Many females played a major role in the Indian freedom struggle. In this article, we will talk about the 10 female freedom fighters of India who fought bravely against the British army and became the pride of India.
India has a rich history of female freedom fighters who played crucial roles in the country’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule.
Female freedom fighters of India
Here are some notable female freedom fighters from India names with details below as…
1. Sarojini Naidu (1879–1949)
Known as the “Nightingale of India” Sarojini Naidu was a poet and activist. She actively participated in the Indian National Movement and was the first woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress.
2. Kasturba Gandhi (1869–1944)
The wife of Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi was deeply involved in India’s struggle for freedom. She participated in civil disobedience movements and supported her husband’s endeavors, enduring multiple imprisonments.
3. Bhikaiji Cama (1861–1936)
An influential figure in the Indian independence movement, Bhikaiji Cama is known for designing the first version of the Indian national flag and for her role in promoting India’s cause internationally.
4. Annie Besant (1847–1933)
A British socialist, theosophist, and supporter of Indian self-rule, Annie Besant played a significant role in raising awareness about India’s plight under British rule and was active in various nationalist movements.
5. Aruna Asaf Ali (1909–1996)
A prominent freedom fighter, Aruna Asaf Ali is best known for hoisting the Indian National Congress flag during the Quit India Movement in 1942 in Bombay (now Mumbai).
6. Sucheta Kriplani (1908–1974)
She was a prominent Gandhian leader and freedom fighter who played an important role in the Quit India Movement. Later, she became the first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
7. Kamala Nehru (1899–1936)
The wife of Jawaharlal Nehru, Kamala Nehru actively participated in the Indian National Movement and worked for the welfare of women and children.
8. Savitribai Phule (1831–1897)
While primarily known for her pioneering work in women’s education and social reform, Savitribai Phule also contributed to the anti-caste and anti-colonial movements.
9. Captain Lakshmi Sahgal (1914–2012)
A doctor and officer in the Indian National Army, Captain Lakshmi Sahgal, also known as “Captain Lakshmi,” played a significant role in the armed struggle for India’s independence.
10. Matangini Hazra (1870–1942)
A brave woman who participated in the Quit India Movement, Matangini Hazra is remembered for leading a procession of protesters while carrying the Indian flag, even when she was shot by British police.
11. Rani Lakshmibai (1828–1858)
Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the Rani of Jhansi, is one of the most iconic figures of the 1857 Rebellion. She bravely led her forces against the British during the uprising and is remembered for her valor.
12. Bhima Bai Holkar (1835–1883)
The Queen of the Maratha-ruled state of Indore, Bhima Bai Holkar, supported the 1857 Rebellion and took action to protect her state’s interests during the changing political landscape.
13. Rani Abbakka Chowta (16th century)
Rani Abbakka was a queen from the coastal region of Karnataka who resisted Portuguese colonization in the 16th century. She fought against the Portuguese forces and is remembered for her resistance to foreign rule.
14. Rani Velu Nachiyar (18th century)
Rani Velu Nachiyar was a queen of Sivaganga in present-day Tamil Nadu. She fought against the British East India Company and is known for her leadership in the armed struggle against the British.
15. Kittur Rani Chennamma (1778–1829)
The Queen of Kittur in Karnataka, Rani Chennamma led an armed rebellion against the British East India Company in 1824. Her resistance is remembered as one of the earliest struggles against British imperialism.
ALSO, READ | Freedom Fighters of Rajasthan, India
These are just a few names of the many courageous female freedom fighters of India. Their contributions, sacrifices, and dedication played an integral role in shaping the nation’s history.
Top 20 Women freedom fighters of India
Here’s a list of 20 female/women freedom fighters of India who made significant contributions to the country’s independence struggle, as…
- Sarojini Naidu
- Kasturba Gandhi
- Bhikaiji Cama
- Annie Besant
- Aruna Asaf Ali
- Sucheta Kriplani
- Kamala Nehru
- Savitribai Phule
- Captain Lakshmi Sahgal
- Matangini Hazra
- Rani Lakshmibai
- Begum Hazrat Mahal
- Usha Mehta
- Durgabai Deshmukh
- Pritilata Waddedar
- Tara Rani Srivastava
- Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
- Rani Gaidinliu
- Kanaklata Barua
- Muthulakshmi Reddi
These women, among others, have shown great courage, resilience, and dedication in their quest to liberate India from British rule. Your contributions continue to inspire generations to stand up for the values of a just, equal, free, and independent nation.
100 Women freedom Fighters from India
List of 100 female freedom fighters of India who played significant roles in the country’s independence struggle, mentioned below as…
- Sarojini Naidu
- Kasturba Gandhi
- Bhikaiji Cama
- Annie Besant
- Aruna Asaf Ali
- Sucheta Kriplani
- Kamala Nehru
- Savitribai Phule
- Captain Lakshmi Sahgal
- Matangini Hazra
- Rani Lakshmibai
- Begum Hazrat Mahal
- Usha Mehta
- Durgabai Deshmukh
- Pritilata Waddedar
- Tara Rani Srivastava
- Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
- Rani Gaidinliu
- Kanaklata Barua
- Muthulakshmi Reddi
- Annie Mascarene
- Renuka Ray
- Kalpana Datta
- Ramadevi Choudhury
- Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
- Raj Kumari Gupta
- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
- Leela Roy
- Bhagini Nivedita
- Arati Saha
- Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
- Shanti Ghosh
- Bhagirathi Devi
- Rajkumari Gupta
- Mridula Sarabhai
- Chittu Dhanki
- Kalyani Das
- Urmila Devi
- Kamla Nehru
- Charulata Mukherjee
- Mankunwar Bai
- Kanaklata Barua
- Arati Saha
- Avantibai
- Rakhmabai
- Swarnakumari Devi
- Mahadevi Varma
- Usha Mehta
- Mira Behn (Madeleine Slade)
- Kadambini Ganguly
- Pushpa Gujral
- Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
- Kanchanmala Ghosh
- Ammu Swaminathan
- Madam Bhikaji Cama
- Renuka Ray
- Anasuya Sarabhai
- Kamladevi Chattopadhyay
- Padmaja Naidu
- Rani Gaidinliu
- Kamala Nehru
- Indira Gandhi
- Sucheta Kriplani
- Shyama Prasad Mukherjee
- Meera Sahib Fathima Beevi
- Chandramukhi Basu
- Vidya Devi Jha
- Annie Besant
- Muthulakshmi Reddi
- Rukmini Devi Arundale
- Lilavati Munshi
- Mridula Sarabhai
- Kasturba Gandhi
- Rajkumari Gupta
- Pritilata Waddedar
- Leela Roy
- Durgabai Deshmukh
- Amrita Sher-Gil
- Mankunwar Bai
- Meherbai Tata
- Tara Rani Srivastava
- Urmila Devi
- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
- Aruna Asaf Ali
- Fatima Sheikh
- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
- Chittu Dhanki
- Sarala Devi Chaudhurani
- Rukmini Lakshmipathi
- Ammu Swaminathan
- Malati Choudhury
- Kamala Chattopadhyay
- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
- Annapurna Maharana
- Vidya Devi Jha
- Indira Gandhi
- Muthulakshmi Reddi
- Lilavati Munshi
- Kamladevi Chattopadhyay
- Aruna Asaf Ali
Comprised of a diverse group of women who have contributed to the struggle for freedom in India through various roles and actions, the list highlights their courage, dedication, and sacrifice.
First women freedom fighter in India
Due to the decentralized and gradual nature of resistance to colonial rule, it is difficult to identify one of India’s first female freedom fighters, but Rani Vel Nachyar is known in India.
She is often regarded as one of the earliest female freedom fighters in the world. She was the Queen of Sivaganga of Tamil Nadu and an active participant in armed revolts against the British East India Company in the 18th century.
Her valiant efforts to resist British rule and defend her kingdom earned her a prominent place in the history of early Indian resistance to colonialism.
Muslim women freedom fighters in India
The history of India’s struggle for freedom includes the contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities, including Muslim women who actively participated in the struggle against British colonial rule.
Meet the notable Muslim women freedom fighters from India.
1. Begum Hazrat Mahal (1820–1879)
The Queen of Awadh, Begum Hazrat Mahal, played a significant role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. She led the defense of Awadh against the British and actively resisted their control.
2. Bi Amma (c. 1840–1911)
Bi Amma, also known as Bi Amman, was a key figure in the Wahabi movement and fought against the British colonial forces in the Malabar region of present-day Kerala.
3. Razia Sultan (1858–1936)
Razia Sultan was a prominent figure in the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements. She was associated with the All India Muslim Women’s Conference and worked for women’s rights and social reform.
4. Asghari Begum (1897–1965)
Asghari Begum was an active participant in the Salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movement. She worked alongside prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
5. Noor Inayat Khan (1914–1944)
Born to an Indian father and an American mother, Noor Inayat Khan was a British Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent during World War II. She operated as a wireless operator in occupied France, working against Nazi forces.
6. Begum Shah Nawaz (1910–1990)
Begum Shah Nawaz was a freedom fighter who played a significant role in the Indian National Army (INA) led by Subhas Chandra Bose.
7. Zainab Alawiya (c. 1876–1947)
Zainab Alawiya was an active participant in the Quit India Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement. She was associated with the Khilafat Movement as well.
8. Mukhtar Begum (1901–1990)
Mukhtar Begum was a prominent social activist who was actively involved in women’s education, social reform, and the freedom struggle.
9. Zohra Sehgal (1912–2014)
While Zohra Sehgal is best known as an actress and dancer, she was also a supporter of India’s independence movement and a follower of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals.
These are just a few examples of Muslim women who contributed to India’s struggle for independence. Their dedication, sacrifices, and efforts have played an important role in shaping the history of this country.