Women Freedom Fighters of India, First Women Freedom Fighter

Women Freedom Fighters of India

Throughout history, women in India have consistently served as sources of inspiration, whether in contemporary times or during the era of the Indian independence movement. They have perpetually represented strength and served as exemplars of bravery within society. The Indian struggle for freedom boasted numerous notable female figures whose contributions brought about noteworthy transformations.

Female Freedom fighters of India, pioneering figures in the nation’s struggle for independence, defied societal norms to play vital roles. From Rani Laxmibai’s battlefield bravery to Sarojini Naidu’s poetic inspiration, their contributions inspire generations and challenge gender barriers.

In this piece, we will explore ten female freedom fighters who valiantly combated challenges, etching their names indelibly in the annals of Indian independence history.

First Women Freedom Fighters of India

Distinguished by their unwavering spirit and valiant efforts, India’s first women freedom fighters, including luminaries like Rani Lakshmibai, Sarojini Naidu and Begum Hazrat Mahal, stood resolute against British rule. Their remarkable courage and dedication paved the way for women’s active roles in the fight for India’s Independence.

1. Rani Lakshmi Bai

• Rani Lakshmi bai was also known as Jhansi ki Rani. She was one of the greatest and first women to fight for the freedom of India. She single-handedly fought with the British army without any fear in her eyes.
• At a young age, she was married to Raja Gangadhar Rao, who was the king of Jhansi. They both adopted a son, but after the tragic demise of Gangadhar Rao, the British government didn’t allow her to make her son the king of Jhansi as he was an adopted child.
• Along with the consequences, the British took over Jhansi under its control. Rani Lakshmi bai did not accept this kind of rule against her and her son. She took the armies and revolted against the British government.
• She fought against all odds and during her last time, she tied her son around her chest and fought against the Britishers. The Britishers tried their best but couldn’t catch Jhansi ki, Rani, at the end.
• When she got no way further, she set herself on fire and took her own life. The fire of courage and bravery was enough to make her name into golden history.

2. Sarojini Naidu

• She is known as the Nightingale of India. She was one of the most impactful and prominent women freedom fighters who fought against the British government.
• She was an independent poet and activist. She played a very significant role in the Civil disobedience movement and the Quit India movement, for which she was even jailed.
• She traveled to several cities and delivered lectures about women’s empowerment, social welfare, and the importance of freedom.
• Sarojini Naidu was the first woman to become the governor of an Indian state and the second woman to become the president of the Indian National Congress.
• Though she died due to a heart attack in 1949, her contribution to the freedom struggle of India will always be remembered.

3. Begum Hazrat Mahal

• She was one of the most iconic women freedom fighters in India and was also known as a counterpart of Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmi Bai. In 1857, when the revolt started, she was one of the first freedom fighters who persuaded the rural people to fight and raise their voices against British rule.
• She announced her son as the king of Oudh and took over control of Lucknow. This was not an easy war, the British government took over the control of Lucknow from the king and she was forced to retreat to Nepal.

4. Kittur Rani Chennamma

• She was a prominent figure in the Independence of India but we hardly know her name. She was among the few and earliest Indian rulers who fought against the British government for the freedom of India.
• She has to take responsibility for her Kingdom after the death of her son and husband. She fought against the British and tried to save her kingdom.
• She led an army and fought courageously on the battlefield. Unfortunately, Kittur Rani Chennamma died on the battlefield.
• The light of her courage is still known in the country and she is remembered as the bravest woman in Karnataka.

5. Aruna Asaf Ali

• She played a major role in the Salt Satyagraha. She was even jailed due to her participation in the Salt Satyagraha against the British government.
• When she was released from jail, she led the Quit India Movement, which shows how fearless the women were during the freedom struggle in India.
• She also fought for the rights of political prisoners in Tihar jail. For this, she launched a hunger strike which led to improvisation in the conditions of the prisoners.
• She was a courageous woman, and she broke all the stereotypes. She married a Muslim man, even though she was a Brahmo. Her family was against her decision but she knew what was right for her and what was right to set an example for society.

6. Savitribai Phule

• She was the first female teacher in India and was the founder of the first Indian girl’s school. Her wise words “If you educate a boy, you educate an individual but if you educate a girl, you educate the whole family.”
• These few words sum up what ideology she followed. She was supported by her husband Jyotirao Phule, throughout her journey.
• They both fought against all the stereotypes and made people aware of women’s empowerment in society. She was determined to educate the girls of society and throughout the world, she is known for her courageous literary works.
• Today, all the credit goes to Savitribai Phule for starting this notion and letting a girl know her true powers with the help of education.

7. Usha Mehta

• She was one of the youngest participants in the freedom struggle in the Indian freedom movement. Gandhi had a great impact on Usha, she was five when she five met Gandhi.
• She was only eight-year when she participated in the ‘Simon go back’ protest. Her father was a judge working under the British government, he tried to persuade her against Gandhi but she knew her father was a mere employee of the British government and was scared of her getting hurt in this freedom struggle, but she decided to fight courageously against the British government.
• She wanted to be part of the freedom struggle not in a significant way but wanted to contribute as much as she can. She dedicated herself completely to the freedom struggle after quitting her studies.
• She was even jailed for running the radio channels which were against the British government.

8. Bhikaji Cama

• She was one of the leading freedom fighters in the Indian freedom movement. She was also known as Madam Cama.
• She has sown the seeds of women’s equality and women empowerment in the minds of Indian citizens during the freedom struggle.
• She was one of the pioneers in setting up the history of the Indian Freedom Struggle. She belonged to a Parsi family, her father, Sorabji Framji Patel was a member of the Parsi community.
• She also helped many orphan girls to lead a prosperous life. She also played a significant role in national movements.

9. Lakshmi Sahgal

• She was influenced and inspired by Subhas Chandra Bose. She was an Eminent figure in the freedom struggle. She believed Subhas Chandra Bose as her role model and went on to become an active member of the Indian National Army.
• She was a courageous young girl whose only ambition was Freedom of India. She created a women’s division and named it Rani of the Jhansi Regiment.
• She participated in all most all movements against the British government. She fought against all odds and became history.

10. Kasturba Gandhi

• An untouched name in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. We all know she’s the wife of the father of the nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
• We all know about the contribution of Gandhi to the independence of India but not much about Kasturba Gandhi. She played a very significant role as a leading women’s freedom fighter.
• She was also a political activist and raised her voice for civil rights. Like her husband, she worked closely with all the freedom fighters and worked equally.
• She became an active member of the Phoenix settlement, Durban, during the visit of Gandhi to South Africa where she accompanied him.
• During the Indigo Planters movement, she helped people to make them aware of hygiene, cleanliness, health, discipline, reading, and writing.