“The word ‘freedom’ has such a broad meaning that many texts can be written about it. India fought against the British for 200 years to achieve freedom. The journey of India’s independence is filled with sacrifices, courage, and unity. From the revolt of 1857 to the Quit India Movement, our freedom fighters faced many challenges for our independence. Independence Day is a day that makes us feel free and secure. It reminds us of the inspiring journey of our great leaders, their continuous struggles, and sacrifices.
The struggle for India’s independence lasted for over a century. The British East India Company first came to India in the early 17th century as traders, but gradually they took control of India’s resources and colonized the country. By the 19th century, the British had captured India and made it a direct colony. After years of oppression and slavery, some people were ready to fight against the injustices done by the British. The Indian National Congress was formed to organize the fight for independence.
The movement gained momentum when Mahatma Gandhi came to India. However, it is also true that without the sacrifices of the martyrs, Independence Day would have been just a dream. Many people who sacrificed their lives for independence did not get the respect and recognition they deserved even after India gained independence. Many women were also among these brave fighters who not only supported the revolutionaries but also led organizations and meetings.
Let’s know about some of these brave women who were lost in the pages of history. One such brave woman was Kanaklata Barua. She was born on December 22, 1924, in the village of Gohpur in Sonitpur district of Assam. After the death of her parents at a young age, her grandmother brought her up. In 1931, a peasant conference was held in Gomari village, which was attended by many revolutionaries. Seven-year-old Kanaklata also attended the conference with her uncle. A case of sedition was filed against all the revolutionaries who attended the conference, which sparked a wave of revolution across Assam. Kanaklata grew up among the revolutionaries. In a secret meeting on September 20, 1942, it was decided to hoist the tricolor at Tezpur Court. On that day, 22-year-old Kanaklata was leading the procession with the tricolor in her hand. Despite the warning from the British army, she did not stop and was martyred with a bullet in her chest. Due to her bravery and fearlessness, she was known as Veerabala. Today, the name of the youngest martyr Kanaklata is also missing from the pages of history.
Without Jhalkari Bai’s victory, our tribute to Lakshmibai would be a mere formality. Jhalkari Bai was born on November 22, 1830, in Bhojla village of Jhansi. She lost her mother in childhood. Her father brought her up single-handedly and taught her horse riding and archery. She was married to a soldier in Rani Lakshmibai’s army. Here she came in contact with the queen. Impressed by her abilities, the queen included her in the women’s wing of her army, Durga Dal. Here she learned to operate cannons and guns and became the commander of Durga Dal. She was also the lookalike of Lakshmibai. Many times, she would pretend to be the queen to deceive the enemy. In her last moments, she was caught by the British while fighting in the guise of the queen, giving the queen a chance to escape from the fort. The story of Jhalkari Bai is still alive in the folk tales and folk songs of Bundelkhand.
Rani Chennamma is a consciousness that ignited the flame of the freedom struggle in the south. She was the queen of the Kittur state of Karnataka. She was born in 1778 in Kakati village of Belgaum district. After the death of her first husband and then her son, the British, under their ‘doctrine of lapse’, announced the merger of Kittur state into the British Empire. The queen did not agree to this and fought fiercely against the British army. Despite showing extraordinary bravery, she could not withstand the British army and was captured. She died in captivity on February 21, 1829. Her sacrifice inspired many princely states to unite.
Another goddess, Matangini Hazra, who was martyred on the altar of the freedom struggle, still fills us with thrill. Matangini Hazra was born on October 19, 1870, in Hogla village of Midnapore district in erstwhile East Bengal. Due to poverty, she was married off to a 62-year-old widower at the age of 12. Six years later, she became a childless widow. She was somehow managing her life in poverty. In 1905, the British government divided Bengal into two parts, which sparked widespread protests. Matangini Hazra also joined the movement. She attended meetings, processions, and conferences. She also worked to unite women and inspire them to join the freedom struggle. In 1932, she was arrested by the British for participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement. After her release, she continued to fight for freedom.
On September 29, 1942, a massive procession was taken out in Tamluk, demanding the British leave India. Matangini Hazra, now 72 years old, was leading the procession. The British police tried to stop the procession, but Matangini Hazra stood firm. She was shot in the chest, but even after being shot, she kept chanting ‘Vande Mataram’ and walked a few steps before falling to the ground. The news of her martyrdom spread like wildfire, and people were filled with anger and courage.
These brave women, who were lost in the pages of history, are now known to us. We should never forget their sacrifices. They are the ones who gave us freedom and made us proud. Let’s salute these brave women and remember their sacrifices.”
