Rani Gaidinliu – A Heroic Tribal Freedom Fighter
In India’s extensive freedom movement, tribal people often found themselves speaking out in the most outlandish corners — less heard, brave yet definitely heroic. These were people, whose characters were shaped by the drumbeat of the forest and the wisdom of oral traditions, by their intimate relationships of attachment to their land and people. When they were confronted with domination from outside, those people rose not just to defend their territorial integrity; also, to protect the very nature of their ways of life. Their courage was one that snuck underlined beneath their very skin, inextricably bound by their sense of duty to their people and culture.
The Rise of a Young Tribal Leader
A young girl once stood against an empire. Rani Gaidinliu, born into the Zeliangrong Naga community, was not an ordinary freedom fighter but also a political as well as a spiritual leader to her community who led a revolt against British rule. Her resistance against British Empire, struggle against missionary conversions, and opposition to oppressive laws are a testament to her unwavering spirit and her unyielding dedication to the rights and heritage of her people. She was born on 26th January 1915, in Nungkao village, in present Manipur. Far from formal education, she delved into her roots by learning the transition and stories of her community and people. Over time, she evolved into a fearless and inspirational leader. Her formative years were defined by an unwavering commitment to something more than herself. When she was thirteen, she formed a vision to lead her people towards freedom. She united various Naga tribes under her leadership to fight for freedom. For indigenous rights and Naga sovereignty, she led a movement to resist against British rule in the 1930s. This led to her arrest in 1932. Even when the path grew dark and uncertain, she held on. Giving up was never an option for her. She played a core role in the cultural and social development of Nagaland after independence.
The Heraka Movement and Imprisonment
She was just thirteen, when her cousin, Haipou Jadonang, who was also her Guru, introduced her to the Heraka Movement. It was initiated by Haipou Jadonang, aimed to preserve indigenous identity and resist the growing influence of Christian missionaries, as well as colonial reforms imposed by the British, particularly forced labour and heavy taxation on tribal communities. She led non-cooperation movement which made difficulties for the British to administer in the area. After joining the freedom struggles, she dedicated her life to drive out British from their region. As a result, she was sentenced to life imprisonment at the age of sixteen and spent fourteen years in jail. She was liberated only in 1947, when the British had left. Jawaharlal Nehru met her at Shillong jail in 1937, and promised to pursue her release. Nehru gave the title of ‘Rani’ and she gained a local popularity as ‘Rani Gaidinliu‘.
Recognition and Legacy
She was honoured as a freedom fighter and awarded Padma Bhushan by Government of India. She was also awarded the Tamrapatra Freedom Fighter Award in 1972. She deceased in 1993 aged 73. Posthumously she was awarded the Birsa Munda Award. The Government of India also issued a postage stamp in her honour in 1996 and a commemorative coin in 2015. Opened the Rani Gaidinliu Women’s Market at Tamenglong, which was inaugurated in 2018. After the independence, she was recognized for her passion and contributions and became a symbol of Naga resistance and cultural preservation. Rani Gaidinliu’s legacy continues to inspire the Naga community and the others around the world.
