Over 200 years were spent under British dominion in India. Only because of the numerous commitments and sacrifices made by several freedom warriors are we today truly independent. You may have heard a lot about several freedom fighters, such as Bhagat Singh, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru. You might be unaware of other notable women who shaped history besides Rani Lakshmi Bai and Sarojini Naidu. In an era when it was expected of women to remain silent, these ladies defied all expectations, rose up, and engaged in fierce patriotic battle. Let’s learn more about these remarkable women, their defining characteristics, and the contributions they made.

1.Begum Hazrat Mahal

She was Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s wife and the Begum of Awadh. In the First Indian War of Independence in 1857, she led the charge as one of the nation’s first female independence fighters. Awadh’s dissolution sparked a protest in Meerut, which quickly spread to other Awadh cities after a rebel flag was raised in Lucknow. The invaders were valiantly repelled by Begum, but they were in a weaker position.She firmly refused to accept any favours or advantages from the British government. In the end, she found shelter in Nepal, where she later passed away.She earned the title of heroine for her role in the rebellion.

2.Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

She was raised in England and Switzerland and was born into a family of royalty in Uttar Pradesh.She worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi and was an important member of the Indian National Congress. Despite being detained numerous times during her fight for freedom, she never gave up.She was the first ambassador to the Soviet Union after India earned its independence, and she later presided over the UN General Assembly. She is a role model to all Indians as she was a bold leader who fought for the autonomy of her nation.

3.Aruna Asaf Ali

She was raised in a rich Kolkata family and received her education at Oxford University. She gained the most recognition for her 1942 involvement in the Quit India movement. Both in 1932 and 1942, she was taken into custody for her involvement in the civil disobedience campaign and the quit India movement. She was imprisoned for two years. She stayed involved in politics after being freed and presided over Delhi as mayor from 1958 to 1967. She also put forth a lot of effort to make life better for minorities and women in India.

Numerous other great women have spoken up for what is right and persisted even after being arrested. These inspiring ladies are role models for strength. They serve as an example for us all.

-Vidhi Chhabra