GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Role of Women in Freedom Struggle | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. (UPSC GS 1 MAINS )

• Woman's participation in India's freedom struggle began as early as in 1817. Bhima Bai Holkar fought bravely against the British colonel Malcolm and defeated him in guerilla warfare. 
• The role of Rani of Ramgarh, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Tapasvini Maharani in the War of Independence (the Great Revolt) of 1857 was commendable. 
• While women were involved in the political arena since the foundation of Indian national congress days (Annie Besant started Home Rule League) and especially during the Swadeshi movement but it was Gandhiji who initiated for mass participation of women in freedom struggle. 
• In 1920, Sarojini Naidu joined the non-cooperation movement. Many women participated in this movement by performing their domestic and social roles. Sarla Devi, Muthulaxmi Reddy, Susheela Nair, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Sucheta Kripalani and Aruna Asaf Ali,Vijay LaxmiPandit are some the women who participated in the Non - violent Noncooperation movement. They participated in political protests, picketed shops selling foreign goods and organized Prabhat Pheri (singing patriotic songs). 
• Women's participation in the national movement helped in breaking several of the old barriers of tradition and custom. Women's organization side by side raised their voices for removal of social and legal disabilities. 
• Role of few women have been discussed below: 
  • Arun Asaf Ali was a radical nationalist played an outstanding role in the historic Quit India Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 9, 1942, and was a prominent leader of the underground movement. 
  • Vijay Lakshmi Pandit represented India in many of the Conferences abroad. She attended numerous public lectures and challenged the British dominated delegate's rights to represent India therein. She was a great fighter and took parts in many of the freedom movement. 
  • Women like Kalpana Dutt, Preeti Lathawaddedar have been actively involved in revolutionary activities as well like the Hindustan republic socialist association, Chittagong uprising, etc.

Topics Covered- Role of Women in Gandhian Era