PROMINENT WOMEN OF INDIA’S FREEDOM
STRUGGLE (1880-1947)
Gender equality is much talked about subject by feminists.
In UN human development index gender equality is one of the factors. But in
India, from vedic times it was natural phenomenon. Maitreyi’s debate with sage
Yajnavalkya resulted in great Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. In that the debate
between Yajnavalkya and Gargi is very insightful among all the debates.
Similarly in 8th century for the famous debate between Adisankara
and northern scholar Mandana Mishra, Mandana Mishra’s wife acted as referee.
Rajiya Sultana in 13th century is the first female ruler of Asia.
Molla in 15th century wrote Ramayana in Telugu. This shows how women are seen in Indian
history. However in the middle ages there was deterioration in values of India
which resulted in exploitation of the many weaker sections, not particularly
women. This essay on women freedom fighters is only to reemphasize this point.
I hope this will inspire all modern women not to debate on this and simply feel
it as natural right.
Coming to fighting for rights again Indian women are second
to none from ancient times. Kannagi is arguably
the first and Silappathikaram is the first epic in world history with
woman centric character. As per this epic, she not only reformed her husband
but fought against injustice meted out to her husband by Pandyan King of
Madurai. But there was reluctance in including women in freedom struggle of India.
However these 7 women are certainly the most famous women who actively participated in struggle at different
times in different ways and proved second to none.
1 BHIKAJI CAMA : Born
in rich Bombay Parsee family and married to a supporter of Britishraj, influenced by Grand Old Man of India
Dadhabhai Nauroji and London Hyde park addresses of famous Indians she actively
worked with revolutionary Shyamaji Krishnavarma and even tried to help V D Savarkar. Even
Lenin got impressed by her . Like Nauroji she can be called “GRAND OLD LADY OF
INDIA”. However Dadhabhai opposed british policies only in Parliament and press
and never in extremist way like Madam Cama.
2 ANNIE BESANT: Though Born Irish, influenced by Indian
theology she is one of the illustrious women of freedom struggle and worked as
Congress President. Along with Tilak she advocated and led Indian Home Rule
movement. Later years she was involved more in Theosophical Society and tutored
illustrious and unique philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurthy. She was role model for
many freedom fighters.
3 KASTURBA GANDHI : Though innocent, married to Mahatma at
an young age she equally suffered and sometimes more than Mahatma being a woman
during struggles in both South Africa and India. Even her health failed during
frequent imprisonment and satyagraha leading to her death. Mahatma regretted
for not giving proper recognition to her in his political and personal life.
4 SAROJINI NAIDU : Daughter of Bengal and Daughter-in- law
of AP, poetess, courageous to even criticize Gandhi is undoubtedly a role model for modern women. Her statement
during salt march “The time has come when women can no longer hide behind,
under the shelter of men but equally should face the perils and sacrifice for
the liberation of the country”. She walked this talk.
5 LAKSHMI SEHGAL : Alumni of Madras Medical College, treated
Indian National Army soldiers in Singapore , Captain Lakshmi a follower of
Subhas Chandra Bose actively worked for INA, was Minister for women affairs of
Azad Hind Government in exile, can be truly described as Modern Rani Laxmibhai
6 Aruna Asaf Ali : Thrown out of the family for marrying a
muslim Asaf Ali, a freedom fighter she was the woman who hoisted the national
flag during 1942 Quit India movement when all other leaders were arrested by
British. Defying Mahatma she actively supported mutiny of INA soldiers in 1946
which is considered as the last straw for declaration of Indian independence by
British.
7 DURGABHAI DESHMUKH : Founder of Andhra Mahila Sabha ,
known for discipline and commitment , she stopped even Jawahar Lal for
attending Indian National Congress meeting without taking mandatory ticket. She
was imprisoned many times and drove many common women into movement.
