Today is 8 March 2025, and the whole world is celebrating International Women Day. This day is a symbol of female power, courage and equality. The history of India is full of such heroes who not only contributed to the independence of the country with their indomitable courage and sacrifice, but also opened new avenues for women in the society.
The great land of India has always given birth to brave, courageous and inspiring women, who have created a history by creating history from the battlefield to the sky with their courage, resolve and sacrifice. Let’s know about 10 Indian Heroines of India, who showed their courage and set an example even under adverse circumstances.
1. Rani Laxmibai (1835–1858)
Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi is a symbol of India’s first freedom struggle (1857). When the British tried to capture Jhansi, the queen tied her adopted son on the back and fought the British firmly. “Mardaani fought a lot, she was a queen of Jhansi” – This line is a lively proof of her valor. She received Veeragati in Gwalior on 18 June 1858, but her story still inspires every Indian.
2. Sarojini Naidu (1879–1949)
Sarojini Naidu, popularly known as “Kokila of India”, was a prominent female leader of the freedom struggle. Her poems raised a sense of patriotism among the people, and she was active in the Civil Disobedience Movement and Non -Cooperation Movement. Sarojini, who became the first woman president of the Indian National Congress, showed the path of leadership to women with her courage and intelligence.
3. Kasturba Gandhi (1869–1942)
Mahatma Gandhi’s wife Kasturba Gandhi played an important role in the freedom struggle by staying behind the screen. Gandhiji himself said that the firmness of “Ba” was even more than him. He participated in several movements against the British and also paid the jail sentence. Their simplicity and courage are still inspiration for women.
4. Bhikaji Cama (1861-1936)
Bhikaji Cama lived abroad and fought for India’s independence. At the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany in 1907, he hoisted India’s first tricolor flag and raised his voice against the British rule. Their boldness showed the world that Indian women may also be the leader of revolution.
5. Lakshmi Sehgal (1914-2012)
Lakshmi Sehgal Azad was the first female commander of the Azad Hind Fauj, popularly known as Captain Lakshmi. Impressed by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, he led the “Rani Regiment of Jhansi” and fought a war against the British. His valor proved that women are not far behind in the battlefield.
6. Kalpana Chawla (1962-2003)
Kalpana Chawla was the first female astronaut of India to work for NASA. He died in a Colombia spacecraft accident in 2003, but his contribution still inspires the youth.
7. Kanaklata Barua (1924–1942)
This young Veerangana of Assam fought the British by holding the tricolor in the Quit India Movement at the age of 17. In 1942, she became a victim of English bullet while leading a procession. The sacrifice of Kanaklata is a source of inspiration for the younger generation.
8. Matangini Hazara (1870-1942)
This Veerangana of Bengal participated in the Quit India Movement at the age of 72. She was martyred by English bullet while leading the rally with the tricolor in her hand. His valor teaches that courage has no age.
9. Savitribai Phule (1831-1897)
Savitribai Phule took a revolutionary step for women’s education. Together with her husband Jyotiba Phule, she opened the first women’s school and fought against social evils. His fearlessness played an important role in changing the status of women in Indian society.
10. Bachendri Pal (born 1954)
This courageous woman of modern India created history by climbing Mount Everest in 1984. Bachendri Pal was the first Indian woman to touch this height. Their achievement proved that Indian women can overcome any challenge.
History is full of heroes
Apart from these, Shanti Tigga was the first woman to be admitted to the Indian Army, who completed her tough training in equal and made her own identity in the army. His bravery still inspires. At the same time, despite losing her foot in a train accident, Arunima Sinha created history by climbing Mount Everest. Their struggle and encouragement are inspiration for all.
Air hostess Neerja Bhanot of Pan AM Flight 73, while protecting the passengers from the terrorists, sacrificed his life. At the age of 23, his sacrifice became a symbol of valor in the history of India. He was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra. India’s first female IPS officer Kiran Bedi took several important steps to improve the law and justice system. His honesty and fearlessness made him famous across the country.
Six -time world champion and Olympic medalist boxer Mary Kom did not give up even under adverse circumstances. The player coming from Manipur proved that every difficulty can be conquered with determination.
