WOMEN ISSUES DURING GANDHIAN ERA

Kasturba Gandhi, born Kasturbai Makhanji Kapadia on April 11, 1869, was the wife of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule. She played a significant role in supporting Gandhi's work and ideals throughout her life.

Kasturba and Gandhi were married in an arranged marriage in 1883 when she was just thirteen years old. Despite the customs of the time, their marriage was based on mutual respect and support for each other's beliefs. Kasturba stood by Gandhi through his struggles and supported him in his social and political endeavors, including his campaigns for civil rights, nonviolent resistance, and Indian independence.

She actively participated in various movements led by Gandhi, including the Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and the Quit India Movement in 1942. Kasturba was imprisoned multiple times for her involvement in these movements and endured hardships alongside her husband.

Apart from her political activism, Kasturba was also involved in social work, particularly in promoting the welfare of women and children. She was committed to Gandhi's principles of nonviolence, simplicity, and service to others.

Kasturba Gandhi passed away on February 22, 1944, while she and Gandhi were both imprisoned at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune. Her role as Gandhi's partner and her contributions to India's struggle for independence have earned her a place in history as a symbol of strength, resilience, and dedication to social justice

Sarojini Naidu, born on February 13, 1879, was an Indian independence activist, poet, and politician. She was one of the most prominent figures of the Indian independence movement.

Naidu was born in Hyderabad, which was then part of the princely state of Hyderabad. She received an excellent education and demonstrated a talent for poetry from a young age. Her father, Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, was a scientist and philosopher, and her mother, Barada Sundari Devi, was a poet.

Naidu became involved in the Indian nationalist movement early in her life and joined the Indian National Congress (INC), where she worked closely with leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and later Mahatma Gandhi. She played a significant role in organizing protests, advocating for women's rights, and promoting nonviolent resistance against British rule.

In addition to her political activism, Naidu was celebrated as a poet, earning the nickname "Nightingale of India" for her lyrical poetry. Her works often reflected themes of patriotism, nature, and Indian culture.

Naidu was the first woman to become the president of the Indian National Congress and the first woman to serve as a governor in independent India. She was appointed as the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) in 1947.

Sarojini Naidu passed away on March 2, 1949, but her legacy as a poet, politician, and freedom fighter continues to inspire people in India and around the world. She remains a symbol of women's empowerment and the struggle for independence

Annie Besant, born on October 1, 1847, was a prominent British socialist, theosophist, women's rights activist, writer, orator, and supporter of Indian and Irish self-rule. She was a remarkable figure in late 19th and early 20th-century social and political movements.

Besant's early life saw her involved in various causes, including workers' rights and theosophy, a spiritual movement seeking to explore the underlying unity of the world's religions. Her involvement in theosophy led her to travel to India, where she became deeply involved in Indian society and its struggle for independence from British rule.

Besant's advocacy for Indian self-rule brought her into close collaboration with Indian nationalist leaders, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. She became the first woman president of the Indian National Congress in 1917, a significant milestone in India's struggle for independence.

In addition to her political activities, Besant was a prolific writer and speaker. She wrote extensively on topics ranging from spirituality and religion to social reform and women's rights. Her works include "The Ancient Wisdom," "The Basis of Morality," and "The Birth of New India."

Besant's legacy is multifaceted. She is remembered for her contributions to Indian nationalism, her efforts to advance women's rights, her advocacy for workers' rights, and her promotion of theosophy. Her life and work continue to inspire people around the world who strive for social justice, equality, and spiritual enlightenment. Besant passed away on September 20, 1933, but her impact on history and society endures

Aruna Asaf Ali, born Aruna Ganguli on July 16, 1909, was an Indian independence activist known for her significant contributions to the freedom struggle. She played a pivotal role in the Quit India Movement of 1942 and is remembered as the "Grand Old Lady" of the Indian Independence Movement.

Aruna Asaf Ali became politically active during her college years, joining the Nationalist Movement and participating in various protests against British colonial rule. She married Asaf Ali, a prominent leader in the Indian National Congress, in 1928, which further deepened her involvement in the freedom struggle.

One of her most notable acts of defiance against British rule came during the Quit India Movement in 1942. When the British authorities declared the movement illegal and arrested top leaders, Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the Indian National Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay (now Mumbai) on August 9, 1942. This symbolic act marked the beginning of the movement and inspired millions of Indians to join the struggle for independence.

Aruna Asaf Ali continued her involvement in social and political causes after India gained independence in 1947. She worked tirelessly for the welfare of women, children, and the underprivileged sections of society. She was also active in the socialist movement in India and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.

In recognition of her contributions to the nation, Aruna Asaf Ali was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 1992. She passed away on July 29, 1996, but her legacy as a fearless freedom fighter and champion of social justice continues to inspire generations of Indian

Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, born on April 3, 1903, was a prominent Indian social reformer, freedom fighter, and advocate for women's rights. She played a significant role in various spheres of Indian life, including politics, arts, and social activism.

Chattopadhyay was born into a progressive and intellectually inclined family in Mangalore, Karnataka. She received an education that was unusual for girls at the time, which fueled her passion for learning and social change.

One of her major contributions was in the realm of women's empowerment. She worked tirelessly to uplift the status of women in Indian society, advocating for their education, economic independence, and participation in politics. She was instrumental in establishing the All India Women's Conference (AIWC) in 1927, an organization dedicated to addressing women's issues and promoting their rights.

Chattopadhyay was deeply involved in the Indian independence movement. She participated in the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement, alongside other freedom fighters. She also played a crucial role in reviving and promoting Indian handicrafts and cottage industries as a means of empowering rural communities and preserving India's cultural heritage.

Additionally, Chattopadhyay was a leading figure in the field of arts and culture. She was a proponent of Indian traditional arts and crafts and worked to promote them both nationally and internationally. She was also involved in the establishment of several cultural institutions, including the National School of Drama and the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

For her immense contributions to various fields, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was honored with several awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 1955. She passed away on October 29, 1988, but her legacy as a pioneering feminist, social reformer, and nationalist continues to inspire generations of Indians

Sister Nivedita, born Margaret Elizabeth Noble on October 28, 1867, was a Scottish-Irish social worker, teacher, and disciple of Swami Vivekananda. She is best known for her contributions to the Indian independence movement and her efforts to promote education and women's empowerment in India.

Nivedita was drawn to the teachings of Swami Vivekananda after attending one of his lectures in London in 1895. Impressed by his message of Hindu philosophy and spirituality, she traveled to India in 1898 and became Vivekananda's disciple. Vivekananda gave her the name "Nivedita," meaning "Dedicated to God."

In India, Sister Nivedita devoted herself to various social and educational causes. She established a girls' school in Calcutta (now Kolkata) to provide education to underprivileged girls, emphasizing the importance of both traditional Indian knowledge and modern education. She also worked tirelessly to promote Indian art, culture, and heritage.

During the Indian independence movement, Sister Nivedita actively supported Indian nationalists and worked alongside leaders like Rabindranath Tagore and Aurobindo Ghose. She used her influence to advocate for Indian self-rule and social reform, particularly in areas such as women's rights and education.

Sister Nivedita's commitment to India and its people earned her widespread admiration and respect. She became a beloved figure in India, particularly in Bengal, where she was affectionately referred to as "Lokmata" or "Mother of the People."

Sister Nivedita passed away on October 13, 1911, at the age of 43. Her legacy lives on through the institutions she founded, her writings on Indian culture and spirituality, and the lasting impact of her efforts to uplift and empower the people of India. She remains an inspiration to all who strive for social justice, education, and the advancement of humanity

Begum Hazrat Mahal, born as Muhammadi Khanum, was one of the key figures in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence. She was the wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the ruler of Awadh (Oudh) region in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.

When the British annexed Awadh in 1856, Wajid Ali Shah was deposed and exiled to Calcutta (now Kolkata). Begum Hazrat Mahal refused to accept the British annexation and took a leading role in the resistance against British rule. She rallied support from both the nobility and common people of Awadh.

Begum Hazrat Mahal played a crucial role in organizing the rebels and leading military campaigns against the British forces. She actively participated in battles, including the Siege of Lucknow, where she showed great courage and leadership.

Under her leadership, Awadh saw a brief period of independence, with Lucknow becoming the center of the rebellion against British rule. However, the British eventually regained control over Awadh, and Begum Hazrat Mahal was forced to flee to Nepal, where she sought asylum.

Despite facing defeat, Begum Hazrat Mahal's resistance inspired future generations of freedom fighters in India. Her bravery and determination in standing up against British oppression have earned her a place of honor in Indian history. She remains a symbol of courage and resilience in the fight against colonialism

Matangini Hazra, also known as "Gandhi Buri" (Old Woman Gandhi), was a prominent freedom fighter from Bengal, India, who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. She was born on October 19, 1870, in Hogla village, Bengal Presidency.

Hazra was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of nonviolence and civil disobedience. She actively participated in various nationalist movements, including the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement.

One of the most notable moments in Hazra's life came during the Quit India Movement of 1942. At the age of 72, she led a procession of freedom fighters in Tamluk, West Bengal, carrying the Indian national flag and shouting slogans against British rule. Despite being unarmed, Hazra fearlessly marched towards the Tamluk police station. When the police ordered the crowd to disperse, Hazra defiantly shouted, "Shoot me if you dare!" The police opened fire, and Hazra was mortally wounded. She continued to hold the flag until she fell to the ground, becoming one of the martyrs of the independence struggle.

Matangini Hazra's sacrifice and commitment to the cause of freedom inspired generations of Indians. She is remembered as a symbol of courage, resilience, and selfless dedication to the nation's struggle for independence. Her legacy continues to inspire individuals fighting for justice and liberty around the world

Savitribai Phule, born on January 3, 1831, was an Indian social reformer, educator, and poet who played a significant role in the women's rights movement and the fight against caste-based discrimination in 19th-century India. She is widely regarded as the first female teacher of India and a pioneer in promoting women's education.

Savitribai Phule was born into a family of farmers in Maharashtra, India. Despite facing numerous challenges and societal restrictions, she received an education under her husband, Jyotirao Phule's guidance. Together, they dedicated their lives to social reform and the upliftment of marginalized communities, particularly women and the lower castes.

In 1848, Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule founded the first school for girls in Pune, breaking social norms and facing backlash from conservative elements in society. Despite facing opposition, Savitribai persevered, becoming the first female teacher in India and paving the way for women's education in the country.

Savitribai Phule was also a prolific writer and poet, using her literary works to advocate for social reform and gender equality. She addressed issues such as child marriage, widow remarriage, and the oppression of lower-caste communities through her writings.

In addition to her work in education, Savitribai was actively involved in various social reform movements. She worked to empower women, promote widow remarriage, and provide support to marginalized communities.

Savitribai Phule's contributions to Indian society have been widely recognized and celebrated. She remains an icon of women's empowerment and social justice, inspiring generations of Indians to strive for equality and inclusivity. Her birthday, January 3, is celebrated as "Balika Din" or "Girl's Day" in Maharashtra, honoring her pioneering efforts in the field of women's education