Women Freedom Fighters of India

India’s freedom struggle was not only led by men but was deeply shaped by women who participated actively across regions and communities. From royal queens and tribal leaders to teachers, writers, and grassroots organizers, women freedom fighters challenged colonial rule through armed resistance, political activism, social reform, and non-violent movements. A state-wise examination highlights how women across India contributed uniquely to the independence movement while often remaining underrepresented in mainstream historical narratives.

Role of Women in India’s Freedom Movement

Women entered the freedom struggle at different stages and in varied roles. Some led armies and revolts, while others organized protests, spread nationalist ideas, sheltered revolutionaries, and endured imprisonment. Their participation expanded the social base of the movement and challenged traditional gender norms. Women’s involvement transformed the struggle into a truly mass movement.

Women Freedom Fighters from Northern India

Uttar Pradesh

• Begum Hazrat Mahal played a central role during the Revolt of 1857 after the annexation of Awadh. She led resistance in Lucknow against British forces and rejected colonial authority openly.
• Uda Devi, belonging to the Pasi community, fought bravely during the 1857 uprising and was known for her role in armed combat against British troops.
• Sucheta Kriplani participated in the Quit India Movement and later became the first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state.

Punjab

• Rani Jindan Kaur, the mother of Maharaja Duleep Singh, resisted British interference in Sikh affairs and challenged colonial dominance in Punjab.
• Gulab Kaur joined the Ghadar Movement and worked to mobilize support among Indians abroad for independence.
• Kishori Lal’s wife, Durga Devi Vohra, actively assisted revolutionary groups by transporting weapons and providing shelter.

Women Freedom Fighters from Eastern India

West Bengal

• Matangini Hazra led protests during the Quit India Movement and was shot while marching with the national flag in 1942.
• Pritilata Waddedar participated in revolutionary actions against colonial establishments and died to avoid capture after a mission in 1932.
• Bina Das attempted to assassinate the Governor of Bengal during a university convocation as an act of political resistance.

Assam

• Kanaklata Barua was killed while attempting to hoist the national flag at a police station during the Quit India Movement.
• Bhogeswari Phukanani led protests and was fatally injured during a confrontation with British police.
• Women across Assam organized meetings, boycotts, and flag hoisting ceremonies despite heavy repression.

Odisha

• Rama Devi worked to mobilize women and rural communities during the freedom struggle through constructive programs and political activism.
• Malati Choudhury participated in non-violent movements and faced imprisonment for her role in civil disobedience.
• Women volunteers supported underground networks during the Quit India Movement.

Women Freedom Fighters from Western India

Maharashtra

• Savitribai Phule, though primarily known as a social reformer, laid the ideological groundwork for resistance by challenging colonial and social oppression.
• Bhikaji Cama unfurled an early version of the Indian national flag abroad and worked to internationalize India’s freedom cause.
• Usha Mehta operated the secret Congress Radio during the Quit India Movement, enabling communication when official channels were censored.

Gujarat

• Kasturba Gandhi participated actively in civil disobedience movements and endured imprisonment multiple times.
• Mridula Sarabhai worked closely with national leaders and helped rehabilitate displaced communities during the freedom struggle.
• Women in Gujarat organized salt satyagrahas and boycotts of foreign goods.

Rajasthan

• Rani Hadi Rani is remembered for early resistance symbolism, while later women supported revolutionary activities in princely states.
• Women activists in Rajasthan worked to spread nationalist ideas despite strict control by princely rulers loyal to the British.
• Participation included protests, underground support, and dissemination of nationalist literature.

Women Freedom Fighters from Southern India

Tamil Nadu

• Rani Velu Nachiyar fought against the British East India Company in the eighteenth century and is considered one of the earliest women rulers to resist colonial power.
• Kuyili, a commander in Velu Nachiyar’s army, carried out one of the first known suicide missions in Indian history.
• Women in Tamil Nadu participated in picketing liquor shops and foreign cloth stores during mass movements.

Andhra Pradesh

• Durgabai Deshmukh participated in civil disobedience movements and later contributed to nation-building efforts.
• Women supported the Rampa Rebellion by providing food, shelter, and intelligence to resistance groups.
• Grassroots participation linked women’s issues with national freedom.

Telangana

• Chakali Ilamma played a key role in resisting feudal exploitation supported by colonial structures.
• Women participated in peasant struggles that overlapped with nationalist resistance.
• Their involvement highlighted the intersection of gender, class, and political freedom.

Kerala

• Accamma Cherian led protests against the princely state of Travancore and became known as the “Jhansi Rani of Travancore.”
• Dakshayani Velayudhan participated in nationalist politics and later contributed to constitutional debates.
• Women activists connected freedom struggle with social reform and education.

Women Freedom Fighters from Central and Tribal Regions

Madhya Pradesh

• Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi led armed resistance during the Revolt of 1857 after British intervention in local governance.
• Tribal women supported resistance movements by maintaining supply lines and communication networks.
• Their contributions strengthened local uprisings against colonial authority.

Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh

• Phulo and Jhano Murmu participated in the Santhal rebellion alongside male leaders.
• Tribal women took part in protests against land alienation and forced labor.
• Oral traditions preserve their role in sustaining resistance movements.

Manipur and Northeast India

• Rani Gaidinliu led resistance against British rule and spent years in prison for her activities.
• Women in Manipur organized mass protests and supported underground resistance.
• Their efforts combined cultural preservation with political resistance.

Why Women Freedom Fighters Were Overlooked

• Historical narratives prioritized male leadership and formal politics.
• Many women operated in supportive or underground roles that went undocumented.
• Colonial records often dismissed women’s activism as secondary.
• Oral histories were not systematically included in mainstream education.

Importance of Recognizing Women Freedom Fighters

• They expanded the freedom struggle into homes, villages, and communities.
• Their participation challenged gender inequality and colonial domination simultaneously.
• Recognition ensures a more inclusive and accurate historical understanding.
• Their legacy continues to inspire movements for equality and justice.

Conclusion

Women freedom fighters across India played a decisive role in the struggle for independence. Their contributions, whether through armed resistance, mass mobilization, social reform, or underground activism, were essential to the success of the freedom movement. A state-wise understanding reveals the depth and diversity of women’s participation and corrects long-standing historical omissions. Honoring these women strengthens our understanding of India’s past and the collective effort behind its independence.

FAQs

Who were women freedom fighters of India?
They were women who actively participated in India’s struggle against British rule through protests, resistance, and organization.

Did women participate in armed resistance?
Yes, several women led or supported armed revolts against colonial forces.

Why are many women freedom fighters less known?
Their work was often undocumented and overshadowed by male leaders in historical records.

Were tribal women involved in the freedom struggle?
Yes, tribal women played key roles in uprisings and resistance movements.

How did women contribute beyond protests?
They organized communities, spread awareness, sheltered revolutionaries, and sustained movements.

Why is a state-wise approach important?
It highlights regional diversity and local leadership within the national struggle.

Also Read: Tribal Freedom Fighters of India