Subject: Modern History

Answer:

The participation of women in India's freedom struggle marked a significant departure from traditional social norms, with their involvement reaching its zenith during the Gandhian phase (1920-1947). Women from diverse backgrounds stepped out of their domestic spheres to contribute actively to the nationalist movement, breaking social barriers and establishing themselves as powerful agents of change.

Mass Mobilization and Civil Disobedience

• During the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), women like Bi Amman (mother of Ali brothers) addressed public gatherings and encouraged people to boycott foreign goods.
• The Salt Satyagraha (1930) witnessed unprecedented women's participation, with Sarojini Naidu leading the Dharasana Salt Works raid and becoming the first woman to be arrested.
• Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay spearheaded the movement for manufacturing salt and picketing liquor shops during the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Revolutionary Activities

• Durga Bhabhi provided critical support to Bhagat Singh and his companions, establishing the Mahila Shakti Organization.
• Pritilata Waddedar led the famous raid on the Chittagong European Club in 1932, sacrificing her life for the cause.
• The Indian National Army's Rani Jhansi Regiment, led by Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan, demonstrated women's military capabilities.

Social Reform and Political Leadership

• Annie Besant's Home Rule Movement (1916) inspired many women to join nationalist politics.
• Kasturba Gandhi led the Quit India Movement in Mahatma Gandhi's absence and died in detention in 1944.
• The All India Women's Conference (1927) unified women's voices for both national freedom and social reform.

Grassroots Mobilization

• Women like Aruna Asaf Ali organized underground activities during the Quit India Movement (1942).
• Usha Mehta established the Secret Congress Radio to broadcast nationalist messages.
• Rural women participated in large numbers in the Kisan movements and peasant struggles.

Educational and Literary Contributions

• Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit established educational institutions promoting nationalist ideals.
• Writers like Subhadra Kumari Chauhan inspired patriotism through their literary works.

The Gandhian phase of the freedom struggle witnessed unprecedented women's participation, transforming both the nature of the nationalist movement and women's position in society. Their contributions ranged from peaceful protests to revolutionary activities, laying the foundation for women's empowerment in independent India. Today, their legacy continues through various initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Mission Shakti, emphasizing women's crucial role in nation-building.