INDOMITABLE COURAGE OF THE BRAVE WOMEN: UNPRECENDENTED CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN IN THE FREEDOM STRUGGLE

INDOMITABLE COURAGE OF THE BRAVE WOMEN: UNPRECENDENTED CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN IN THE FREEDOM STRUGGLE

16-AUG-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------In India's freedom struggle, women did not just play the role of a supporter, but they stood on the front and fought decisive battles. From the end of the 19th century to 1947, they broke their traditional shackles and challenged the British colonial rule through political activism, revolutionary activities and social reforms. Their contribution was not limited to the home, but they played their role by taking to the streets, going to jail and even risking their lives. It was the result of their courage that the freedom movement could become a broad and inclusive struggle.

In the early days of the freedom struggle, queens like Rani Lakshmibai and Begum Hazrat Mahal proved their leadership. In the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, Rani Lakshmibai led her soldiers and fought to save Jhansi from the British. At the same time, Begum Hazrat Mahal led the resistance in Lucknow and did not accept British dominance for a long time. Visionary women like Bhikaji Cama raised their voice for India's independence abroad in the early 20th century and represented the country on the international stage by hoisting the Indian flag in Germany in 1907.

Thousands of women joined non-violent resistance at the call of Mahatma Gandhi. In the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922), women boycotted British goods and made Khadi a symbol of nationalism.

Powerful speakers like Sarojini Naidu travelled across the country to inspire women to join the movement. In the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934), women displayed unprecedented courage. On Gandhi's call, thousands of women broke the salt law, picketed shops selling foreign clothes and went to jail. Sarojini Naidu led the famous raid on the Dharasana salt workshops, which shook the British regime.

Women were not just confined to non-violent movements, but they also participated enthusiastically in revolutionary activities. Young revolutionaries like Kalpana Dutta and Pritilata Waddedar took part in the Chittagong armoury raid and the attack on the European Club, and sacrificed their lives.

During the Quit India Movement (1942), 73-year-old Matangini Hazra led a protest with the national flag in her hand and continued even after being shot by the police. Women like Aruna Asaf Ali led the movement by going underground and became a symbol of resistance by hoisting the Indian National Congress flag in Mumbai in 1942.

This collective contribution and sacrifice of women gave a new dimension to India's freedom movement. They not only brought freedom to the country, but also laid the foundation for gender equality and civil rights in independent India. Their stories still remind us of courage, determination and the power to bring about change.