India’s history is deeply entwined with the courageous efforts of numerous freedom fighters who tirelessly worked for the nation’s independence. Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Lala Lajpat Rai, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak stand out among these figures. Through their unwavering determination and sacrifices, they liberated India from British rule.
These leaders employed diverse methods, from peaceful protests to armed resistance, each playing a vital role in India’s freedom struggle. Alongside these well-known names, countless other patriots, whether recognized or unsung, dedicated their lives to the nation’s cause. Their collective efforts and sacrifices are celebrated, highlighting the unyielding spirit that led to India’s independence.
Freedom Fighters of India
India’s independence is a tribute to the exceptional bravery and selflessness of its true heroes—the Freedom Fighters. The path to freedom was filled with challenges, marked by rebellions, battles, and movements spearheaded by numerous patriotic individuals. Their unwavering struggle against British colonialism ensured India’s sovereignty, establishing these heroes as the visionaries of the nation’s independence.
Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Patel, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and numerous others stand out as renowned freedom fighters in India. The following list includes the names of some of the most celebrated freedom fighters in India:
The Indian Freedom Fighters sacrificed their lives, liberties, and comforts to shape India into a beautiful place to live. Below is a comprehensive list of India’s Freedom Fighters from 1857 to 1947, along with their significant contributions:
List of Freedom Fighters and Their Contributions | |
Freedom Fighters Name | Contributions |
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi | He is referred to as Father of Nation. In his early days, he was a Civil rights activist in South Africa. In India, he led Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India Movement. He followed the path of Non-violence. |
Gopal Krishna Gokhale | Political guru of Mahatma Gandhi |
Dr. B R Ambedkar | He is known as the father of the Constitution & First Law Minister of India |
Dr. Rajendra Prasad | He was the first President of the Republic of India. |
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel | He had very active participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement and played an important role in ensuring a unified Independent India. |
Jawaharlal Nehru | He was a Pre-eminent freedom fighter and the first Prime Minister of India. |
Bhagat Singh | He was one of the most celebrated young and influential revolutionary freedom fighters in India |
Rani Gaidinliu | She was a Naga spiritual and political leader |
Pingali Venkayya | He was the designer of the flag on which our National Flag is based |
Rani Laxmi Bai | She was Indian Rebellion of 1857. She fought bravely against the forces of the East India Company and was killed on the battlefield. |
Veerapandiya Kattabomman | He was an 18th-century Tamil chieftain. He refused to accept the sovereignty of the British East India Company and raised war against them. He was captured by the British and hanged to death on 16 October 1799 |
Mangal Pandey |
Indian Rebellions of 1857 |
Bakht Khan | |
Chetram Jatav | |
Bahadur Shah Zafar | |
Begum Hazrat Mahal | |
Ashfaqulla Khan |
Kakori conspiracy |
Manmath Nath Gupta | |
Rajendra Lahiri | |
Sachindra Bakshi | |
Ram Prasad Bismil | |
Roshan Singh | |
Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee | |
Annie Besant | She Starting the Home Rule Movement |
Bagha Jatin | The Howrah-Shibpur Conspiracy case |
Kartar Singh Sarabha | Lahore conspiracy |
Basawon Singh (Sinha) | Lahore conspiracy case |
Senapati Bapat | He was the leader of the Mulshi Satyagraha |
Bhikaji Cama | Unfurled the Indian flag at the International Socialist Conference at Stuttgart in Germany, 1907 |
Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi | He was founder of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan |
Tirupur Kumaran | He was founder of the Desa Bandhu Youth Association |
Lakshmi Sahgal | He was Officer of the Indian Army |
Parbati Giri | She is also known as mother Teresa of Western Orissa. |
Kanneganti Hanumanthu | Palnadu Rebellion |
Alluri Sitarama Raju | Rampa Rebellion 1922-1924 |
Sucheta Kriplani | She was also the founder of the All India Mahila Congress in 1940 and chief Minister of an Indian state (UP). She sang Vande Mataram in the Constituent Assembly on 15th August 1947. |
Bhavabhushan Mitra | Involved in Ghadar Mutiny |
Chandra Shekhar Azad | He reorganized the Hindustan Republican Association under its new name Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) after the death of its founders. |
Subhash Chandra Bose | He was twice elected President of the Indian National Congress. The INA revealed Subhash Bose’s greatness as a military leader and organizer. (He was not the founder of INA). |
Lal Bahadur Shastri | White Revolution Green Revolution Second Prime Minister of India |
Chittaranjan Das | Leader in the Non-Cooperation Movement from Bengal and Founder of the Swaraj party |
Prafulla Chaki | Both were involved in the Muzaffarpur killing |
Khudiram Bose | |
Madan Lal Dhingra | He was involved in the assassination of Curzon Wyllie |
Surya Sen | He is said to be the mastermind of the Chittagong Armoury raid |
Pritilata Waddedar | Pahartali European Club attack |
Rash Behari Bose | Indian National Army |
Shyamji Krishna Varma | Founder of the Indian Home Rule Society, India House, and The Indian Sociologist in London. |
Subodh Roy | Involvement in the Tebhaga movement |
Tanguturi Prakasam | The first chief minister of the new Andhra state, created by the partition of Madras State along linguistic lines. |
Ubaidullah Sindhi | Engagement in Silk Letter Conspiracy |
Vasudev Balwant Phadke | He was Deccan Rebellion |
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar | One of the leading figures of Hindu Mahasabha and the formulator of Hindu Nationalist Philosophy |
Beneath the grandeur of India’s Independence Day ceremony on August 15, 1947, lies a tumultuous and chaotic history filled with fierce rebellions, battles, and actions led by thousands of passionate Indian freedom fighters. These individuals fought, endured hardships, and made ultimate sacrifices in their quest to liberate India from British rule.
The legacy of these Indian freedom fighters extends far beyond independence; it embodies boldness, unyielding determination, and unwavering dedication to the nation. Even in death, they continue to inspire millions to defend and cherish our hard-won freedom.
Here is a brief overview of 20 prominent Freedom Fighters of India and their significant contributions to the nation’s struggle for independence. The table encapsulates the diverse backgrounds, ideologies, and methods employed by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad, among others, in their pursuit of liberation from British colonial rule.
Freedom Fighter | Birth & Death Dates | Notable Contributions |
---|---|---|
Mahatma Gandhi | 1869-1948 | Led the non-violent civil disobedience movement. |
Bal Gangadhar Tilak | 1856-1920 | A prominent leader in the Indian independence movement. |
Dr. Rajendra Prasad | 1884-1963 | First President of the Republic of India. |
Lal Bahadur Shastri | 1904-1966 | Promoted the White Revolution and the Green Revolution. |
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel | 1875-1950 | First Home Minister and unifier of India. |
Bhagat Singh | 1907-1931 | Involved in protests and a hunger strike. |
Subhas Chandra Bose | 1897-1945 | Led Azad Hind Fauj and promoted militancy. |
Jawaharlal Nehru | 1889-1964 | India’s first Prime Minister and a key leader. |
Gopal Krishna Gokhale | 1866-1915 | A moderate nationalist in the independence movement. |
Chandra Shekhar Azad | 1906-1931 | Reorganized the Hindustan Republican Association. |
Dadabhai Naoroji | 1825-1917 | A founding member of the Indian National Congress. |
Tantia Tope | 1814-1859 | A notable leader in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. |
Bipin Chandra Pal | 1858-1932 | A prominent figure in the freedom movement. |
Lala Lajpat Rai | 1865-1928 | Part of the Lal Bal Pal trio and a writer. |
Ashfaqullah Khan | 1900-1927 | Involved in the Kakori train robbery. |
Nana Saheb Peshwa II | 1824-1859 | Led the rebellion of 1857. |
Sukhdev Thapar | 1907-1931 | Worked for India’s independence with Bhagat Singh. |
Kunwar Singh | 1777-1858 | The chief organizer of the fight against the British in Bihar. |
Mangal Pandey | 1827-1857 | Played a significant role in the 1857 Rebellion. |
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar | 1883-1966 | A leading face of the Hindu Mahasabha. |
Mahatma Gandhi, often hailed as the “Father of the Nation,” earned this title through unwavering dedication and sacrifices for India. Born on October 2, 1869, Gandhi’s commitment to truth and non-violence inspired independence and human rights movements globally. India’s embrace of nonviolence is deeply influenced by Gandhi’s philosophy, promoting nonviolent resistance and non-cooperation with the British. His belief in these methods as effective tools to end colonial rule and achieve independence has left an indelible mark on India’s history.
Khadi The Handwoven Freedom by Mahatma Gandhi
Subhash Chandra Bose emerges as a prominent and influential figure among Indian nationalists during the struggle for independence. Widely referred to as Netaji, he was born in Cuttack on January 23, 1897, driven by an unwavering sense of patriotism. Bose aligned with the more radical faction of the Indian independence movement, leading the dynamic and youthful wing of the Congress from the early 1920s until the end of 1930. Official records indicate that he tragically lost his life in an aviation accident on August 18, 1945. Nevertheless, persistent beliefs propose that he may have survived and met his demise at a later date.
Biography of Subash Chandra Bose
Born on September 28, 1907, in Banga, Pakistan, Bhagat Singh emerged as one of India’s boldest freedom fighters. Despite earning significant admiration for his contributions to the independence movement, his methods faced criticism from contemporaries like Gandhi and Nehru. In 1928, he became involved in a plot to assassinate James Scott, a British police superintendent, in retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. Tragically, on March 23, 1931, this fearless patriot met his demise when British authorities hanged him at Lahore Central Jail in Pakistan. At just 23 years old, he is fondly remembered as Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
Chandra Shekhar Azad, born on July 23, 1906, in the village of Bhavra, Madhya Pradesh, to Pandit Sitaram Tiwari and Jagran Devi, emerged as a pivotal figure in the Indian Independence Movement, deeply committed to the ideals of freedom. Azad actively participated in Mahatma Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement. Following the passing of Hindustan Republican Association’s (HRA) founder, Ramprasad Bismil, Azad assumed responsibility for restructuring the organization. Remarkably, at the tender age of 15, when presented before the district magistrate, he adopted the name Azad, symbolizing “independence,” for himself. He chose Swatantrata as his father’s name and declared his residence as Jail.
The Punjab Kesari, Lala Lajpat Rai was one of the founding members of the 1894-founded Punjab National Bank. He established the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic School in Lahore in 1885. He was also a member of the Indian National Congress (INC). The Indian Home Rule League of America was established by him in New York in 1917. He established the Servants of People Society in Lahore in 1921 to recruit and educate native missionaries to serve their country. Lala Lajpat Rai also held protests against the partition of Bengal. He participated in demonstrations against the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, and the Rowlatt Act.
Read More Biography of Lala Lajpat Rai in hindi
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, also known as Lokmanya, was a teacher, nationalist, and activist. He is one of the LALBAL PAL TRIO. He was the first leader of the independence movement. He is titled “Lokmanya”, which means “accepted by the people as their leader”.He was called “The Maker of Modern India’’ by Mahatma Gandhi. His Marathi quote: “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!” is famous. He introduced the Trisutri three-point agenda for national awakening, which stands for Swaraj, Swadeshi, and National Education.
Mangal Pandey, a well-known Indian freedom fighter who was born on July 19th, 1827, is frequently seen as the forerunner of India’s first war for independence, the 1857 uprising against the British. As a soldier in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry regiment of the East India Company’s army, he led the Sepoy rebellion that ultimately resulted in the 1857 uprising. In anticipation of a Sepoy uprising, British officers killed him on April 8, 1857, at Barrackpore, ten days early.
On November 19, 1828, the Queen of Jhansi Rani Laxmibai was born in Varanasi. She goes by the stage name Manu and goes by the name Manikarnika Tambe. She was one of the most tenacious soldiers in the Revolutionary War. She inspired numerous Indian women to fight for their country’s freedom, and she still inspires women to defend their rights today. She defended her fortress with her infant child when British troops invaded it in 1858. On June 18, 1858, in Gwalior, she perished in the Battle against a Huge Rose.
Jyotiba Phule founded India’s first girls’ school in August 1848, and it was located in Tatyasaheb Bhide’s home. Later, he opened two additional schools for girls and people from lower castes (Mahars and Mangs). He was an early supporter of women’s education in India because he thought that only education could alleviate social injustices. He founded the Satyashodhak Sama (Society of Truth-Seekers) in 1873 to enhance the social rights and political access of the less fortunate segments of society.
In 1866, Dadabhai Naroji established the East India Association (EIA) in London, in collaboration with both Indians and retired British officers. The primary aim of the EIA was to advocate for Indian rights under British rule and to bring crucial issues to attention. Dadabhai Naoroji’s influential work, “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India,” shed light on India’s economic exploitation by the British. He vehemently opposed the 1878 Vernacular Press Act and campaigned for Indian representation in the House of Commons, as well as the Indianization of the bureaucracy.
Rajendra Prasad (3 December 1884 – 28 February 1963) was an Indian politician, lawyer, activist, journalist & scholar. He served as the first president of the Republic of India from 1950 to 1962. He was a supporter of Mahatma Gandhi. During the Freedom Struggle Movement, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was jailed during the Satyagraha of 1931 and the Quit India movement of 1942. Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as Food and Agriculture Minister at the central level. He was also called “Ajata Shatru” which means a person with no enemies.
Lal Bahadur Shastri (2 October 1904 – 11 January 1966) was an Indian politician and statesman. He served as the 2nd Prime Minister and 6th Home Minister of India. He was a key proponent of the White Revolution – a national campaign to increase the production and supply of milk. He also launched the Green Revolution to increase food production, especially in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This was a significant step towards ensuring food self-sufficiency in India.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Bhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950), commonly known as Sardar, was an Indian lawyer, influential political leader, barrister, and statesman. Sardar Vallabhbhai Bhai Patel served as the first Home Minister and First Deputy Minister of India. He is also called the ‘IRONMAN OF INDIA and UNIFIER OF INDIA’ for his contribution to bringing various princely states under the Indian Flag.
Women in India have held a significant role, displaying unwavering courage and true spirit in the fight for freedom. They endured hardships, exploitation, and torture to secure our independence. The history of India’s freedom movement is rich with stories of bravery, sacrifice, and political acumen exhibited by countless women.
Dating back to 1817, women like Bhima Bai Holkar fought with remarkable valor against British forces, a spirit carried forward by figures such as Rani Channama of Kittur and Rani Begam Hazrat Mahal of Avadh. These women confronted the British East India Company three decades before the “First War of Independence” in 1857. This article focuses on the pivotal role of female freedom fighters in shaping India’s history.
This article delves into the profiles of 1o women freedom fighters from India. Their names, roles, and significant contributions to the nation are detailed below:
Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi | Aruna Asaf Ali |
Sarojini Naidu | Usha Mehta |
Madam Bhikaji Cama | Kasturba Gandhi |
Begum Hazrat Mahal | Kamala Nehru |
Annie Besant | Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit |
Freedom fighters and their contributions are an important part of Modern Indian History for UPSC Preparation. The given table provides a brief description of the name, role, and contribution of Women freedom fighters in India.
Female Freedom Fighters Name | Contribution and Role |
---|---|
Rani Lakshmi Bai | Leading women in the Rebellion of 1857 |
Begum Hazrat Mahal | First female freedom fighter |
Kasturba Gandhi | Quit India movement |
Kamla Nehru | Non-cooperation Movement, Protested against foresign liquors |
Vijay Laxmi Pandit | First Indian women ambassador at UN. |
Sarojini Naidu | First Indian woman who acted as governor (UP) |
Aruna Asaf Ali | Inquilab (Monthly journal) |
Madam Bhikaji Cama | First Indian to hoist the Indian Non-cooperation flag on foreign soil, Mother India’s first cultural representative of USA’ |
Kamla Chattopadhyay | The first woman to be elected to a legislative seat in India(Madras Province) |
Sucheta Kriplani | First women Chief minister (UP) |
Annie Besant | First woman president of INC, Home Rule League. |
Kittur Chennamma | First female ruler to rebel against the British |
Savitribai Phule | First lady teacher in India |
Usha Mehta | Organized Congress Radio popularly the Secret Congress Radio |
Lakshmi Sahgal | India Democratic Women Association(IDWA)(1981 ) |
Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat singh were considered as the most popular freedom fighters of India due to their belief and sacrifices they gave for the freedom of India.
Following are the most famous freedom fighters of India-
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Lala Lajpat Rai
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• Mangal Pandey
• Subhash Chandra Bose
• Bhagat Singh
• Chandra Shekhar Azad
• Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel
Mangal Pandey is often credited with the tag of first freedom fighter of India for his inspiring role in the 1857 uprising against the British, which is widely regarded as India’s first war for independence.
Mahatma Gandhi often referred Gopal Krishna Gokhale as his political guru.
Rani Velu Nachiyar (3 January 1730 – 25 December 1796) ruled over the Sivaganga estate during the period of approximately 1780–1790. Pioneering the path, she became the foremost Indian queen to confront the East India Company through warfare within India. In the Tamil community, she is revered as Veeramangai, signifying a "brave woman."
Uda Devi fought against the British regime in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Uda Devi and other female Dalit participants are today remembered as the warriors or “Dalit Veeranganas” of the 1857 Indian Rebellion
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