Did You Know About The Valiant Women Of The Rani Of Jhansi Regiment?

We are talking about empowering women in the 21st century but did you know how troops of women soldiers fought hand in hand with men for India’s independence? Surely the names of freedom fighters like Rani Lakshmi Bai, Sarojini Naidu, Kanaklata Baruah, Matangini Hazra and Kasturba Gandhi are remembered time and again but what about the hundreds of women who took to arms to protect our country? Raised by nationalist Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Rani of Jhansi Regiment had these women soldiers who had only one aim – to overthrow the British rule in India.

Established in July 1943, the Rani of Jhansi Regiment comprised of around 170 cadets who were teenage volunteers of Indian descent working in the rubber estates of Malaysia. They underwent initial training in Singapore and were later stationed in Rangoon and Bangkok. Within a year, the unit had over 300 cadets who were given the ranks of Non-Commissioned Officers and Sepoys. Isnpired by the legendary Rani Lakshmi Bai, the cadets were trained in handling rifles, hand grenades, and bayonet charges and a few underwent more extensive training in Burma. By the time the passing out parade of the regiment was held in 1944 in Singapore, the regiment had a total of 500 troops. Out of this, about 200 cadets who were given nursing training formed the Chand Bibi Nursing Corps.

Captain Lakshmi Sahgal and Janaki Devar – The Face Of Women Empowerment

Born Lakshmi Swaminathan, Captain Lakshmi Sahgal was instrumental in the formation of the all-female battalion. She approached Netaji Bose for the same who was impressed by her bravery after she fought the British army in the jungles of Burma. Lakshmi Sahgal was arrested and taken prisoner in Burma during the Second World War. She joined Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 1971 and was also nominated as a candidate in the presidential elections against APJ Abdul Kalam.

The leadership of Rani of Jhansi Regiment was handed over to Janaki Devar in 1944 from Lakshmi and this 18-year-old showed guts unlike any other girl. Hailing from a well-to-do family, Janaki began by donating all her jewellery for the funding of Indian National Army (INA) after listening to a moving speech by Netaji in Singapore. Even after facing fierce opposition from family members, she joined the regiment and worked hard to become the commander of the Burma contingent.

The courage of these powerful women is remarkable as they volunteered knowing well that they were putting their lives at stake. They refused to leave their regiment even when their male comrades retreated or surrendered even as the enemy was closing in on them.

Expert Speak On The Role Of Revolutionaries

Eminent historian and former JNU Professor Pushpesh Pant talked to HerZindagi about how the role of women revolutionaries was so important but only a select few are remembered. Owing to the Nehru-Subhash rivalry, the role of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment was also suppressed and it does not find that much importance in the annals of history despite its contribution. This devaluation of INA’s contribution was due to the leanings towards an all Gandhian philosophy of ahimsa that gave minimal recognition and only sympathy to the revolutionaries who resorted to violent means to free India from the clutches of the British. History is very selective and talks about how Rani Lakshmi Bai fought for her Jhansi but does not properly underline the importance of her fight against colonial rule which had a pivotal role to play in the Indian revolution, he says.

The Legend Of Jhansi Ki Rani-Manikarnika Lives On...

Jhansi Ki Rani’s contribution to the Indian revolution was truly outstanding and the valiant Rani of Jhansi Regiment also reflected her grit and determination in its efforts while facing the enemy. What’s interesting today is that when a film like Manikarnika is being made on Rani Lakshmi Bai’s life, there are calls of threat and voices of opposition rising again. But the movie’s lead actor Kangana Ranaut has given a fitting reply to the Karni Sena which is threatening to attack her by telling them that she is a Rajput and will destroy them if they continue to harass her.

The stories of men’s valour are shouted aloud from rooftops but the achievements of women who have to fight against so many social evils to do something for their own country is rarely told. At HerZindagi, we will continue to highlight the achievements of such brave women from all walks of life so that they get their due recognition and inspire women like you and I to always believe in ourselves.

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