Freedom Fighters of India List 1857-1947, Names and Contribution

India’s history is deeply entwined with the courageous efforts of numerous freedom fighters of India who tirelessly worked for the nation’s independence. Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Lala Lajpat Rai, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak stand out among these figures. Through their unwavering determination and sacrifices, they liberated India from British rule.

The freedom fighters of India employed diverse methods, from peaceful protests to armed resistance, each playing a vital role in India’s freedom struggle. Alongside these well-known names, countless other patriots, whether recognized or unsung, dedicated their lives to the nation’s cause. Their collective efforts and sacrifices are celebrated, highlighting the unyielding spirit that led to India’s independence.

Freedom Fighters of India

India’s independence stands as a tribute to the exceptional bravery and selflessness of its true heroes—the Freedom Fighters of India. The journey to freedom was fraught with challenges, characterized by rebellions, battles, and movements led by countless patriotic individuals. Their unwavering struggle against British colonialism secured India’s sovereignty, establishing these heroes as the visionaries of the nation’s independence movement.

Names of Freedom fighters of India

Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Patel, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and numerous others stand out as renowned freedom fighters in India. The following list includes the names of some of the most celebrated freedom fighters of India:

1. Lala Lajpat Rai
2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
3. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
4. Dr. Lal Bhadur Shastri
5. Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel
6. Bhagat Singh
7. Subhas Chandra Bose
8. Mahatma Gandhi
9. Jawaharlal  Nehru
10. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
11. Chandra Shekhar Azad
12. Sarojini Naidu
13. Tantia Tope
14. Mangal Pandey
15. Rani Lakshmi bai
16. Dr. B.R Ambedkar
17. Dadabhai Naoroji
18. Bipin Chandra Pal
19. Ashfaqulla Khan
20. Nana Sahib
21. Sukhdev
22. Kunwar Singh
23. V.D Savarkar
24. Annie Besant
25. Begum Hazrat Mahal
26. Kasturba Gandhi
27. Kamla Nehru
28. Vijay Laxmi Pandit
29. Aruna Asaf Ali
30. Madam Bhikaji Cama
31. Kamla Chattopadhyay
32. Sucheta Kriplani
33. Kittur Chennamma
34. Savitribai Phule
35. Usha Mehta
36. Lakshmi Sahgal
37. Rani Gaidinliu
38. Pingali Venkayya
39. Veerapandiya Kattabomman
40. Bakht Khan
41. Chetram Jatav
42. Chetram Jatav
43. Bahadur Shah Zafar
44. Manmath Nath Gupta
45. Rajendra Lahiri
46. Sachindra Bakshi
47. Roshan Singh
48. Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee
49. Bagha Jatin
50. Kartar Singh Sarabha
51. Basa won Singh (Sinha)
52. Senapati Bapat
53. Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi
54. Tirupur Kumaran
55. Parbati Giri
56. Kanneganti Hanumanthu
57. Alluri Sitarama Raju
58. Bhavabhushan Mitra
59. Chittaranjan Das
60. Prafulla Chaki

Contribution by Freedom Fighters of India

Top 10 Freedom Fighters of India

Beneath the grandeur of India’s Independence Day ceremony on August 15, 1947, lies a history filled with struggles, battles, and the efforts of countless passionate freedom fighters. These brave individuals faced hardships and made great sacrifices to free India from British rule.

The legacy of these freedom fighters goes beyond just independence; it represents courage, determination, and a deep commitment to the nation. Even today, their sacrifices inspire millions to protect and value our hard-won freedom.

• Ranking the top 10 freedom fighters of India is a challenging task and perhaps unfair.
• Each freedom fighter of India made a distinct and invaluable contribution to India’s independence struggle.
• Instead of ranking or categorizing them, it’s crucial to acknowledge their significant roles in unique ways like some contributed as moderates, some as extremist and then Gandhi Ji, who started Non Cooperation Movement.
• Some gained more widespread recognition, including Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and others.
• In the following section, we will explore the remarkable contributions of these renowned freedom fighters of India and their pivotal roles in India’s fight for independence.

Famous Freedom Fighters of India

Here is a brief overview of 20 prominent Freedom Fighters of India and their significant contributions to the nation’s struggle for independence. The table encapsulates the diverse backgrounds, ideologies, and methods employed by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad, among others, in their pursuit of liberation from British colonial rule.

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi, often hailed as the “Father of the Nation,” earned this title through unwavering dedication and sacrifices for India. Born on October 2, 1869, Gandhi’s commitment to truth and non-violence inspired independence and human rights movements globally. India’s embrace of nonviolence is deeply influenced by Gandhi’s philosophy, promoting nonviolent resistance and non-cooperation with the British. His belief in these methods as effective tools to end colonial rule and achieve independence has left an indelible mark on India’s history. Click here to read about Khadi The Handwoven Freedom by Mahatma Gandhi 

Subhas Chandra Bose

Subhash Chandra Bose emerges as a prominent and influential figure among Indian nationalists during the struggle for independence. Widely referred to as Netaji, he was born in Cuttack on January 23, 1897, driven by an unwavering sense of patriotism. Bose aligned with the more radical faction of the Indian independence movement, leading the dynamic and youthful wing of the Congress from the early 1920s until the end of 1930. Official records indicate that he tragically lost his life in an aviation accident on August 18, 1945. Nevertheless, persistent beliefs propose that he may have survived and met his demise at a later date, we have prepared a separate page on  Biography of Subash Chandra Bose for better understanding of the students.

Bhagat Singh

Born on September 28, 1907, in Banga, Pakistan, Bhagat Singh emerged as one of the most bold freedom fighters of India. Despite earning significant admiration for his contributions to the independence movement, his methods faced criticism from contemporaries like Gandhi and Nehru. In 1928, he became involved in a plot to assassinate James Scott, a British police superintendent, in retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. Tragically, on March 23, 1931, this fearless patriot met his demise when British authorities hanged him at Lahore Central Jail in Pakistan. At just 23 years old, he is fondly remembered as Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Biography of Bhagat Singh can be read here to understand more about the legendary freedom Bhagat Singh.

Chandra Shekhar Azad

Chandra Shekhar Azad, born on July 23, 1906, in the village of Bhavra, Madhya Pradesh, to Pandit Sitaram Tiwari and Jagran Devi, emerged as a pivotal figure in the Indian Independence Movement, deeply committed to the ideals of freedom. Azad actively participated in Mahatma Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement. Following the passing of Hindustan Republican Association’s (HRA) founder, Ramprasad Bismil, Azad assumed responsibility for restructuring the organization. Remarkably, at the tender age of 15, when presented before the district magistrate, he adopted the name Azad, symbolizing “independence,” for himself. He chose Swatantrata as his father’s name and declared his residence as Jail.

He was betrayed by a party member and surrounded by British troops. Despite being vastly outnumbered, he fought valiantly for hours, demonstrating immense courage and determination. Finally, with his last bullet and refusing to be captured, he chose to shoot himself at Alfred Park in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, sacrificing his life for the cause of India’s freedom.

Lala Lajpat Rai

The Punjab Kesari, Lala Lajpat Rai was one of the founding members of the 1894-founded Punjab National Bank. He established the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic School in Lahore in 1885. He was also a member of the Indian National Congress (INC). The Indian Home Rule League of America was established by him in New York in 1917. He established the Servants of People Society in Lahore in 1921 to recruit and educate native missionaries to serve their country. Lala Lajpat Rai also held protests against the partition of Bengal. He participated in demonstrations against the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, and the Rowlatt Act. Click on the link Biography of Lala Lajpat Rai in hindi to gain more insights about life of Lala Lajpat Rai.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Bal Gangadhar Tilak, also known as Lokmanya, was a teacher, nationalist, and activist. He is one of the LALBAL PAL TRIO. He was the first leader of the independence movement. He is titled “Lokmanya”, which means “accepted by the people as their leader”.He was called “The Maker of Modern India’’ by Mahatma Gandhi. His Marathi quote: “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!” is famous. He introduced the Trisutri three-point agenda for national awakening, which stands for Swaraj, Swadeshi, and National Education.

Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pandey, a well-known Indian freedom fighter who was born on July 19th, 1827, is frequently seen as the forerunner of India’s first war for independence, the 1857 uprising against the British. He was a sepoy (infantryman) in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) regiment of the British East India Company, he led the Sepoy rebellion that ultimately resulted in the 1857 uprising. In anticipation of a Sepoy uprising, British officers killed him on April 8, 1857, at Barrackpore, ten days early. Biography of Mangal Pandey will motivate you and help you develop a holistic understanding about India’s first revolution.

Rani Laxmi Bai

On November 19, 1828, the Queen of Jhansi Rani Laxmibai was born in Varanasi. She goes by the stage name Manu and goes by the name Manikarnika Tambe. She was one of the most tenacious soldiers in the Revolutionary War. She inspired numerous Indian women to fight for their country’s freedom, and she still inspires women to defend their rights today. She defended her fortress with her infant child when British troops invaded it in 1858. On June 18, 1858, in Gwalior, she perished in the Battle against a Huge Rose.

Jyotiba Phule

Jyotiba Phule founded India’s first girls’ school in August 1848, and it was located in Tatyasaheb Bhide’s home. Later, he opened two additional schools for girls and people from lower castes (Mahars and Mangs). He was an early supporter of women’s education in India because he thought that only education could alleviate social injustices. He founded the Satyashodhak Sama (Society of Truth-Seekers) in 1873 to enhance the social rights and political access of the less fortunate segments of society.

Dadabhai Naroji

In 1866, Dadabhai Naroji established the East India Association (EIA) in London, in collaboration with both Indians and retired British officers. The primary aim of the EIA was to advocate for Indian rights under British rule and to bring crucial issues to attention. Dadabhai Naoroji’s influential work, “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India,” shed light on India’s economic exploitation by the British. He vehemently opposed the 1878 Vernacular Press Act and campaigned for Indian representation in the House of Commons, as well as the Indianization of the bureaucracy.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Rajendra Prasad (3 December 1884 – 28 February 1963) was an Indian politician, lawyer, activist, journalist & scholar. He served as the first president of the Republic of India from 1950 to 1962. He was a supporter of Mahatma Gandhi. During the Freedom Struggle Movement, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was jailed during the Satyagraha of 1931 and the Quit India movement of 1942. Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as Food and Agriculture Minister at the central level. He was also called “Ajata Shatru” which means a person with no enemies.

Lal Bahadur Shastri

Lal Bahadur Shastri (2 October 1904 – 11 January 1966) was an Indian politician and statesman. He served as the 2nd Prime Minister and 6th Home Minister of India. He was a key proponent of the White Revolution – a national campaign to increase the production and supply of milk. He also launched the Green Revolution to increase food production, especially in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This was a significant step towards ensuring food self-sufficiency in India.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Bhai Patel

Sardar Vallabhbhai Bhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950), commonly known as Sardar, was an Indian lawyer, influential political leader, barrister, and statesman. He played a crucial role in Salt Satyagraha initiated by Mahatma Gandhi. Sardar Vallabhbhai Bhai Patel served as the first Home Minister and First Deputy Minister of India. He is also called the ‘IRONMAN OF INDIA and UNIFIER OF INDIA’ for his contribution to bringing various princely states under the Indian Flag.

List of Women Freedom Fighters in India

Women in India have held a significant role, displaying unwavering courage and true spirit in the fight for freedom. They endured hardships, exploitation, and torture to secure our independence. The history of India’s freedom movement is rich with stories of bravery, sacrifice, and political acumen exhibited by countless women.

Dating back to 1817, women like Bhima Bai Holkar fought with remarkable valor against British forces, a spirit carried forward by figures such as Rani Channama of Kittur and Rani Begam Hazrat Mahal of Avadh. These women confronted the British East India Company three decades before the “First War of Independence” in 1857. This article focuses on the pivotal role of female freedom fighters in shaping India’s history.

1. Rani Lakshmi bai
2. Begum Hazrat Mahal
3. Kasturba Gandhi
4. Kamla Nehru
5. Vijay Laxmi Pandit
6. Sarojini Naidu
7. Aruna Asaf Ali
8. Madam Bhikaji Cama
9. Kamla Chattopadhyay
10. Sucheta Kriplani
11. Annie Besant
12. Kittur Chennamma
13. Savitribai Phule
14. Usha Mehta
15. Lakshmi Sahgal

10 Women Freedom Fighters in Indian History

This article delves into the profiles of 1o women freedom fighters from India. Their names, roles, and significant contributions to the nation are detailed below:

Indian Female Freedom Fighters Name, Role & Contribution

Freedom fighters of India and their contributions are an important part of Modern Indian History for UPSC Preparation. The given table provides a brief description of the name, role, and contribution of Women freedom fighters of India.

• Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi

• Born: 19 November 1828
• Died: 18 June 1858
• She symbolized courage, patriotism, self-respect, perseverance, and generosity in her resistance against the British
• Played a pivotal role in the Indian Revolt of 1857

• Sarojini Naidu

• Born: 13 February 1879
• Died: 2 March 1949
• Nicknamed the ‘Nightingale of India’
• Notable poet, celebrated freedom fighter, and eloquent speaker
• Served as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1925
• Actively supported the Khilafat (Indian Disobedience) Movement and the Quit India Movement.

• Madam Bhikaji Cama

• Born: 24 September 1861
• Died: 13 August 1936
• Notable event in 1907: Unfurled the first Indian National Flag at the International Socialist Conference in Germany.

• Begum Hazrat Mahal

• Lived: 1820—1879
• Also recognized as the Begum of Awadh
• Significant role in India’s First War of Independence (1857-58)
• Collaborated with Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope, and others during the Revolt
• Honored by the Government of India with a commemorative stamp in 1984.

• Annie Besant

• Born: October 1, 1847
• Died: September 20, 1933
• Notable association: Prominent member of the Theosophical Society and Irish by origin
• Active engagement with the Indian National Congress, participating in political and educational endeavors within India
• Achieved the distinction of becoming the first woman President of the Congress
• Pioneered the establishment of the Indian Home Rule Movement in 1916
• Founded the newspaper “New India”
• Established various educational institutions, including the Central Hindu College High School in Banaras (1913)

• Aruna Asaf Ali

• Born: July 16, 1909
• Died: July 29, 1996
• Active affiliation with the Congress Party
• Engaged in public marches as part of the Salt Satyagraha
• Edited ‘In-Qilab,’ a monthly journal linked to the Indian National Congress
• Revered as the Grand Old Lady of the Independence Movement
• Notable for raising the Indian National Congress flag in Bombay during the Quit India Movement.

• Usha Mehta

• Born: March 25, 1920
• Passed away: August 11, 2000
• Renowned for operating the Congress Radio, an underground radio station
• Notable involvement during the Quit India phase of India’s freedom struggle
• Further details about Usha Mehta’s role are available in the linked article.

• Kasturba Gandhi

• Born: April 11, 1869
• Passed away: February 22, 1944
• Led the Women’s Satyagraha
• Engaged in protests alongside Indigo workers in Champaran, Bihar
• Actively involved in the No Tax Campaign and Rajkot Satyagraha.

• Kamala Nehru

• Lived: 1899–1936
• Married to Jawaharlal Nehru, Kamala organized processions, spearheaded protests against liquor and foreign cloth shops, and actively participated in the struggle for freedom.
• Played a pivotal role in strengthening the No Tax Campaign in the United Provinces.

• Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

• Born: August 18, 1900
• Passed away: December 1, 1990
• Daughter of Motilal Nehru
• Served as President of the Congress Party
• Participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement as a stance against British Rule
• Arrested in 1940 and re-arrested during the Quit India Movement in 1942
• Following independence, she represented India at numerous international conferences.

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