Women who fought for Independence of India

The British ruled India for about 200 years. The sacrifices and movements started by the freedom fighters of India brought us freedom, and made India an independent country in 1947. August 15, was, and still is, a memorable day for all Indians, and is a reminder of the patriotism and struggle of our freedom fighters. The sacrifices, hard work and contribution of some of these freedom fighters, such as Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is known to us, while other freedom fighters remain to be unsung heroes. The contribution of women in the struggle for an Independent India cannot be overlooked. A lot of courageous women raised their voice against the British rule. Many women took to the streets, led processions and held lectures and demonstrations. These women possessed a lot of courage and intense patriotism. Their selfless hard work, sacrifices and struggles are seldom talked about. The discussion about the Indian movement of independence is incomplete without mentioning the significant contributions by female freedom fighters.This Independence Day, let’s not forget the innumerable sacrifices made by female Indian freedom fighters.

Quiz

1. She was one of the leading figures of Indian Rebellion in 1857 and ruled Jhansi.

a) Matangini Hazra

b) Rani Lakshmibai

c) Bhikaiji Kama

2. Born in Ambala, Haryana, this freedom fighter is known for her contribution in the Quit India movement. She became the first woman Chief Minister in India.

a) Sucheta Kripalani

b) Lakshmi Sahgal

c) Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay

3. She was an active participant in the Independence movement and was often referred as ‘Gandhi buri’ (old lady Gandhi).

a) Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay

b) Matangini Hazra

c) Moolmati

4. An eminent revolutionary, freedom

fighter and social activist, she also played a prominent role in the INA (Indian National Army)

a) Tara Rani Srivastava

b) Aruna Asaf Ali

c) Lakshmi Sahgal

5. She was one of the first prominent

Indian rulers to lead an armed rebellion against the British East India Company

(EIC), against the implementation of Doctrine of Lapse.

a) Rani Lakshmibai

b) Rani Kittur Chennamma

c) Maharani Tarabai

6. She was an active participant in the Indian Independence movement. She took part in the Salt Satyagraha and is called the ‘Grand old lady’ of Indian independence movement.

a) Aruna Asaf Ali

b) Kanaklata Barua

c) Bhikaiji Cama

Answer  Key: 1B 2A 3B 4C 5B 6A 

— Compiled by Sanjay Arora