Role of Women in Freedom Struggle | Indian Modern History | Indian Freedom Struggle | UPSC

Summary

The script highlights the pivotal role of women in India's freedom struggle, showcasing their immense contributions across various movements. From early revolts against British rule to the 1857 rebellion, women like Rani Lakshmi Bai and Begum Hazrat Mahal displayed extraordinary courage. During Gandhian movements such as Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience, women like Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay and Sarojini Naidu led protests and boycotts. Revolutionary women also fought in armed struggles, while others contributed in secret resistance. Foreign women, including Annie Besant and Sister Nivedita, also played significant roles. This comprehensive account celebrates the bravery and sacrifices of women in India's fight for independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Women have played a vital role in India's freedom struggle, with their contributions spanning various movements and acts of resistance.
• 😀 The participation of women in resistance against British rule began as early as 1817, with notable figures like the daughter of Yashwant Rao Holkar leading battles against British officials.
• 😀 The 1857 revolt, or the First War of Indian Independence, saw key female figures like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Jalkari Bai leading heroic battles against the British.
• 😀 Women such as Begum Hazrat Mahal from Awadh also actively participated in the 1857 revolt, inspiring generations with their bravery.
• 😀 Under Gandhi's leadership, women's involvement in non-violent movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) and Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) became more prominent.
• 😀 Key women leaders during Gandhi's time included Kasturba Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, and Subhadra Joshi, who took part in protests and civil disobedience.
• 😀 Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was particularly instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of women in the Dandi March and other significant movements.
• 😀 Women's participation wasn't limited to non-violent actions; many also engaged in revolutionary activities, such as hiding revolutionaries, providing funds, and even using arms in battles like the Chittagong Uprising.
• 😀 Prominent revolutionary women like Preetilata Wadiya, Shanti Ghosh, and Madam Bhikaji Cama displayed exceptional bravery, with some facing arrest or even martyrdom for their roles.
• 😀 The Quit India Movement (1942) witnessed immense participation from women, with figures like Usha Mehta and Aruna Asaf Ali playing key roles in underground operations and protests.
• 😀 Foreign women like Annie Besant and Sister Nivedita also supported India’s freedom struggle, promoting India's cause internationally and encouraging self-rule.

Q & A

What role did women play in India's freedom struggle?

Women played an integral role in India's freedom struggle across various movements. They actively participated in non-violent protests, revolutionary activities, and the independence movements led by key figures like Mahatma Gandhi. From organizing protests and leading marches to participating in armed resistance, Indian women demonstrated immense courage and resilience.

Who were some of the key women leaders in the 1857 revolt?

Some key women leaders in the 1857 revolt included Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, who showed extraordinary bravery, Jhalkari Bai, her companion, who fought alongside her, and Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh, who also led a strong resistance against the British.

How did Gandhi's movements empower women in India's freedom struggle?

Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience encouraged widespread participation from women. Gandhi recognized the potential of Indian women and encouraged them to join protests, salt marches, and rallies. Many prominent women like Sarala Devi, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay actively participated, leading some of the major protests.

What was the significance of Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay in Gandhi's movements?

Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay was a prominent figure in India's freedom struggle. Inspired by Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, she urged Gandhi to include women in the Salt March. She also led several protests, organized public meetings, and played a key role in breaking colonial laws like the Salt Act.

What role did revolutionary women play in India's freedom struggle?

Revolutionary women played a crucial role in armed resistance against British rule. Women like Kalpana Dutt and Pritilata Waddedar participated in the Chittagong Uprising of 1930. Some women also supported revolutionary activities by providing shelter, funds, and supplies, while others took part in direct combat against the British.

How did women contribute to the Quit India Movement of 1942?

During the Quit India Movement, women were actively involved in organizing protests, spreading messages, and participating in underground activities. Usha Mehta set up a secret radio station to broadcast news related to the movement. Prominent leaders like Aruna Asaf Ali, Sarojini Naidu, and Sucheta Kriplani led protests and kept the movement alive despite the British crackdown.

What was the role of women in the Indian National Army (INA)?

Women played a significant role in the Indian National Army (INA), which was formed by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1943. The women’s regiment, named after Rani Lakshmibai, had around 15,000 women soldiers who were trained in military tactics. These women played both combat and non-combat roles and were involved in critical operations during the later stages of the war.

Can you name some foreign women who supported India's freedom struggle?

Foreign women who supported India's freedom struggle included Annie Besant, an Irish woman who led the Home Rule Movement, Sister Nivedita, a European who promoted India's struggle for independence in Europe and America, and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother), who inspired Indian women to participate in the freedom movement.

What was the contribution of Annie Besant to India's independence movement?

Annie Besant was a prominent Irish woman who made significant contributions to India's freedom struggle. She founded the Home Rule League, which sought self-rule for India. She was also the president of the Indian National Congress in 1917 and played a pivotal role in spreading awareness about India's plight for independence.

How did women face challenges during the independence movement?

Women faced significant challenges, including physical violence from the police, imprisonment, and social ostracization. Despite these hardships, they remained steadfast in their commitment to the cause. They led protests, faced baton charges, and many, like Kamala Devi, even risked their lives to protect symbols like the national flag.