India’s struggle for freedom from British colonial control was not just men’s work. Indian women had a crucial role in this struggle. They contributed in various capacities — as leaders, social reformers, freedom fighters, and even as everyday supporters of the movement. The purpose of this article is to show the many ways in which women contributed to the fight for India’s Independence.
1. Early Pioneers
1.1 Rani Lakshmibai
Rani Lakshmibai, a Jhansi native who was one of the first symbols of resistance to British rule in India, fought without fear during the revolt of 1857. She is still an inspiration today.
1.2 Begum Hazrat Mahal
Begum Hazrat Mahal was also a key figure during the 1857 revolt. After her husband’s exile, she took the lead and mostly fought in Lucknow.
2. Swadeshi Movement – Role
2.1 Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini, also known as “The Nightingale” of India, was an Indian freedom fighter and poet. She became the first female president of the Indian National Congress, in 1925. She was a key player in both the Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement.
2.2 Kamala Nehru
Kamala Nehru’s involvement in the Non-Cooperation Movement was extensive. She was involved in protests, picketing, and demonstrations against foreign-goods shops.
3. Contribution to the Non-Cooperation Movement
3.1 Kasturba Gandhi
Kasturba was the wife and partner of Mahatma. She supported her husband in all his endeavors. She took part in protests, boycotts and even was imprisoned a few times.
3.2 Mridula Sarabhai
Mridula Sarbhai, a prominent member of the Congress and a tireless worker in aiding women involved in the Non-Cooperation Movement.
4. The role of civil disobedience in today’s society
4.1 Usha Mehta
Usha Mehta, renowned for her underground radio station “Congress Radio”, disseminated important information during Quit India Movement of 1942 and maintained the spirit resistance.
5. Quit India: The Role of the Quit-India Movement
5.1 Aruna Asaf Ali
Aruna Aruna Ali was made famous in 1942 for hoisting the Indian National Congress Flag at Gowalia Tank Maidan. She was a key figure in the Quit India Movement and encouraged many people to take part.
5.2 Sucheta Kriplani
Sucheta was an associate and committed freedom fighter of Mahatma Ghandi. She was a member of the Quit India Movement, and became India’s first female Chief Minister in Uttar Pradesh.
6. Social Reforms and Education: The Role of Education
6.1 Savitribai Phule
Savitribai and Jyotirao opened India’s first girls school, the Savitribai School, in 1848. They emphasized the importance of education and social reform in the struggle for freedom.
Pandita ramabai
Pandita, a reformer of social issues and an educationist who fought to protect women’s rights, was one of the first women to advocate education for girls. Her work helped establish the women’s role in the independence movement.
7. Revolutionary Women
7.1 Kalpana Dutta
Kalpana dutta, a member of the Chittagong Uprising and a participant in the armed opposition against British rule, was an activist who took active part. She was a woman of exceptional bravery, and her tactical skills were unmatched.
Pritilata Waddedar
Pritilata, a revolutionary nationalist and a brave young woman, led an attack in 1932 on a European Club. She sacrificed herself for freedom, making her a role model amongst youth.
8. Post-Independence Contribution
8.1 Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi not only played a major role during the independence struggle but also became the first female Prime Minister in India after Independence, helping to shape modern India.
8.2 Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit is the first Indian woman president of the United Nations General Assembly. She was a close friend of Jawaharlal Niehru, and an activist in the struggle for freedom.
FAQ
- What was the name of the first Indian woman who took part in freedom struggles?
- Q. What contribution did Sarojini Naidu have to India’s struggle for freedom?
- A: What was the contribution of women to Quit India?
- Question: How did Kasturba play a role in the struggle for freedom?
- What were the names of some women who participated in armed opposition?
- What role did women play in the social reforms of the liberation struggle?
- What was the name of the first Indian woman to be appointed as Chief Minister after Independence?
- Q. What role did Usha Mehta play in the struggle for freedom?
- Q: What was the impact of women on India following independence?
A: Rani Lakshmibai, a Jhansi woman, is considered to be one of the first female freedom fighters. She was especially notable for her part in the 1857 revolt.
A: Sarojini Naidu was a leader in many movements, including the Quit India Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement. She was also first woman president of Indian National Congress.
A: Aruna Afsali and Sucheta Krisplani were key players in organizing protests and running underground movements. They also motivated mass participation.
A: Kasturba participated in Mahatma Ghandi’s projects. She organized local movements and participated in protests.
A: Women, such as Kalpana Dotti and Pritilata Waddidar, were actively involved in revolutionary activities against British rule, which included armed resistance.
A: Savitribai Bhule and Pandita Rabai, two social reformers from India who focused on women’s empowerment and battled against evils in society, laid the foundations for a movement of freedom that was inclusive.
A: After independence, Sucheta Krisplani was the first Indian woman to be appointed Chief Minister in an Indian state.
A: Usha Mehta was the host of an underground station, “Congress Radio”, during the Quit India Movement. She provided vital information to the movement and kept the spirit high among the freedom fighters.
A: Indira Ghandi and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit had a lasting impact in India even after Independence. Indira Ghandi became the country’s first woman prime minister, while Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit served as the United Nations General Assembly’s first ever woman president.
