Chapter-33
Women Freedom Fighters of India
Arora IAS Class Notes
Indian history is full of brave women who fought for independence alongside men. Here are some of the prominent women who played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle:
Early Resistance (16th-18th Century)
- Rani Abbakka (Karnataka): Defeated the Portuguese in the 16th century.
- Velu Nachiyar (Tamil Nadu): First queen to wage war against the British East India Company.
Rebellion 1857
- Jhalkari Bai (Jhansi): Soldier and advisor to Rani Lakshmibai.
20th Century Movement
- Matangini Hazra (West Bengal): Died protesting against the British Raj.
- Gulab Kaur (Punjab): Mobilized people against British rule.
- Chakali Ilamma (Telangana): Fought against zamindars during the Telangana rebellion.
- Padmaja Naidu (National): Freedom fighter and later Governor of West Bengal.
- Bishni Devi Shah (Uttarakhand): Inspired many to join the movement.
- Subhadra Kumari Chauhan (National): Hindi poet and freedom fighter.
- Durgawati Devi (Punjab): Helped Bhagat Singh and other revolutionaries.
- Sucheta Kripalani (Uttar Pradesh): First woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
- Accamma Cherian (Kerala): Leader called “Jhansi Rani of Travancore” by Gandhi.
- Durgabai Deshmukh (Andhra Pradesh): Fought for women’s rights and participated in freedom struggle.
- Rani Gaidinliu (Manipur, Nagaland, Assam): Led an armed uprising against the British.
- Usha Mehta (National): Organized an underground radio station during Quit India Movement.
- Parbati Giri (Odisha): Freedom fighter and social worker.
- Tarkeshwari Sinha (National): Freedom fighter and later politician.
- Snehlata Varma (Rajasthan): Freedom fighter and women’s rights activist.
- Tileshwari Baruah (Assam): Youngest martyr shot by British at age 12.
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