3. Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.

    Indian freedom struggle had touched all sections of the Indian society deeply. With the advent of Gandhi, mass mobilization at hitherto unprecedented level was witnessed. The initial political work and education undertaken by early nationalists(moderates) had awakened the mass consciousness.

     Gandhi’s belief in the power of the people especially women to practice Satyagraha and their capability(and natural inclination) to sacrifice made him involve women significantly. Women actively participated in pamplet distribution, picketing, practicing satyagraha, and civil disobedience.

    Also, the revolutionary ideas propagated by Surya Sen, Bhagat Singh and others had their own charm on the young to contribute to the freedom struggle. The assassination of Governor of Bengal during the convocation day spread a feeling of terror among the British bureaucracy. 

  Some prominent women in freedom struggle were,

• Rani Lakshmi Bhai of Jansi 1858
• Begum Hazrat Mahal-1858
• Annie Besant-Home Rule Leauge-1916 (First woman president of INC)

• Sarojini Naidu-1st women president of Indian. National Congress in 1929 ( a period when many countries were yet to extend women suffrage)
• Rani Gaidilieu from North east, at an age of 13 protested under the flag of Indian freedom movement.
• Vijaylakshmi Pandit-Participated in Non co operation movement under Gandhian leadership
• Kasturba Gandhi-Participated and lead Salt Satyagraha
• Aruna Asaf Ali-All India Mahila Congress, hoisted flag of Indian National Congress at the Gowalia Tank maidan in Bombay during the Quit India Movement
• Usha Mehta- operated an underground secret radio network during Quit India Movement 1942

       Defying the barriers of purdha, gender discrimination women actively participated and gave a new momentum to freedom struggle. The role of Indian women is best exemplified by the Rani of Jhansi Regiment in the Indian National Army founded in 1942. Thus women played a significant role in furthering the nationalist cause.