Rani Gaidinliu: Contributions to the Freedom Struggle

Rani Gaidinliu: Contributions to the Freedom Struggle

Question: Recently, the birth centenary celebrations of Rani Gaidinliu, a legendary freedom fighter from Nagaland were held. Discuss how this freedom fighter contributed to the struggle of independence.

- Rani Gaidinliu was a spiritual and political leader from Nagaland which led the revolt against British colonial rule in the country

- Born on 26th January 1915 at Nungkao, a Manipuri village in Rongmei

- Ranima was known as an exponent of Haipou Jadonang, who launched the religious movement to reform Zealiangrong Naga communities

- Movement became a political struggle for uprooting colonialism from Manipur and Naga areas

- Towards the late 1920s, British officials commenced with a campaign against this movement

- Rani Gaidninliu became the leader of the movement and she was arrested in 1932 by British authorities

- She was a political leader who emerged as a veteran leader of the resistance movement

- She identified the Naga struggle for freedom with the wider independence movement

- She also spread the message of Gandhiji in Manipur

- She was released from 14 years in jail when India regained independence in 1947

- She continued to work for the Naga customs , beliefs and traditions within a unified India

- She passed away on 17th February 1993 leaving behind a legacy for the people of Zeliangrong

Facts and Stats

Rani Gaidinliu received the following honours:

- Tamrapatra in 1972

- Padma Bhushan in 1982

- Vivekananda Sewa Samman in 1983

- Birsa Munda Award in 1966

- Mundra Award in 1996

- A postal stamp featuring Rani Gaidinliu was also released in her honour

- GoI has also instituted a Stree Shakti Puruskar honouring 5 well known Indian women leaders in history; this included Rani Gaidinliu

- Hindustan Shipyard Ltd has also launched an in-shore patrol vessel named after her for the Indian coast guard at Vizag on 6th November 2010