served in various international roles.
- She was arrested twice for her involvement in the independence movement and later represented India globally.
Women Freedom Fighters of India FAQs
Can you list 10 names of female freedom fighters from India?
List of 10 names of female freedom fighters from India are: Rani Lakshmibai Sarojini Naidu Kasturba Gandhi Aruna Asaf Ali Kamala Nehru Vijayalakshmi Pandit Usha Mehta Madam Bhikaji Cama Annie Besant Begum Hazrat Mahal
Who is recognized as the first female freedom fighter in India?
Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the Queen of Jhansi, is widely recognized as the first female freedom fighter in India. She played a crucial role in the 1857 rebellion against British rule.
What roles did these women have in India's fight for independence?
These women took on different roles, such as leading armed revolts, organizing protests, joining civil disobedience actions, and raising awareness through their writing and speeches.
Which significant movements did these women participate in during the freedom struggle?
Many of these women were involved in major movements like the Quit India Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, and the Civil Disobedience Movement. They also participated in regional uprisings and specific campaigns against British policies.
How important were their contributions to India's independence?
The contributions of these women were immensely significant. They not only inspired countless others to join the struggle but also brought international attention to India's quest for independence. Their bravery and sacrifices were crucial in weakening British control and galvanizing the nation.
Who is known as the youngest female freedom fighter in India's history?
The youngest female freedom fighter is often considered to be Smt. Kanaklata Barua. She was just 17 years old when she was martyred while leading a procession during the Quit India Movement in 1942.
