List of 10 Indian Female Freedom Fighters

When we generalize the conception, it says that women were really pathetic in ancient times, powerless and enclosed inside social boundaries. And people think that women empowerment is only a recently discovered subject. But when we look closely into history, we will find that while the majority of the women were actually powerless, some were heroic and had a magnificent aura to them. Although the world has seen only a handful of famous women in different areas like science, social service, nation service and so on in the past. So today to give the women a small part of their due respect and recognition, we have brought a list of 10 Indian Female Freedom Fighters who were as brave as the men of their times.

India was under British rule for a long time. The rule started from the partition of the leaders and rulers of our country and the rule ended with the integrity of the common people. These common people included youngsters, adults, and seniors as well as men and women. Although we might only have heard of Jhansi ki Rani Laxmi Bai when it comes to the Indian Women Freedom Fighters, but the legend has the names of more female warriors to narrate.

When the struggle for freedom was on peak, women joined hands with everyone else and played an important part in the independence of India.

So here is the list of the bravest and strongest 10 Indian Female Freedom Fighters who carried the flag of female empowerment with courage and might:

Also, check out these 10 Most Famous Painters of India

10 Indian Female Freedom Fighters

1. Rani Lakshmi Bai Of Jhansi

The most pivotal figure in the revolt of 1857, Rani Lakshmi Bai was an extraordinary woman and an inspiration to many women. Born on 19th November 1828 in the town of Varanasi named Manikarnika Tambe was brave and a bold lady from childhood. She was the best in shooting, horsemanship, and studies. Got married to Gangadhar Rao, King of Jhansi, and later came to be known as Rani Lakshmi Bai. In the revolt of 1857, she fought fiercely for independence, for victory against British commander Sir Hugh Rose. Died on 18th June 1858 at the age of 29 she became a symbol of patriotism. Courage and women’s power.

2. Sarojini Naidu

A key figure during the independence of India was a poet who earned her title of ‘Nightingale of India‘. She was born on 13th February 1879 in Hyderabad. Her parents were Bengali Aghorenath Chattopdhyaya and Barad Sundari Devi Chattopadhyay. Being the eldest of 8 siblings, she graduated from the University of Madras. Meeting with famous dignities of independence, she got the courage to stand against British rule. Helped in the formation of Women’s Indian Association and presented India’s suffrage in Joint Select Committee in London.

3. Madam Bhikaji Cama

A very prominent figure in India’s Independence who is known for hosting India’s National Flag on foreign soil. She was born on 24th September 1861to Sorabji Framji Patel and his wife Jaijibai Sorabai Patel. She went to Alexandra Girl’s English Institution and got married to Rustam Cama in 1885. Her earlier life was fully devoted to social work. Later she went to Paris and formed the Paris Indian Society and wrote literature on freedom movements. In 1907, she presented herself over the topics of famines and taxes levied in India and hoisted the Indian flag over there. Later came to be known as the Mother of the Indian Revolution.

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4. Begum Hazrat Mahal

A revolutionary lady during the revolt of 1857, was born in 1820. She was famously known as Begum of Awadh and wife of Nawab of Awadh Wajid Ali Shah. Her name was Muhammadi Khanum. She was a simple woman not belonging to any royal family and found her way to be the second wife of Nawab of Awadh. In 1857, she sent her troops led by Raja Jalal Singh against the British and took over Lucknow. However, the British took Lucknow again and Begum Hazrat Mahal had to flee to Nepal where she died on 7th April 1879.

5. Annie Besant

A socialist, educationist, and women’s rights activist played an emerging role during Independence. She was born on 1st October 1847 to William Burton Persse Wood and Emily Roche Morris. She became a prominent speaker at the National Secular Society. She fought against social evils such as caste discrimination, child marriage, and dowry acts. During World War I, she launched the All India Home Rule League and as a result, she was put on house arrest. However, she was freed with the help of Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 and became the leader of the Indian National Congress. She died on 20th September 1933.

6. Aruna Asaf Ali

Born on 16th July 1909, she was known as the “Grand Old Lady of Indian Independence”. Aruna completed her education at All Saints College in Nanital and after that, she got married to Asif Ali. She took part in non-violent agitations during the Salt Satyagrah Movement. Later she got arrested but was released because of the Gandhi-Irwin pact which demanded the release of several freedom fighters including Aruna. She didn’t take part in political activities but conducted various underground movements. She played an important role in the formation of the National Federation of Indian Women in 1954. She was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1992 and Bharat Ratna in 1997.

7. Usha Mehta

She was born in Saras village in Gujarat on 25th March 1920. Just at the age of 8 years, she became an active freedom fighter and participated in a protest against the Simon Commission in 1928. Due to his father being a judge under British rule, her participation during the early days was limited. In 1939, she graduated from Wilson College of Bombay and participated in Quit India Movement in 1942. Her role is known because of the setting up of congress radio which was an underground radio that was functioned during the Quit India movement.

8. Kasturba Gandhi

Known as Kasturba Mohandas Gandhi was born on 11th April 1869 at Porbandar, India. In 1882 she got married to Mahatma Gandhi whose father was a close friend of her father. She was a spirited woman who did not want her movements restricted. She never received a formal education but still was an active freedom fighter than any other. She participated in every movement standing side by side with her husband. She taught women hygiene, discipline, and health of the Champaran district.

9. Kamala Nehru

Wife of India’s First Prime Minister, Kamala Nehru was an active devotee in the Independence Movements. Born on 1st August 1899 in Old Delhi. She was the eldest child and had 2 brothers. At the age of 16, she got married. She also stood side by side with her husband Jawahar Lal Nehru. She even organized various groups of women and picketed many foreign liquor and clothing shops to spread the Swadeshi Movement. She was twice arrested by British people seeing the threat she had become for them. She was a convincing lady and a role model for many women. After her death, a hospital was built in her name.

10. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

Born on 18th August 1900 was the daughter of Motilal Nehru. She was an Indian diplomat who became the first female elected to 6th Governor of Maharashtra and 8th president of United Nations General Assembly. She was the president of the Congress Party and also entered into the Non-Cooperative Movement against British rule. Just like many other dignities she was arrested too but got released in 1942 and joined Quit India Movement. She has represented India in my abroad conferences.

Conclusion

So from now on, when someone talks of women empowerment or the role of females in the welfare of our society, you will know that the roots are deeper and older than we assume. So bow down to the amazing women around you and keep growing.

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