The Role of Women in India’s Freedom Movement
ICSE Class 10 History Project
Academic Year: 2025–2026
Name: __________________________
Roll No: __________________________
Class & Section: __________________
Preface
This project, titled “The Role of Women in India’s Freedom Movement,” explores the
immense courage and contribution of Indian women to our nation's independence. Often
overlooked in mainstream history, their stories deserve to be highlighted, celebrated, and
studied.
I have tried to present both iconic and lesser-known heroines who made sacrifices for the
country. Through newspaper references, quotes, and images, I hope this work sheds light on
their unyielding spirit.
This project is presented as a part of my ICSE Class 10 requirement and is written with
great respect for those who fought for India's freedom.
Acknowledgement
I would like to sincerely thank my History teacher for her valuable guidance and
encouragement throughout this project. I also express my gratitude to my school library for
providing books and historical resources, and to my parents for their support and feedback.
Chapter 1: Early Pioneers of Resistance
Detailed discussion of Rani Lakshmibai, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Velu Nachiyar, and women in
the 1857 Revolt.
Chapter 2: Iconic Leaders and Their Ideologies
Coverage of Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, Kasturba Gandhi, and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
with quotes and newspapers.
Chapter 3: Women in Mass Movements
Stories of Aruna Asaf Ali, Usha Mehta, Sucheta Kripalani, Durgabai Deshmukh, and women
protesters across India.
Chapter 4: Unsung Heroines and Regional Contributions
Profiles of Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Barua, Rani Gaidinliu, Accamma Cherian, and tribal
women in lesser-known revolts.
Conclusion
India’s freedom struggle is often remembered through the names of iconic male leaders, but
an equally powerful and inspiring force was the women who rose, resisted, and redefined
the role of Indian womanhood. From queens who rode into battle in 1857 to peasants who
stood before British bullets in 1942, from poets and lawyers to tribal warriors and
underground broadcasters—the contribution of women was vast, varied, and vital.
These women challenged not only the British Empire but also the social and cultural norms
that had for centuries kept them confined to the home. They became symbols of courage,
intellect, sacrifice, and resilience. They stepped out of their traditional roles, leading mass
movements, running underground networks, and standing toe-to-toe with colonial forces.
Today, their legacy lives on in every vote cast, every right exercised, and every opportunity
claimed by Indian women. Their struggle was not just for political freedom but for a future
where women could stand as equals in a just and democratic India.
Visual Elements and Illustrations
Image 1: Rani Lakshmibai on horseback, sword in hand, leading troops at Jhansi.
Image 2: Sarojini Naidu addressing a crowd at an INC session, 1925.
Image 3: Matangini Hazra statue in Kolkata, holding the flag.
Image 4: Usha Mehta operating the Congress Radio.
Image 5: Kanaklata Barua memorial at Gohpur, Assam.
Image 6: Tribal women participating in protests, artist sketches based on oral history.
Bibliography / References
The Hindu Archives – Reports on Accamma Cherian, Sarojini Naidu
The Bombay Chronicle (1930s–1940s) – Political speeches and protest reports
Harijan Weekly, M.K. Gandhi – Issues from 1925–1945
The Times (London) – Reports from 1857 on Rani Lakshmibai and Begum Hazrat Mahal
Dainik Batori (Assamese) – Coverage of Kanaklata Barua
Young India – Articles on women’s contributions to satyagraha
Ray, Bharati – Women of India: Colonial and Postcolonial Periods
Forbes, Geraldine – Women in Modern India
Oral histories collected by the Indian Memory Project and Partition Archive
Official publications from the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
