ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE POLITICAL STATUS AND ROLE OF WOMEN DURING THE INDIAN INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT

Abstract

Like the freedom movement of the other countries of the world, the history of freedom movement in India is rich with equal participation of men and women. Like other countries of third world, our countrymen also had to struggle long and hard to get freedom. In the glorious story of the struggle against the British rule, the names of many brave sons as well as the names of brave ones are also printed in the golden letters in history. As such, during the freedom movement, the role of intellectuals, farmers, lawyers and social reformers has been very important at every level and at every stage of the movement. But keeping in mind the circumstances of that time, it is also very interesting and important to analyze the role of women in this regard. From the Vedic era to the modern era ,the role of women has been changing according to the time and circumstances in the various segments.Lopamundra,Ghosha and Apala in Vedic era, Gargi and Maître in post Vedic era, Sheela and Attarika in the Gupta age and in the Mogul era Razia gninfluence in politics was important and extra-ordinary. Similarly, the role of Begum Hazrat Mahal and Jhansi Queen Rani Laxmi Bai during the period of independence struggle especially during 1857 Revolution and later in the Gandhi era, Mrs. Annie Besant, Bhagini Nivedita, Madam Cama,Pandita Ramabai ,Sarojini Naidu,Kamla Nehru, Sucheta Kruplani,Prabhadevi,Vijaya Laxmi Pandit ,Mniben Patel and the roles of other such women cannot be ignored.Similarly,the British Education system, increased the means of transport and the social reform movement has increased the political consciousness of women and motivated them to contribute to the National Movement. In spite of all the adverse circumstances such as low educational level and various ban in public life, after tough struggles, women made their unique identity in the history of freedom movement. Gradually, women became involved in social issues, their understanding in this regard increased which changed their thinking. Due to this, women gradually moved forward in the struggle for independence, in the movement of reforms and in the Legislative Councils. Here also the fact cannot be denied that most of the women who led the national movement were highly educated and belonged to the upper middle class. KEY WORDS-National movement, Social reform, Political consciousness, Women’s Organization, Gandhi Era, Female suffrage.