Whenever we talk about freedom fighters who fought for India’s independence, the few popular names taken are that of Mahatma Gandhi, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Sarojini Naidu and so on. But there were numerous unsung heroines who laid down their lives for the love of their country. They gave a fitting reply to the brute forces of the British and also served as a strong supportive force for the legendary freedom fighters that we know of.
Jhalkari Bai was part of the women’s army of Rani Lakshmi Bai and served as her advisor. It was her resemblance with the Rani of Jhansi that led to her inclusion in the army and she also played a pivotal role in fighting in place of the queen to aid her escape during the Rebellion of 1857. The Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi which starred Kangana Ranaut in the titular role had Ankita Lokhande play the role of Jhalkari Bai with aplomb.
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Lovingly called Gandhi buri, Matangini Hazra was shot dead by the police while protesting against the British in Midnapore, Bengal where a large number of women participated in the freedom movement. She participated in the civil disobedience movement, was jailed and was injured in baton charge during a Congress conference. At the age of 71, Matangini Hazra again participated in the Quit India Movement and died chanting Vande Mataram even as she was shot again and again by the police.
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Pritilata was one of the first women to join the group of legendary revolutionary Surya Sen of Bengal. She took part in many raids and took upon the job of transporting explosives to revolutionaries. The Pahartali European Club which had the signboard ‘Dogs and Indians Are Not Allowed’ was attacked by Surya Sen and Pritilata Waddedar, dressed up as a Punjabi male, was the leader of the attack. In the chaos during the attack, she received a bullet injury and swallowed cyanide after being captured by the police and died instantly. She was 21. Telugu actor Vega Tamotia played her role in the 2012 movie Chittagong.
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This Dalit army commander was the first ever woman suicide bomber of India against British. Applying ghee on her body and then setting it on fire, she entered a British armoury to blow it up. This ensured the victory of Velu Nachiyar, the queen of Sivagangai in Tamil Nadu who was then able to secure her kingdom.
Birbala Kanaklata Baruah of Assam died after being shot at during the Quit India Movement procession. She was part of a death squad called Mrityu Bahini and was carrying the national flag at the time of her death. The story of this 17-year-old martyr was shown in the 2017 movie Purab Ki Awaz.
Did you know about the Rani of Jhansi Regiment that had young women facing off with the British troops? Or the women pioneers of the Indian army? If not, then keep reading Her Zindagi as we bring forth stories of great women to serve as your source of inspiration.
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