Top 10 Lesser Known Female Freedom Fighters From Odisha

People from all over India participated in the Indian freedom struggle. Among these unsung heroes were the courageous women who defied societal norms to play pivotal roles in the nation’s liberation. They broke the age-old tradition of confining themselves to household activities and played a major role in the freedom movement. Odisha’s women were no exception. The courageous contributions of these women freedom fighters are a timeless source of immense pride for the state. The Top 10s Only team is proud to present a list of the Top 10 Lesser-Known Female Freedom Fighters From Odisha whose contribution to India’s freedom struggle deserve to be remembered.  

List of The Top 10 Lesser Known Female Freedom Fighters From Odisha

Odisha’s role in the path to India’s independence is well-documented. However, the role of Odia women in the independence movement, such as in the Satyagraha Movement,  has not been highlighted enough. Here, are our top picks of India’s female freedom fighters, whose courage and determination have left an indelible mark on Indian history.

1. Sarala Devi

Our quest to find 10 female freedom fighters of India, whose roots are deeply embedded in the rich soil of Odisha, led us on an inspiring journey. A notable name that came up was that of Sarala Devi, one of the most iconic freedom fighters of Odisha who made a great impact on the freedom movement in the state. She was an activist, politician, writer, and feminist, and she was the first woman from Odisha to participate in the non-cooperation movement in 1921. Born in a village near Balikuda, Jagatsinghpur, in a Zamindar affluent family, she was home-schooled and learned various languages. Sarala Devi was inspired by the legendary Rani Suka Dei, Queen of Banki, who was known for sacrifice and patriotism. From a young age, she believed that women should be equal to men, and she fought for the same with the help of her husband, who was also a freedom fighter. She joined the Mahila Samaja, which encouraged Odia women to join the freedom movement. Sarala Devi was arrested for her Satyagraha activities, and her public image was raised, and more women joined her. She also participated in the Quit India Movement and was arrested. Sarala Devi continued to be actively involved in public life post-independence until her passing in 1986, solidifying her status as one of the most famous freedom fighters of Odisha.

2. Parbati Giri

There were many brave Odia women in the Indian freedom struggle. Parbati Giri was a prominent female freedom fighter from Odisha who was called the “Mother Teresa of Odisha”. Born on 19th January,1926, in Sambalpur district, she was a role model for female empowerment. Parbati Giri joined the freedom struggle at the young age of 11 by dropping out of school to campaign for INC. She was greatly inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, participated in the Quit India Movement, and even led rallies against the British. Like other freedom fighters, she too was sent to jail many times but was later released. Post-independence, Parbati Giri fought for the betterment of women and the poor. She founded the Rukmini Lath Bal Niketan for children and orphans and devoted her life to their welfare. Her dedication is praiseworthy, and she is truly one of the many unsung heroines of Odisha who continue to inspire people.

3. Ramadevi Choudhury

Ramadevi Choudhury was a freedom fighter and activist from Odisha. She was called “Maa” by Odias, meaning mother, and that itself is proof of the immense love, respect, and reverence the people of Odisha held for her as a maternal figure and a leader. Her active participation in the freedom movement and her dedication to the fight for women’s rights have made her an inspiration to the people of India. She actively participated in the Non-cooperation movement in 1921 and also joined the INC (Indian National Congress). Ramadevi took part in the Salt Satyagraha in Odisha and was imprisoned by the British. After her release in 1932, she became involved in the Harijan movement and worked to abolish untouchability. Post-independence, she was involved in Vinobha Bhave’s Gramdan-Boodhan movement. Her enduring legacy is immortalised in the Bhubaneswar Ramadevi Women’s University, named in her honour. She is truly one of the most inspiring freedom fighters Odisha has produced.

4. Jambubati Pattnaik

Next, we have a lesser-known female freedom fighter whose courage and determination were instrumental in inspiring her community to join the fight for independence. Jamubati Pattnaik is an inspirational woman from Odisha who fought for India’s freedom. Her participation in the freedom struggle started in 1930, when she rallied women from Sambalpur to participate in Balasore’s Salt Satyagraha. Displaying her great courage, she hoisted the Indian tricolour to protest against colonial rule. Her efforts included mobilising women against the use of foreign goods and spreading Gandhiji’s non-violence message. In 1942, she took part in the Quit India movement on Gandhiji’s “Do or Die” call and was imprisoned. She died on July 7, 1943, on account of ill health.   

5. Laxmi Indira Panda

One of the unsung female freedom fighters who was thrust into the limelight quite late in her life was Laxmi Indira Panda. A young Odia revolutionary, she was the sole female member from Odisha in Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army. Born in 1930, near Rangoon, her father worked for the INA. When she was 14, her parents were killed in a bombardment by the British. To seek revenge, she wanted to join the INA. However, her frail physique initially hindered her aspirations. But her persistence ensured that she was approved by Bose himself and enlisted in the Rani Jhansi Regiment. She started as a cook and housekeeper but went on to learn shooting, swordsmanship and espionage. A dedicated freedom fighter, she was a confidante of Bose and played an active role in the movement until the INA’s dissolution. Following Japan’s defeat, the British branded Laxmi a dangerous war criminal and imprisoned her. However, she was released as she was only a teenager. She returned to India and married an INA veteran, but she never got her due as a freedom fighter until a few weeks before she died in 2008. She is but one of the many forgotten heroes of India whose stories of valour were lost in history books. 

6. Pari Bewa

Many will be unfamiliar with the name Peri Bewa. An unsung heroine, she was Odisha’s only female martyr, making her sacrifice particularly poignant. Born in Eram, she played a major role in the Quit India Movement. On September 28, 1942, there was a gathering at Eram to prepare an action plan to fight the British and also to protest against the British government. A scene of horror unfolded as the police opened fire on the trapped crowd, echoing the brutality of Jallianwala Bagh. Within no time, the police killed 29 people and injured 46. Among those martyred in this tragic incident was Bewa. It’s unknown tales like these that prompted us to create this list of women freedom fighters of Odisha. The story of Pari Bewa needs to be told and her sacrifice should serve as a source of inspiration to the people of India. 

7. Annapurna Maharana

The contribution of Odia women in the Satyagraha Movement can be clearly assessed from the story of Annapurna Maharana, an Indian freedom fighter who was a close aide of Mahatma Gandhi. Born on November 3, 1917, in Cuttack into a Zamindar family, she was involved in the freedom struggle from a young age. Her family were freedom fighters, and she was brought up with Gandhian values. Influenced by the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, she joined the 1930 Civil Disobedience movement and participated in Salt Satyagraha. She was jailed for collecting donations but was released as she was a minor. In 1934, she took part in the Harijan Pada Yatra. She organised groups for the ‘Do or Die’ call of Gandhi and was arrested multiple times. Post independence, she became a prominent women’s rights and social activist and dedicated her life to social work. Annapurna Maharana passed away in 2012 at the age of 95.

8. Kuntala Kumari Sabat

Kuntala Kumari Sabat had a multifaceted personality and came into prominence as an Odia poet during India’s freedom struggle. She was a writer, poet, physician, editor, and social worker. But, apart from this, she was also a leader of the Indian freedom movement. Born on February 8, 1901, in Jabalpur, she moved to Odisha for her studies and became a physician. She was passionate about poetry and composed many revolutionary and patriotic songs in various languages. Her poetry motivated young men and women to join India’s freedom struggle. She was the leader of the Aligarh student federation, and Arya Mahila Sammilani. Her poems, like Ahwan and Sphuling, promoted India’s independence and denounced the British. She passed away in 1938, leaving a legacy of patriotic literature.  

9. Rukmini Devi Lath

Rukmini Devi Lath was born in 1914 in Sambalpur into a Marwari family. She was married to Prahalad Ray Lath, who was a freedom fighter and a businessman. Rukmini was the backbone of her husband during his freedom struggle. Their house was the centre of shelter for freedom fighters during the Civil Disobedience Movement. Whoever came to Sambalpur as freedom fighters became the couple’s guests. Even when her husband was in jail, she took care of the guests. In 1942, some leaders had to go underground and were sheltered by Rukmini Devi. Gandhi noticed her activities, was pleased with her work and was also her guest when he came to Sambalpur in 1934. After independence, she started an orphanage and was also involved in many social service activities.

10. Gurubari Meher

Gurubari Meher was a martyr who fought against an Indian king who was imposing British rule on the people of Sonapur. Married to Sonapur’s Samaru Meher, her birth date is unknown but her martyrdom is documented in Dainik Asha. In 1947, a few months before independence the resentment of the people of Sonapur rose as their weavers faced heavy taxes and irregular yarn supply. This led to protests which led to the arrest of the three leaders one of whom was the grandson of Gurubari. After the arrest, she led thousands of people to the police station which resulted in their release. During a victory march, Gurubari Meher was fatally bayoneted by a policeman.

Conclusion

India got independence after a century of bloodshed, struggles, sacrifices and satyagrahas. These top 10 lesser-known freedom fighters from Odisha fought shoulder-shoulder with the men. Their patriotism, courage and passion brought great impetus to the National movement in Odisha and that helped India get freedom. They deserve a special place in Indian history and should be remembered in the same breath as the other popular freedom fighters of India.