Women played pivotal roles in mobilizing masses, leading processions, organizing protests, and contributing to underground movements during the struggle for India’s independence.
As Social reformers
- Savitribai Phule: Worked towards social reforms, education, and women’s rights.
During Revolt of 1857:
- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi: Symbolized courage and resistance during the 1857 uprising.
- Begum Hazrat Mahal: Played a key role in the 1857 revolt, particularly in Lucknow.
Home Rule Movement:
- Annie Besant: Advocated for Home Rule in India. Actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement
After Gandhi’s Arrival: Mahatma Gandhi played a crucial role in encouraging and assuring women’s participation. Non-violence became a key factor, aligning with women’s qualities of tolerance, courage, and endurance.
- Sarojini Naidu: “Nightingale of India.”
- Joined the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Sarojini Naidu convinced Gandhi to allow women to join the Salt Satyagraha.
- Became the first Indian woman to be the President of the Indian National Congress.
- Kasturba Gandhi:
- Supported Gandhi in various movements, emphasizing non-violence.
- Ramadevi Chaudhary :Played a prominent role in Salt Satyagraha in Odisha.
- Aruna Asaf Ali: ‘Grand Old Lady’
- Hoisting the Indian National flag at the Gowalia Tank maidan in Bombay during the Quit India Movement in 1942.
- Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit : Participated in NCM, CDM, and Quit India Movement.
- Sucheta Kriplani :
- Founded All India Mahila Congress in 1940
- Worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi during Partition riots.
- Usha Mehta :
- Established Secret Congress Radio in bombay during Quit India Movement.
Revolutionary Activities:
- Bina Das: Attempted assassination on Bengal Governor in 1932
- Pritilata Waddedar : Member of revolutionary group led by Surya Sen.
- Kalpana Dutt : Participated in Chittagong Armoury Loot in 1930.
- Lakshmi Sehgal:Captain of Azad Hind Fauz. Recruited women into INA, formed Rani of Jhansi Regiment.
Other
- Rani Gaidinliu : Spiritual and political leader among Nagas.
- Bhikaji Cama: Contributed to the independence cause through international forums.
- advocated for Swaraj (self-rule).
- In 1907, she became the first person to hoist the Indian flag in foreign land (Germany). Later she relocated to Paris, where she established the Paris Indian Society
- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay: Freedom fighter and social reformer.
- Co-founded Congress Socialist Party.
- Advocate for women’s rights and the Uniform Civil Code.
Thus, their initial contributions were marked by social and educational initiatives, gradually evolving into active political participation.
Women played significant roles in both the Gandhian movement and revolutionary nationalist activities. However, their participation varied in approach, involvement, and nature of activities.
| Aspect | Women participation in Gandhian movement | Participation of women in revolutionary nationalist activities |
| Nature of Participation | Mass participation in non-violent protests, marches, and boycotts. | Selective participation in underground, armed resistance, and secret activities. |
| Approach to Struggle | Based on Satyagraha,non-violence, and civil disobedience. | Involved armed struggle, assassination attempts, and espionage. |
| Role in Activities | Women participated in protests, picketing, and boycotts.Ex. – Sarojini Naidu (led Salt Satyagraha, first woman to be Congress President), Kasturba Gandhi (involved in Champaran Satyagraha), Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (pioneer in women’s labor movements). | Women took part in violent activities, such as bombings and assassinations.Ex-Kalpana Dutt (Chittagong Armoury Raid), Pritilata Waddedar (attack on Pahartali Club), Bina Das (attempted assassination of Bengal Governor Stanley Jackson). |
| Social Background of Women | Included elite, middle-class, and rural women, promoting widespread participation. | Mostly urban, educated women with strong ideological motivations. |
| Ideological Influence | Inspired by Gandhian principles of truth, morality, self-reliance, and Ahimsa. | Influenced by global revolutionary movements, socialism, and communism. |
| Public Visibility | Highly visible in public protests and campaigns. | Less visible, with many women working in underground activities. |
| Decision Making | Women were actively involved in planning and mobilizing. | Less participation in leadership roles, often limited to execution of plans. |
| Cultural and Social Reform | Advocated for social reforms like education and upliftment. | Less emphasis on social reform, focused more on political freedom. |
| Post-Independence Influence | Many Gandhian women entered politics post-independence, e.g., Sarojini Naidu became the first woman governor of an Indian state. | Many revolutionary women were forgotten or sidelined, as the new leadership focused more on constitutional methods. |
The Gandhian movement provided a platform for public participation and leadership for women, while revolutionary national activities were more secret and violent in the roles of women. Both movements had their own importance
