Top 10 Women Freedom Fighters of India
In the struggle to reclaim freedom from British colonial oppression in India, along with the men, the rebellion was mainly led by the fierce, often unseen courage of women. They are the reason why we studied in the schools that the fight for the freedom of India was not bound by gender. Here, we discuss the top 10 women freedom fighters of India, whose contributions were unheard of for a long time.
Top 10 Women Freedom Fighters of India
Here are the top 10 women freedom fighters who were driven by one purpose: freedom:
1. Rani Lakshmibai (Jhansi Ki Rani)
Rani Lakshmibai, who is also remembered as Jhansi Ki Rani, was a major figure in the First Indian War of Independence of 1857. As a freedom fighter against the British, she led her women’s army, Durga Dal, and fought with bravery till her last breath on 18 June 1858.
She was so courageous that even the British general Hugh Rose praised her in his writings. He wrote, “Among the rebels, the Rani of Jhansi was the bravest and the best military leader.” Today, she is highly honoured, respected, and admired among the bravest women freedom fighters of India.
| Name | Rani Lakshmibai (Jhansi Ki Rani) |
| Role in Freedom Struggle | Major leader in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 (First Indian War of Independence). |
| Contribution | Led her women’s army called Durga Dal and fought bravely against British forces. |
| Martyrdom | Died fighting the British on 18 June 1858. |
| Recognition | Praised by British general Hugh Rose for her bravery and leadership. |
| Famous Quote by Hugh Rose | “Among the rebels, the Rani of Jhansi was the bravest and the best military leader.” |
| Legacy | Remembered as one of the bravest women freedom fighters of India and a symbol of courage and patriotism. |
2. Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu was one of the famous lady freedom fighters of India and a major part of the Indian independence movement. She is shown as an activist, poet, and the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress in 1925.
Her contributions to Indian independence are driven by women’s participation and empowerment. Her major literary works that showcase Indian culture, nature, and patriotism include:
- The Golden Threshold (1905)
- The Bird of Time (1912)
- The Broken Wing (1917)
| Name | Sarojini Naidu |
| Role in Freedom Struggle | Prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and advocate for women’s participation. |
| Contribution | First Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress in 1925. |
| Profession | Activist, poet, and political leader. |
| Famous Literary Works | The Golden Threshold (1905), The Bird of Time (1912), The Broken Wing (1917). |
| Legacy | Remembered as the “Nightingale of India” and an important voice for women’s empowerment and patriotism. |
3. Begum Hazrat Mahal
Begum Hazrat Mahal was one of the fearless women freedom fighters who led wars against the British in the revolt of 1857. As the queen of Awadh, when her husband was exiled or thrown out, she took charge, crowned her son, and led an army with a women’s brigade under Uda Devi against the British. When the war came to an end, she was forced to retreat, but she rejected their authority for her whole life.
| Name | Begum Hazrat Mahal |
| Role in Freedom Struggle | Key leader in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British rule. |
| Position | Queen of the Awadh. |
| Contribution | Took charge after her husband’s exile, crowned her son, and led an army with a women’s brigade under Uda Devi. |
| Legacy | Remembered as a fearless woman who resisted British authority throughout her life. |
4. Aruna Asaf Ali
Aruna Asaf Ali is commonly known as the Heroine of the 1942 Quit India Movement. She is highly respected among the other female freedom fighters of India for her contributions and efforts for social reforms. She was highly inspired by Gandhian principles and was driven by the non-violent method of gaining independence.
- Participation in the 1930 Salt Satyagraha
- Hunger Strike in Tihar Jail against the treatment of political prisoners
| Name | Aruna Asaf Ali |
| Role in Freedom Struggle | Known as the Heroine of the Quit India Movement (1942). |
| Contribution | Actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha (1930) and supported social reforms. |
| Protest | Went on a hunger strike in Tihar Jail against the poor treatment of political prisoners. |
| Legacy | Respected as a courageous freedom fighter inspired by Gandhian non-violent principles. |
5. Madam Bhikaji Cama
Madam Bhikaji Cama is also known as the Mother of the Indian Revolution. She played a pivotal role in taking the Indian home rule to the international stage. She displayed the first version of the Indian Flag at Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907, gaining foreign support for Indian independence. During her lifetime, she published revolutionary literature, provided financial aid, and supported gender equality, becoming a major figure in history.
| Name | Bhikaji Cama (Madam Bhikaji Cama) |
| Role in Freedom Struggle | Prominent leader who promoted Indian independence at the international level. |
| Major Contribution | Unfurled an early version of the Indian flag at the International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart, Germany. |
| Activities | Published revolutionary literature, supported freedom fighters financially, and promoted gender equality. |
| Legacy | Remembered as the “Mother of the Indian Revolution.” |
6. Kasturba Gandhi
Kasturba Gandhi is recalled as the silent force in the Indian independence movement. Apart from being the wife of M.K. Gandhi actively participated in the civil disobedience movement, refusing the authority of the British, and went to jail.
Famously known as Ba (Mother), she led several protests in South Africa against racial injustice. She also managed Sabarmati Ashram and played a crucial role in women’s education, health, and hygiene.
| Name | Kasturba Gandhi |
| Role in Freedom Struggle | Active participant in the Indian independence movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement. |
| Contribution | Led protests against racial injustice in South Africa and supported the freedom struggle in India. |
| Other Work | Managed the Sabarmati Ashram and promoted women’s education, health, and hygiene. |
| Legacy | Known as “Ba (Mother)”, remembered as a strong and supportive force in the independence movement. |
7. Kittur Rani Chennamma
Kittur Rani Chennamma is highly regarded as one of the earliest female freedom fighters of India. She was one of the female warriors of India who courageously led battles against the oppression of the East India Company in 1824.
Just like Rani Lakshmibai, she was highly skilled in horse riding and sword fighting. Her archery is also counted as one of the reasons why she made John Thackery surrender in front of her.
However, she was imprisoned at the Bailhongal Fort after British retaliation, which later led to her death. But she became an unstoppable force that inspired women-led resistance and struggle in Karnataka and across India.
Slogan She Frequently Associated With: “I would rather die with glory than live in slavery.”
| Name | Kittur Rani Chennamma |
| Role in Freedom Struggle | One of the earliest women freedom fighters who fought against the East India Company in 1824. |
| Skills | Known for her bravery and skills in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery. |
| Major Event | Defeated and forced John Thackeray to surrender during the battle. |
| Imprisonment | Later captured and imprisoned at Bailhongal Fort. |
| Legacy | Inspired women-led resistance in Karnataka and across India. |
| Famous Quote | “I would rather die with glory than live in slavery.” |
8. Usha Mehta
Usha Mehta is a major figure among the women freedom fighters of India. Acting as a political force, she became a major figure in the Quit India Movement. She kept the freedom struggle alive for months by broadcasting uncensored news on the Secret Congress Radio.
Her contributions also include the protest against the Simon Commission, participating in it with Gandhian principles and ideas of non-violence. Later in 1998, she was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award, celebrating her contributions to Indian independence.
| Name | Usha Mehta |
| Role in Freedom Struggle | Prominent leader in the Quit India Movement. |
| Major Contribution | Ran the Secret Congress Radio to broadcast uncensored news during the freedom struggle. |
| Other Activities | Protested against the Simon Commission Protests and followed Gandhian non-violence principles. |
| Award | Honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 1998. |
| Legacy | Remembered for keeping the independence movement alive through underground radio broadcasts. |
9. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay can be described as an Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, and feminist personality. Redefining the culture, handicrafts, and art in post-independence India, she played a crucial role in women’s empowerment by leading the All-India Women’s Conference (AIWC).
- Founded the Indian Cooperative Union (1948) to support partition refugees
- Critical role in founding the National School of Drama and the Sangeet Natak Akademi
- Honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1955 and Padma Vibhushan in 1987
| Name | Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay |
| Role in Freedom Struggle | Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, and advocate for women’s empowerment. |
| Contribution | Led the All India Women’s Conference and promoted Indian handicrafts and culture after independence. |
| Major Achievements | Founded the Indian Cooperative Union (1948) to support partition refugees. |
| Institutions Founded | Helped establish the National School of Drama and Sangeet Natak Akademi. |
| Awards | Received the Padma Bhushan (1955) and Padma Vibhushan (1987). |
10. Matangini Hazra
Widely referred to as the Gandhi Buri (Old Lady Gandhi), Matangini Hazra was one of the fearless women freedom fighters of India. While actively participating in the Salt Satyagraha, she led the Gandhian philosophy and inspired other women to fight for freedom from the British. At the age of 73, she led 6,000 protestors to seize Tamluk police station, but was shot by the British police and attained martyrdom while holding the Indian flag in her hands.
| Name | Matangini Hazra |
| Nickname | Known as “Gandhi Buri” (Old Lady Gandhi). |
| Role in Freedom Struggle | Active participant in the Salt Satyagraha and follower of Gandhian principles. |
| Contribution | Led around 6,000 protestors to seize the Tamluk Police Station during the freedom movement. |
| Martyrdom | Shot by British police at the age of 73 while holding the Indian flag. |
| Legacy | Remembered as a fearless woman who sacrificed her life for India’s freedom. |
Why Remember Women Freedom Fighters?
Women’s contributions to society often remain unheard and unseen. Hence, it is important to remember India’s women freedom fighters to recognize their contributions and sacrifices for the nation. It is important to honor them, appreciate their work, and contribute our part to the betterment of society, people, and culture.
Furthermore, it’s essential to give young women in India a sense of purpose. Introducing them to women they can look up to and identify with is crucial. Top boarding schools in Dehradun are well-known for instilling a strong sense of purpose through their comprehensive curriculum and promoting gender equality in education.
Conclusion
The remarkable courage and immense sacrifices of these Top 10 women freedom fighters of India will remain forever in the spirit of the nation. Their legacy, which broke the rigid social norms, proved that patriotism knows no gender. Therefore, remembering them is our duty to ensure their stories of resilience continue to inspire future generations.
Schools of Dehradun are renowned for fostering the values of liberty and justice in the incoming generations of India. By encouraging them to take responsibility and lead life with discipline, we make sure they hold on to the values of the Indian women freedom fighters and move forward with resilience and confidence in their academic lives and careers.
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