16. Lakshmi Sehgal
Being a member of the Rani of Jhansi regiment under the Indian National Army, she was responsible for treating the wounded prisoners of war. The British arrested her in Burma during the second world war. The Padma Vibhushan was bestowed on her in 1998
17. Rani Gaidinliu
A prominent political leader, she undertook the task of protecting Manipur and many Naga regions from British invasion. She openly repulsed the way in which many religious leaders were threatened to embrace Christianity. This lady was barely 16 when she was arrested for the first time. The government awarded her the Padma Bhushan for her numerous contributions.
18. Alluri Sitarama Raju
Though unsuccessful in leading the Rampa Rebellion, he played a pivotal role in standing up for the tribal people who were under British oppression. Despite belonging to a well-to-do Kshatriya family, he didn’t flinch from his rightful path.
19. Tanguturi Prakasam
Known as the Andhra Kesari, he participated in the protest against the Simon Commission and challenged a policeman to shoot him when he tore his own shirt. He later became the first Chief Minister of Madras Presidency and then of Andhra state.
20. Surendra Sai
Surendra Said helped the Sambalpuri tribals to fight the British. Due to his efforts, Sambalpur remained unconquerable for a long time.
21. Rani Chenamma
This badass queen of Kittur won in an armed struggle against the British. She openly condemned the Doctrine of Lapse when her adopted son wasn’t recognised as the true ruler of Kittur. She was captured by the British led by Chaplin, the commissioner of Dharwad when she was defeated in the second war. Her patriotic legacy remains fresh even today and continues to inspire many.
22. Sangoli Rayana
Rayana was a military officer Rani Chenamma’s army. He was a loyal officer who loyally continued to fight for the Rani and Kittur. After Kittur’s defeat in the second war, he continued the struggle by using guerilla warfare tactics. Unfortunately, he was betrayed and executed by the British.
23. Udham Singh
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 shook the entire nation. This was the incident that motivated Udham Singh to murder Michael O’Dwyer, the leiutenant governor of Punjab. He shot the governor in public when the latter was ready to address a gathering. He bravely embraced the death sentence and died for his motherland in peace.
24. Sardar Ajit Singh
How many of you know that this man was the uncle of Bhagat Singh? Well, he was another dauntless revolutionary who lived till the day India attained independence. His revolutionary efforts greatly inspired his nephew. He openly revolted against many laws that were a threat to the farmers in Punjab. Most of his life was spent in exile and travelling from place to place to ward off the British.
25. Benoy, Badal, Dinesh
These youngsters caused a lot of trouble by assassinating N S Simpson, the man who cruelly prosecuted many political prisoners. A gun battle ensued between the trio and the British troops. After this, they committed suicide but somehow Dinesh was alive and was hanged for the murder of Simpson.
26. Abadi Bano Begum
She was the mother of the legendary duo— Shaukat Ali and Muhammad Ali— who participated in the Khilafat and Non-cooperation movements. She encouraged women to sell Khadi and relentlessly worked towards uniting the Hindus and Muslims
27. Vinoba Bhave
Bhave’s devotion towards Mahatma Gandhi is evident in the way he professed non-violence. He became the first Satyagrahi and led the Quit India Movement. His Bhoodan movement gained popularity and was meant for supporting landless people in 1951. He initiated many spiritual and social causes during the freedom struggle and after that as well.
28. Durgawati Devi
If you wondering who she is, well she is the woman who accompanied Bhagat Singh who had to escape after killing Saunders. She was the wife of Bhagawati Charan Vohra, a famous revolutionary. She was arrested for trying to assassinate Lord Hailey and even ran a bomb factory owned by the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
29. Birsa Munda
He was pivotal in heading the millenarian movement against the British to protect tribal rights, land, customs, etc. He is the only tribesman who’s portrait hangs in the Indian Parliament.
30. Subramania Bharati
He was a Tamil political activist who’s proficient writings and poems stirred the feeling of patriotism in his countrymen. He was arrested many times because of this. He was a radical thinker and reformist who was also influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and frequently participated in making bonfires of English goods and addressed the public. He made major contributions in Tamil literature.
Your Turn!
Did we miss out on any unsung heroes of Indian Independence? Let us know in the comments section!
