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'Freedom Fighters'

Hundreds and thousands left everything, and many sacrificed their life for one common goal - freedom of India from foreign rule! These freedom fighters, activists and revolutionaries came from different backgrounds and philosophies to fight one common enemy - the foreign imperialists! While we are aware of several freedom fighters and revolutionaries, many have remained unsung heroes. We have made best efforts to present some of the most prominent freedom activists and revolutionaries who made immense contribution towards India’s struggle for freedom.

Tantia Tope (1814 – 18 April 1859)

Tantia Tope was one of the Indian rebellions of 1857. He served as a general and led a group of Indian soldiers against the British. He was an ardent follower of Nana Sahib of Bithur and continued to fight on his behalf when Nana was forced to retreat by the British army. Tantia even forced General Windham to retreat from Kanpur and helped Rani Lakshmi of Jhansi to retain Gwalior.

Nana Sahib (19 May 1824 – 1857)

After leading a group of rebellions during the 1857 uprising, Nana Sahib defeated the British forces in Kanpur. He even killed the survivors, sending a hard-hitting message to the British camp. Nana Sahib was also known as an able administrator and is said to have led around 15,000 Indian soldiers.

Kunwar Singh (November 1777 - 26 April 1858)

At the age of 80, Kunwar Singh led a group of soldiers against the British in Bihar. Using guerrilla warfare tactics, Kunwar bedazzled the British troops and managed to defeat the forces of Captain le Grand near Jagdispur. Kunwar Singh is known for his bravery and was fondly called as Veer Kunwar Singh.

Rani Lakshmi Bai (19 November 1828 – 18 June 1858)

One of the key members of India's first war of independence, Rani Lakshmi Bai went on to inspire thousands of women to join the fight for freedom. On 23 March, 1858 Lakshmi Bai defended her palace and the entire city of Jhansi when it was threatened to be captured by British troops led by Sir Hugh Rose.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak (23 July 1856 – 1 August 1920)

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of the most prominent freedom fighters of India who inspired thousands with the slogan – “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”. As a form of protest against the British, Tilak established schools and published rebellious newspapers. He was famous as one of the trios – Bal, Pal and Lal. People loved him and accepted him as one of their leaders and so, he was called Lokmanya Tilak.

Mangal Pandey (19 July 1827 – 8 April 1857)

Mangal Pandey is said to have played a key role in inspiring Indian soldiers to start the great rebellion of 1857. Working as a soldier for the British East India Company, Pandey started firing at English officials and caught them unawares. His attack is regarded as the first step of the Indian rebellion that started in 1857.

Begum Hazrat Mahal (1820 – 7 April 1879)

Working along with leaders like Nana Saheb and Maulavi of Faizabad, Begum Hazrat Mahal rebelled against the British during the revolt of 1857. She was successful in taking control of Lucknow after leading the troops in her husband’s absence. She rebelled against the demolition of temples and mosques before retreating to Nepal.

Ashfaqulla Khan (22 October 1900 – 19 December 1927)

Ashfaqulla Khan was a firebrand among the young revolutionaries, who sacrificed his life for the sake of his motherland. He was an important member of the Hindustan Republican Association. Khan, along with his associates, executed the train robbery at Kakori for which he was arrested and executed by the British.

Rani Gaidinliu (26 January 1915 – 17 February 1993)

Rani Gaidinliu was a political leader who revolted against the British rule. She joined a political movement at the age of 13 and fought for the evacuation of British rulers from Manipur and the neighbouring areas. Unable to withstand her protests, the British arrested her when she was just 16 years old and sentenced her to life imprisonment.

Bipin Chandra Pal (7 November 1858 – 20 May 1932)

Bipin Chandra Pal was one of the key members of the Indian National Congress and a prominent freedom fighter. He advocated the abandonment of foreign goods. He, along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, spearheaded many revolutionary activities. For this reason, he is called as the ‘Father of Revolutionary Thoughts.’

Chandra Shekhar Azad (23 July 1906 – 27 February 1931)

One of the close associates of Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad is credited for reorganizing Hindustan Republican Association. Azad, as he was popularly called, is known as one of the bravest freedom fighters of India. At the time of being surrounded by British soldiers, he killed many of them and shot himself to death with the last bullet of his Colt pistol. He did so, as he never wanted to be captured alive.