Introduction
India’s freedom struggle is filled with stories of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering courage. Most schoolbooks and public speeches highlight names like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Jawaharlal Nehru—and rightly so. But there’s another side to the story, one that often remains under-celebrated: the incredible role played by Indian women.
Women were not just passive supporters or silent spectators. They were leaders, warriors, revolutionaries, and reformers who challenged not only the might of British imperialism but also deep-rooted social taboos and gender norms. They led from the front, endured jail time, faced bullets, and organized underground movements—all while managing family responsibilities and battling societal expectations.
From the fierce sword of Rani Lakshmibai in 1857 to the bold voice of Usha Mehta’s secret radio in 1942, Indian women have stood at the heart of the struggle for india.
expert-led History classes – visit our website to learn more
Early Female Fighters (Pre-20th Century)
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi (1828–1858)
Perhaps the most iconic female freedom fighter in Indian history, Rani Lakshmibai became a symbol of courage during the Revolt of 1857, often called India’s First War of Independence. As the queen of Jhansi, she refused to surrender her kingdom to British control.
- Rode into battle with her infant son tied to her back
- Fought hand-to-hand combat against trained British forces
- Died in combat at just 29, but became a legendary symbol of resistance
Her bravery not only challenged the British but also broke gender barriers at a time when women were rarely seen outside the home.
Begum Hazrat Mahal (1820–1879)
Another key figure in the 1857 rebellion, Begum Hazrat Mahal ruled in place of her son in the princely state of Awadh (modern-day Uttar Pradesh) when the British annexed it. She raised an army and took control of Lucknow for a short period.
- Organized local troops and led military resistance
- Stood for Hindu-Muslim unity
- Was forced into exile after the revolt but remained defiant
Begum Hazrat Mahal’s role is a powerful reminder that women from royal families were not afraid to take political and military leadership in times of crisis.
Participation in Gandhian Movements
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)
When Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement, he called on Indians to boycott British goods, titles, schools, and government jobs. Women responded with unprecedented enthusiasm.
- Kasturba Gandhi, Gandhi’s wife, led several protests and faced imprisonment.
- Basanti Devi, wife of freedom fighter C.R. Das, led picketing efforts and mobilized women in Bengal.
- Women gave up foreign clothes and jewelry, held meetings, and educated other women.
This was the first time thousands of Indian women entered public political life. Many were arrested but refused to back down.
Salt Satyagraha / Dandi March (1930)
Gandhi’s Salt March was a turning point. Although only a few women joined the actual march, women across the country took the movement into their own hands:
- Sarojini Naidu led a group to break the Salt Law publicly, making her the first Indian woman arrested during the campaign.
- Thousands of women gathered at beaches, made salt, and courted arrest.
- Women formed parallel protests, made khadi, and spread Gandhi’s message of swaraj (self-rule).
Women in Revolutionary Movements
While many women chose non-violence, others joined secret groups and even took up arms.
Kalpana Dutt
- A key member of the Chittagong Armoury Raid in 1930, led by Surya Sen.
- Took part in armed encounters with British forces.
- Arrested, sentenced to life in prison, later released and became a writer and Member of Parliament.
Durgawati Devi (Durga Bhabhi)
- Helped Bhagat Singh escape after the killing of British officer J.P. Saunders.
- Carried pistols, disguised revolutionaries, and ran secret operations.
- Trained other young women in revolutionary tactics.
These women risked their lives in operations usually associated with men, challenging both colonial rulers and social norms.
Women as Political Leaders and Visionaries
Sarojini Naidu (1879–1949)
Known as the “Nightingale of India,” Sarojini Naidu was not only a poet but also a fierce political activist.
- First Indian woman to become President of the Indian National Congress
- Participated in the Salt Satyagraha and went to jail
- Became the first female Governor of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh)
🕊️ Annie Besant
- An Irish-born theosophist who became a leading voice in India’s Home Rule Movement
- Founded Central Hindu College and supported Indian education
- Adopted Indian customs and wore sarees to show solidarity with Indians
Vijayalakshmi Pandit
- Sister of Jawaharlal Nehru
- First woman to become a cabinet minister in pre-independent India
- Represented India at the United Nations and became a global voice for newly independent India
Grassroots Heroes: Women Behind the Scenes
While many women became public figures, countless others worked behind the scenes, often without recognition.
Matangini Hazra
- At age 73, led a procession during the Quit India Movement
- Shot by British soldiers but continued walking with the Indian flag in hand
- Died with the tricolor held high—a martyr of people’s resistance
Usha Mehta
- Ran an underground radio station during the Quit India Movement in 1942
- Broadcast messages from jailed leaders like Gandhi and Nehru
- Her station kept the freedom movement alive when official media was censored
Aruna Asaf Ali
- Hoisted the Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank maidan during the Quit India Movement
- Continued to organize protests even after senior leaders were arrested
- Jailed and tortured, but never gave up
Key Female Freedom Fighters: At a Glance
| Name | Contribution | Associated Movement |
| Rani Lakshmibai | Led armed resistance in Jhansi | Revolt of 1857 |
| Sarojini Naidu | INC President, poet, civil disobedience leader | Salt Satyagraha |
| Aruna Asaf Ali | Flag hoisting, underground activism | Quit India Movement |
| Usha Mehta | Ran secret radio station | Quit India Movement |
| Annie Besant | Led the Home Rule Movement | Home Rule |
| Matangini Hazra | Died holding the tricolor during protest | Quit India Movement |
| Durga Bhabhi | Helped revolutionaries escape | Hindustan Socialist Republican Association |
| Kalpana Dutt | Took part in armed raid | Chittagong Armoury Raid |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What was the role of women in the freedom struggle?
They organized protests, fought in battles, led marches, ran underground networks, and faced imprisonment with courage.
Q2: Who was India’s first female freedom fighter?
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi is widely regarded as the first major female icon of India’s fight for independence.
Q3: Did women join revolutionary movements too?
Yes, women like Kalpana Dutt and Durga Bhabhi were active members of revolutionary groups that took up arms.
Q4: Were all women part of non-violent protests?
No. While many followed Gandhi’s path, others were involved in armed resistance, secret operations, and intelligence work.
Q5: Why are many of these women not widely known?
Due to male-dominated historical narratives, the stories of many brave women were overlooked or not documented with the same attention.
Fun Facts
- Sarojini Naidu once challenged a British officer at a protest using a clever rhyme!
- Usha Mehta’s radio was so effective, the British called it more dangerous than bombs.
- Matangini Hazra was shot three times but never dropped the Indian flag.
- Annie Besant, though Irish by birth, wore sarees and lived like a traditional Indian woman during public appearances.
Conclusion
The role of women in India’s freedom struggle is not a side note—it’s a powerful and essential chapter in the story of independence. These women were not just followers or supporters. They were fighters, thinkers, leaders, and builders of a new India.
Their stories remind us that freedom is not only won on battlefields or in political offices—it is earned in classrooms, kitchens, jails, and quiet acts of bravery. Today’s India stands on their shoulders.
