Independence Day: Five revolutionary women freedom fighters India forgot

Captain Lakshmi joined Subash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army and formed a women’s regiment in the INA called the Rani of Jhansi regiment Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay became the first woman from India to be arrested by the British government for her active role as a patriotic leader Matangini Hazra, the champion of the Quit India Movement was shot by the British while trying to capture Tamluk police station

India will celebrate its 70th Independence Day on August 15, 2017. The day is not only remembered for the exit of the British and India gaining sovereignty but also for the numerous people who laid down their lives fighting for the freedom of their beloved motherland. 

While the masses remember the names of Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and Shaheed Bhagat Singh, people tend to forget the contribution of women to the freedom struggle.

On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, let us remember five such lesser known bravehearts.

1)    Lakshmi  Sahgal

Captain Lakshmi joined Subash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army in Singapore. Sahgal aided wounded prisoners of war, many of whom were interested in forming an Indian independence army. Lakshmi also formed a women’s regiment in the INA called the Rani of Jhansi regiment. The British army arrested captain Lakshmi in May 1945.

2)    Begum Hazrat Mahal

Mahal's maiden name was Muhammadi Khanum. She was then sold to Royal agents of the Nawab of Oudh. She was the first wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Oudh. She was one of the most pivotal rebellion characters during the 1857 Indian rebellion. Ultimately, she had to retreat to Nepal. She died there in 1879 and was buried in a nameless grave in the grounds of Kathmandu's Jama Masjid.

3)    Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay

Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was the daughter of the District Collector of Mangaluru. In the 1930s, she was arrested for entering the Bombay Stock Exchange to sell packets of contraband salt, and spent almost a year in prison. She was also a feminist who opposed her own colleagues when they ignored or infringed women's rights. She became the first woman from India to be arrested by the British government for her active role as a patriotic leader. Also, she was the first woman candidate for the legislative assembly.

4)    Matangini Hazra

Matangini Hazra was known as the champion of the Quit India Movement. She was a staunch Gandhian and supporter of Non-cooperation movement. She, at the age of 73, was also an active participant of the Quit India Movement leading a procession of 6000 supporters. This unsung heroine was shot by the British while trying to capture Tamluk police station. But Hazra didn't back down and marched forward with the national flag, repeating the slogan Vande Mataram.

5)   Bhogeshwari Phuknan

Bhogeshwari Phuknani hailed from Nagaon, Assam. Bhogeshwari Phukanani is renowned as the 60-yrs-old martyr. When the revolutionaries had just taken back control of their offices in Berhampur, the police raided the place. Bhogeshwari gathered a crowd including her six sons and two daughters and even hit the Captain who led the police. The captain shot her dead.