The Unsung Heroes of the Freedom Struggles of India

 

            The Unsung Heroes of the Freedom Struggles of India

 

INTRODUCTION

India’s struggle for independence was a long and challenging journey, defined by immense sacrifices and extraordinary acts of bravery. The movement’s true spirit lies in the contributions of countless unsung heroes whose tireless efforts often unfolded away from the public eye. These individuals played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s destiny, yet their stories seldom find a place in mainstream accounts. This article shines a light on eight remarkable personalities whose invaluable contributions to India’s freedom struggle remain largely unrecognized, inviting us to honour their legacy and learn from their unwavering dedication.

India’s freedom struggle is a tapestry woven not only with the threads of famous leaders but also countless unsung heroes whose extraordinary sacrifices often remain overlooked. While the names of Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Jawaharlal Nehru are widely celebrated, it was in the shadows that many ordinary men and women farmers, journalists, tribal leaders, and social reformers fought with unwavering courage and selfless dedication.

Figures like Matangini Hazra, who led protests even at the age of seventy-three and gave her life during the Quit India Movement; Birsa Munda, a tribal revolutionary whose fight for justice inspired entire communities; Peer Ali Khan, who organized secret networks during the 1857 Revolt; and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, a pioneer of women’s rights and cultural preservation, exemplify the spirit of resistance that powered India’s quest for independence. Their stories reveal how the struggle was truly a collective effort a symphony of forgotten voices, each contributing a unique note.

Remembering these unsung heroes is vital, as it not only honours their sacrifices but also inspires future generations to value the freedom they enjoy and strive for justice and equality, even when recognition is elusive.

Today I am writing about the unsung heroes because most of us only know about the leaders who lead the struggles but what about those who were not that popular or who doesn’t get the spotlight or those who brought the changes after getting motivated from the speeches of the leaders. As a part of India and a proud citizen of India we all must also know about them too. As, learning about the unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle can deeply inspire future generations to serve the nation in several ways:

• It cultivates a sense of patriotism and gratitude. When young people learn about individuals who sacrificed everything for the country's freedom even without recognition, they gain a stronger appreciation for the liberties they enjoy and the responsibility to defend them.
• These stories install values of courage, selflessness, and resilience. Heroes who faced extreme adversity set powerful examples for dealing with challenges, motivating youth to stand up for justice and serve with dedication, regardless of personal gain.
• By highlighting diverse backgrounds farmers, tribal leaders, and women these tales teach the importance of inclusive service and unity, showing that anyone can contribute to national progress and every act of service matters.
• Storytelling about these heroes empowers imagination and encourages young minds to adopt qualities like integrity, leadership, and perseverance in their own lives, fostering a culture where serving the nation is an honoured and ongoing tradition.
• Remembering these heroes also promotes a tradition of remembrance and respect for all forms of sacrifice, inspiring future generations to emulate their actions and uphold the nation’s ideals. In essence, their legacies serve as timeless inspiration, motivating each generation to put nation before self and continue striving for a better, stronger India.

 

Legal Involvement in the Independence Movement

The legal fraternity had a profound influence on the freedom movement:

• Many leading lawyers, such as Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru, played pivotal roles in defending revolutionaries and challenging draconian colonial laws.
• Eminent lawyers shaped the legal discourse, questioned the legitimacy of British rule, and mobilized public opinion through legal defense and advocacy.
• Numerous unsung lawyers used the courtroom as a battleground, challenging colonial ordinances and providing legal aid to activists who faced sedition and other charges.

 

THE UNSUNG HEROES WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE FREEDOM STRUGGLES OF INDIA

The Indian Independence moment was very complicated, complex and multifaced moment that spanned for decades. From the revolt against British rule to mass movements of the 20^th century, countless individuals contributed and fought for the independence. While some leaders gained widespread population and recognition, many other sacrificed and remain in their shadows, and their contribution often are forgotten or overlooked. The contributions of unsung heroes are not only a matter of historical record but also have significant legal implications.

The Indian government has enacted various laws and regulations to recognize and honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters. For instance, the Government of India has established the "Freedom Fighters' Pension Scheme" to provide financial assistance to the families of freedom fighters. There are many heroes who have contributes to the freedom struggles of India. So, that the nation can get Independence and amongst all of them I have talked about few of them in this article. Let’s begin with their stories and what roles they have played and contributed:

 

1.     Matangini Hazra – (The Spirit of Bengal):

Matangini Hazra, fondly called "Gandhi Buri" (Old Lady Gandhi), was a fearless revolutionary from Bengal. Remarkably, she joined the Quit India Movement at the age of 73. During a procession in 1942, she was shot by British police. Matangini continued to march forward, holding the Indian flag high and chanting "Vande Mataram," until she succumbed to her injuries. Her unwavering spirit and sacrifice accelerated the participation of women in the freedom movement.

 

 2.     Rani Gaidinliu – (The Lioness of Manipur):

Hailing from the northeast, Rani Gaidinliu began her resistance at only 13, inspired by the spiritual and political leader Haipou Jadonang. She led the Heraka movement, mobilizing the Naga tribes against colonial oppression with guerrilla warfare tactics. Even after her capture and imprisonment by the British, her leadership became an inspiration for the region's youth and a symbol of ethnic assertion and national pride.

 

3.     Alluri Sitarama Raju – (also known as The Rampa Rebel):

Alluri Sitarama Raju mobilized tribal communities in the Rampa region of Andhra Pradesh and waged a relentless guerrilla war against British authorities between 1922 and 1924. Nicknamed the "Hero of the Jungle," his knowledge of local terrain and use of tribal support made him a formidable opponent. British forces eventually captured and executed him, but his legend lives on among the tribes of south India.

 

4.     Birsa Munda – (also known as The Tribal Messiah):

Birsa Munda, a young leader from Jharkhand, championed the rights of the Munda tribe and fought colonial land policies that oppressed his people. His movement, known as "Ulgulan" (The Great Rebellion), resisted British rule and missionary efforts, protecting tribal culture and land. Though he died young, at 25, Birsa Munda's legacy is revered in central and eastern India.

 

5.     Bhikaji Cama – (also known as The Mother of the First Indian National Flag):

A pioneer among women revolutionaries, Bhikaji Cama's contributions transcended borders. In 1907, she unfurled the first version of India's national flag at the International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart, Germany, demanding equality and self-rule for India from the global stage. An impassioned orator and activist, Cama was among the first to connect the cause of Indian independence with international movements for justice and rights

 

 6.     Kartar Singh Sarabha – (also known as The Ghadar Revolutionary):

Barely 19 when executed, Kartar Singh Sarabha joined the Ghadar Party in the United States, mobilizing expatriate Indians to fight colonial rule. Upon returning to India, he organized revolts among soldiers but was captured before the plan materialized. Sarabha's daring and his writings became a source of inspiration for legends like Bhagat Singh,

 

7.     Durgawati Devi – (also known as The Daring "Durga Bhabhi"):

A key member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), Durgawati Devi risked her life to help Bhagat Singh escape after the killing of Saunders in 1928. Disguised as a married couple, she and Singh slipped past British authorities. Durga Bhabhi also took part in the Kakori Train Robbery and promoted revolutionary work across Northern India. Her life was steeped in courage, yet outside revolutionary circles her story is less known

 

8.     Jhalkari Bai - The Warrior from Jhansi:

During the 1857 revolt, Jhalkari Bai was a soldier in Rani Lakshmi Bai's women's regiment. With uncanny resemblance to the Queen, she once posed as Laxmibai to mislead British troops, allowing the real queen to escape. Her bravery not only saved the queen but also symbolized the pivotal role of women and marginalized communities in India's first war of independence.

 

9.     Tiruppur Kumaran - The Flag Bearer:

In Tamil Nadu, Tiruppur Kumaran became a symbol of resistance when he died holding the Indian flag during a protest march, refusing to let it fall even as he succumbed to police beatings. His sacrifice turned him into a local legend, and he is remembered as "Kodi Kaatha Kumaran" (Kumaran who saved the flag

 

10.  Ka Phan Nonglait - The Warrior from Meghalaya:

From the Khasi Hills, Ka Phan Nonglait's valour predates even the 1857 rebellion. She fought alongside tribal leaders, launching daring attacks on British soldiers. Though respected locally, her story is almost unknown outside Meghalaya, exemplifying the widespread yet under-recognized resistance of indigenous communities

 

CONCLUSION

These are just a few among countless men and women tribal leaders, poets, labourers, and students who lit the flames of freedom across every corner of India, unbound by region, religion, or social status. Their memory is essential for a nuanced understanding of India's freedom struggle and for honouring the diverse roots of our national identity. As India moves forward, remembering the unsung heroes helps us cherish the true spirit and cost of liberty-forever inspiring generations to come.

Closing Credit

 Author- Saswati Barai

"The views expressed are personal. This article is intended for educational purposes and public discourse. Feedback and constructive criticism are welcome!"