• Manjula. M. L.

The history of freedom struggle is incomplete without mentioning the contributions of women. Apart from constituting 50% of the population, women as a community played a significant role in the freedom struggle of the country. They demonstrated the true spirit and undaunted courage and faced various tortures, exploitations and hardships to earn us freedom, which we are enjoying today. When most of the men freedom fighters were captivated and sent to prison, the women came forward and took charge of the freedom struggle. Even much before, the spark of freedom struggle for independence was ignited, we have instances of women, who fought bravely against Britishers’ and made them face tough opposition and taste failure. Bhima Bai Holkar fought bravely against the British colonel by name ‘Malcolm’ and defeated him in Guerilla warfare. Rani Channamma of Kittur, popularly known as Kitturu Rani Chennamma, Rani Begam Hazrat Mahal of Avadh fought against British East India Company in the 19th century; three decades before the “First War of Independence 1857” or ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ could begin in the country. The role played by women in the first war of independence was of course creditable and invited the admiration even from Britishers. Rani of Ramgarh, Rani Jindan Kaur, Rani Tace Bai, Baiza Bai, Chauban Rani and Tapasvini Maharani daringly led their troops into the battlefield. Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, whose heroism and superb leadership laid an outstanding example of real patriotism. Indian women who joined the national movement comprised of both educated and those who are primarily from liberal families, as well as those from the rural areas and from all walk of life, all castes, religions and communities. Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Vijayalakshmi Pundit and Annie Besant in the 20th century are remembered even today for their singular contribution both in battlefield and in political field. The list of great women who are known for their dedication and undying devotion to the service of the country is definitely a long one and must be compulsorily taught to every child and adult in school and in their college curriculum. It is very unfortunate that, many of these great leaders names are forgotten or not being remembered at all.

Women, Freedom Struggle, Sacrifices, Spirit, Bravery.

"Role of women in the independence movement with special reference to Karnataka", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 3, page no.a275-a279, March-2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2303036.pdf

"Role of women in the independence movement with special reference to Karnataka", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 3, page no. ppa275-a279, March-2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2303036.pdf