I-Day: Remembering India's Top 10 Women Freedom Fighters

Kittur Rani Chennamma:

The queen of the princely state of Kittur in Karnataka, Kittur Rani Chennamma was the first woman Indian ruler to have fought for independence. She stood all alone with a courageous mind against the British Empire.

Chennamma led an armed rebellion against British in response to the “Doctrine of lapse” in 1824. Though the struggle ended in her martyrdom, she is still remembered today for her courage.

Among the freedom fighters like Keladi Chennamma, Abbakka Rani and Onake Obavva, Rani Chennamma is much respected in Karnataka as an icon of bravery and heroism.

Begum Hazrat Mahal:

Also known as the Begum of Oudh, Begum Hazrat Mahal was a courtesan turned freedom fighter who rebelled against the British East India Company during the India’s First War of Independence with the enthusiasm to triumph.

Despite her husband being in exile, Begum was successful in keeping Lucknow safe from the clutches of the Britishers. She greatly supported fellow mutineers like Nana Saheb and motivated the masses to rebel against the British Raj. The government of India issued a stamp in her honor on 10^th may 1984.

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10 Forgotten Martyrs of India's Freedom Struggle