PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE INDIAN FREEDOM STRUGGLE

ABSTRACT There was a substantial amount of contribution from the women in India's Freedom Struggle. Very often, we pretentiously avoid appreciating and acknowledging their roles but we must not forget that the history of independence will always remain incomplete without addressing the chapter on women. It is indeed disgraceful to call women the weaker section because throughout history women have participated extensively in the revolutionary movements for social changes. The consciousness of women took a unique shape during the War of Independence. Women portrayed an image of undaunted spirit, courage, bravery and political sagacity, they were both morally and physically active during this entire period. However, even after having significant presence in the freedom struggle, woman's role has not received due place and recognition in the construction of history and their sacrifices are merely considered as an extension of their domesticity. It would have been quite impossible for men alone to achieve independence if the women of the society not joined them in this massive struggle. This article attempts to throw a bit of light on the woman figures who with their ventures proved that they are not only capable to manage households but are equally efficient in battlefields and can certainly be an asset for the nation. Hence, we cannot ignore the role of women in the War of Independence.