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 8^th century for the famous debate between Adisankara and northern scholar Mandana Mishra, Mandana Mishra’s wife acted as referee. Rajiya Sultana in 13^th century is the first female ruler of Asia. Molla in 15^th 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.