Indian National Army  

India’s struggle for independence was shaped by countless brave hearts, and among them were fearless women who defied societal norms and fought for freedom. These women were warriors, revolutionaries, and leaders who played a vital role in shaping India’s destiny. Their sacrifices, resilience, and contributions continue to inspire generations.  

Here’s a look at ten remarkable women freedom fighters of India who dedicated their lives to the cause of Independence.  
 

History speaks of the courage of countless women freedom fighters, who made immense contributions during the freedom struggle. Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhani is considered the first woman revolutionary in the country. She made history by courageously fighting hundreds of British soldiers.

When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was fighting for Indian independence taking enormous risks, there were forces in India that openly opposed him, belittled his efforts and even betrayed him to the British. One such force was the marxists, who derided Netaji as running dog of imperialism when he defied their call for support to the British during World War II.

When we talk about the Azad Hind Fauj also known as the Indian National Army, one name that comes to our mind instantly is that of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. But how many of you know that the spadework for this courageous organization was done by another Bose. An unsung hero of India’s freedom struggle, Rash Behari Bose, sacrificed his job as an officer of the British Raj to join India’s independence movement. Let’s find out more about the life of the lesser-known Bose in this episode of India Untold with Sunita Iyer.

The 101-year-old Baghmal, a member of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army who breathed his last on Friday found joy in the fact that after 70 years of service, the Indian government finally recognised the contribution of the INA soldiers.

Four veterans from Subhash Chandra Bose's Azad Hind Fauj, all aged over 90, took part in the parade among many firsts this Republic Day. While it deserves to be revered as independent India's first military force, Indian National Army (INA) had been relegated to the shadows and denied a place in our forces