Top 10 Women Freedom Fighters Of Maharashtra

History often overlooks the contributions of women in the fight for freedom. Does that mean no women were brave enough to take up the cause of the freedom struggle? Or have we forgotten their contributions, and have their stories simply been lost? India’s struggle against colonial rule is full of tales of sacrifice and valour by women. It’s time to give credit where credit is due by celebrating the remarkable women freedom fighters who stood alongside their male counterparts in this crucial chapter of Indian history.

Commemorating The Female Freedom Fighters Of Maharashtra

Maharashtra, a central stage in the fight against British rule, saw women not just participating but actively leading the movement. This state had been the centre of the fight against the British, and women, too, did not lag behind. They played an active role, with some being the spearheads in the movement. Read on to learn about the Top 10 Women Freedom Fighters Of Maharashtra. While it is not possible to document the contribution of every woman towards independence, here is the list of female freedom fighters of Maharashtra in no particular order who have made some important contributions. 

List Of Female Freedom Fighters Of Maharashtra

1. Baiza Bai

Typical to most women, Baiza Bai donned many hats. She was a queen, banker, administrator, and, most importantly, a fighter. Born in 1784 in the village of Kagal, located in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, she married Gwalior King Daulat Rao Scindia. She was trained in spear and weapon combat and was a great horsewoman. She fought the Maratha Wars with her husband as a partner against the British. After the death of her husband, she ruled the Scindia Kingdom, had control over her land, and kept the Colonials at bay for a long time. Unfortunately, she was finally deposed by the East India Company in 1833. It is documented that Baiza Bai played a major role in strategizing the anti-British revolt in 1857 and was one of the most popular freedom fighters in Maharashtra, known for her resilience against the British when the other Maratha kings laid their arms down. 

2. Godavari Parulekar

A true trailblazer, Godavari Parulekar is a freedom fighter who has quite a few firsts to her name, thus giving her an automatic inclusion to our Maharashtra freedom fighters list. Born in 1907 in Pune, she holds several distinctions: she was the first woman law graduate in Maharashtra, the first woman to become a lifelong member of the Servants of India Society, and the first joint secretary of the Maharashtra All India Kisan Sabha. From her student days, she was an active participant in the freedom struggle and even moved out of her house as her family was sympathetic to British rule. She participated in individual satyagrahas and was convicted by the British in 1932. Godavari Parulekar moved to Mumbai after that and joined the Servants of India Society. She was influenced by the ideologies of the Marxists. She took the lead in the armed struggle in 1945, the Warli Adivasi Revolt, and fought against the Portuguese for the freedom of Dadar and Nagar Haveli. After independence, she fought for Adivasi rights. 

3. Kaveribai Patil

Let’s now read about a fearless lady freedom fighter of Maharashtra who wouldn’t be silenced! Kaveribai Patil is known for her fearlessness in asking for the right to free speech, for which she was arrested in October 1941. This was deemed a major turning point in women’s participation during the freedom movement and earned her a place among the premier women freedom fighters of Maharashtra and India. She is considered a symbol of determination and courage and made way for the participation of women in Satyagraha in Bombay. 

4. Rohini Gavankar

Rohini Gavankar, a name synonymous with youthful defiance, was one of the ten female freedom fighters of Maharashtra who fought for freedom for decades. Truly a remarkable and inspiring woman, she was an active participant in India’s freedom struggle from a young age and inspired many young girls and women to take part in it. While just 14 years old, Rohini Gavankar mobilised people and defiantly sang patriotic songs, much to the disdain of the British authorities. She played the role of a messenger in the Prati Sarkar Movement and was one of those people who kept the movement going when the prominent leaders were imprisoned.   

5. Bhikaiji Cama

Leading the charge for freedom, Bhikaji Cama, also known as Madam Cama, stands out as one of the most prominent female freedom fighters from Maharashtra. Born in 1861 in Bombay, she fought for women’s rights and had the distinction of unfurling the first version of the Indian national flag in 1907 in Stuttgart, Germany. Forced into exile for personal reasons, she continued to fight for freedom against the British outside India through her activism and writings. She was also an avid advocate of women’s equality and fought for the same but her first fight was for Indian independence. Today, she is regarded as one of the most famous freedom fighters of Maharashtra, even gaining recognition on the international stage for her fight against colonialism. 

6. Indumati Babuji Patankar

Indumati Babuji Patankar is a prominent person on our female freedom fighters of Maharashtra list. Born into a family that was involved in the freedom struggle, this exposure shaped her opinion and resolve towards the cause. She participated in many events and organised protests, demonstrations, and various forms of civil disobedience. She played a crucial role in bringing the locals together in the fight against the British. In addition to her contributions to the freedom struggle, she dedicated herself to uplifting women, striving to improve their conditions and advocating for their welfare and rights.

7. Mithuben Petit

Do you want to know who the female freedom fighters from Maharashtra were who worked alongside the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi? One of the first names that comes to mind is Mithuben Petit. Born in Bombay in 1892, she was another prominent Indian woman freedom fighter who participated in the Dandi March. She joined Gandhi’s protest of the Rowlatt Act in 1919, and from there on, she continued her efforts. She participated in the Borsad Satyagraha and created awareness among women. During the Salt Satyagraha, she stayed with Kasturba (Mahatma Gandhi’s wife), and after her arrest, Mithuben managed the camps. She was also arrested for four months for her role in the civil disobedience movement. She was awarded Padma Shri in 1961 for her freedom struggle and social work. 

8. Jayashri Raiji

Jayashri Raiji was a freedom fighter, reformist, social worker, and politician who dedicated her life to the country and the people. She is considered to be one of the top 10 women freedom fighters of Maharashtra who, like many others, was very inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s invitation to join the freedom struggle. After that, she followed his teachings and took a pledge to live a simple life. She participated in freedom marches and picketed shops that sold foreign clothes and was arrested. She was also the Bombay Congress Women’s Wing head and organised parades to protest the arrest of leaders, which led to her arrest. After independence, she reluctantly became a politician and dedicated her life to uplifting the poor.  

9. Rama Khandwala

A fiery spirit from a young age, Rama Khandwala stands out among Maharashtra’s women freedom fighters of India. She became involved actively in the freedom movement at a very young age by joining Subhas Chandra Bose’s Rani of Jhansi Regiment as a sepoy. A true patriot, she showed great dedication and courage and soon got promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant. She led thirty Ranis and was almost killed in action. Even after India gained independence, she continued her contribution and focused on uplifting the poor. Beyond her activism, she inspired many by starting her career as a guide, sharing her deep knowledge of India’s culture and history.

10. Sumati Morarjee

Sumati Morarjee is called the first woman of Indian shipping as she became the first female in the world to head the organisation of ship owners. Born to a wealthy family she married into a wealthy Scindia family, which owned the Scindia Steam Navigation Company. She was included in the company at 14 years of age and went on to build it from a small establishment to a 6,000-employee company. Amidst this, she was greatly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and was part of the underground movement (after the major leaders were arrested in 1942, a few continued their work in secret) for independence. She taught people that the role of women in the Indian freedom struggle was not limited to activism but could be subtle and understated.

Unsung Heroes of the Freedom Movement from Maharashtra

These unsung heroes of Maharashtra’s freedom movement each have a unique story and have made significant contributions. They represent the diverse roles women played in the freedom struggle, embodying selfless commitment and unwavering spirit. Their stories serve as a reminder of women’s pivotal role in shaping our nation’s future. Here’s to saluting these unsung women freedom fighters of India!

Frequently Asked Questions About Marathi Female Freedom Fighters

1. Who is known as the Mother of Revolution in India?

Bhikaiji Cama is called the Mother of Revolution in India.

2. Who was the first Indian to raise the national flag?

Bhikaiji Cama was the first Indian to raise the national flag. 

3. Which female freedom fighter was the first woman of Indian shipping?

Sumati Morarjee was a female freedom fighter who was the first woman of Indian shipping.