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India’s freedom story has many unsung heroines (Img: Pexels)
New Delhi: When India celebrates its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, the nation will remember the heroes who fought for freedom. While names like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and Rani Lakshmibai are widely known, several courageous women who stood against British rule remain missing from mainstream history.
From leading armed rebellions to participating in mass movements, these women displayed unmatched bravery and determination. Their stories are a reminder that India’s freedom was achieved through the sacrifices of people from every region, community and background.
Begum Hazrat Mahal was one of the most prominent women leaders of the Revolt of 1857. After the British annexed Awadh and removed her husband, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, she took charge of the resistance movement.
She played a key role in organising rebels in Lucknow and declared her young son, Birjis Qadr, as the ruler of Awadh. Under her leadership, Indian forces challenged the British administration for months.
Even after the revolt was suppressed, Begum Hazrat Mahal refused to surrender and spent her final years in Nepal. Her courage made her one of the earliest female voices of resistance against colonial rule.
Rani Gaidinliu became a symbol of resistance against British rule in the Northeast. Born in present-day Manipur, she joined the Heraka movement led by her cousin Haipou Jadonang at a young age.
After Jadonang was executed by the British, Gaidinliu continued the struggle against colonial rule. She was arrested at the age of 16 and spent years in prison.
After independence, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru honoured her contribution and gave her the title "Rani". Her story represents the important role played by tribal communities in India’s freedom movement.
Matangini Hazra, popularly known as "Gandhi Buri", was a fearless participant in India’s freedom struggle.
During the Quit India Movement in 1942, the elderly freedom fighter led a procession in Bengal carrying the Indian flag. Despite being shot by British police, she continued walking forward while chanting "Vande Mataram".
She sacrificed her life while defending the national flag, becoming a symbol of courage and devotion to the freedom movement.
Uda Devi was among the brave women who fought against British forces during the Revolt of 1857. A member of the Pasi community in Awadh, she joined the resistance movement and fought alongside Begum Hazrat Mahal’s forces. According to historical accounts, she played an important role in the Battle of Sikandar Bagh in Lucknow.
Her bravery and battlefield skills made her an important figure in the first major uprising against British rule, though her contribution remained largely overlooked for years.
Kanaklata Barua from Assam became one of the youngest martyrs of the Quit India Movement.
In 1942, during the movement against British rule, she led a procession carrying the national flag towards a police station in Gohpur, Assam. Despite warnings from authorities, she refused to step back. British police opened fire, and the 17-year-old revolutionary lost her life while holding the Tricolour.
