Unsung Women Freedom Fighters of Tamil Nadu with Special Reference to Madurai
Ms. J.Juliat Mary,
Ph.D Research Scholar,
V.V.Vanniaperumal College for women,
Virudhunagar
Dr.P.Malarvizhi,
Associate Professor,
V.V.Vanniaperumal College for women,
Virudhunagar
INTRODUCTION:
Women freedom fighters in India have played a vital and prominent role in the country’s history. For nearly 200 years, India was under British rule. The efforts and sacrifices made by India’s freedom fighters led to our independence, which was achieved in 1947. August 15 remains a significant day for all Indians as a tribute to the patriotism and struggles of our freedom fighters. Female freedom fighters in India demonstrated immense bravery and valor as early as the 18th century, proving that women would not be relegated to the sidelines of the independence movement.
Indian women played a crucial role in the struggle for Indian independence from British rule. They engaged in various protests, including civil disobedience, non-violent resistance, and boycotts. Rani Lakshmi Bai, often referred to as Jhansi ki Rani, was one of the earliest and most notable women to champion India's freedom. She bravely fought against the British army, displaying remarkable courage. Some of the prominent Indian women freedom fighters include Rani Laxmi Bai, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Kasturba Gandhi, Kamla Nehru, Vijay Laxmi Pandit, Sarojini Naidu, Aruna Asaf Ali, Madam Bhikaji Cama are the well known Indian Women freedom fighters.
When we recall the Indian Freedom movement, names like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Vallabhai Patel, Rajaji, and Subhas Chandra Bose come to mind. However, there are numerous lesser-known freedom fighters who were imprisoned and fought for India's independence. In particular, many women from South India played a significant role in the struggle for Indian freedom.
Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first queen to resist British colonial rule in India. Tamils refer to her as Veeramangai. She was the daughter of Raja Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy and Rani Sakandhimuthal and hailed from the Ramnad kingdom. Notable freedom fighters from Tamil Nadu include Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rukmini Lakshmipathi, S. Ambujammal, S. N. Sundarambal of Tirupur, Kamala Ramasamy, Govindammal, and Lakshmi Sahgal.
