Indian Freedom Fighters: Heroes of Independence

India’s freedom fighters played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom are the cornerstone of India’s rich history. From revolutionary leaders to peaceful crusaders, the contributions of Indian freedom fighters are immense, and their stories continue to inspire generations.

In this article, we will explore the top Indian freedom fighters, including both male and female freedom fighters. We will also delve into the lives of lesser-known heroes who played crucial roles in India’s fight for freedom.

Most Popular Indian Freedom Fighters

Today, the independence we are enjoying was achieved through the efforts of many revolutionary Indian freedom fighters, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, and more, who took the lead in organizing the struggle which led to India’s independence. For better clarity, here is an image of some of the most famous Indian freedom fighters:

Most Popular Male Indian Freedom Fighters

Before independence, life was difficult and oppressive, and the freedoms we now enjoy, like the right to speak freely, are thanks to the efforts of these heroes of Indian freedom fighters who changed the course of our nation’s history. Below is a list of some of the 20+ most popular male Indian freedom fighters of India:

1. Mahatma Gandhi
2. Kunwar Singh
3. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
4. Dadabhai Naoroji
5. Tantia Tope
6. K. M. Munshi
7. Jawaharlal Nehru
8. Ashfaqulla Khan
9. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
10. Lala Lajpat Rai
11. Ram Prasad Bismil
12. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
13. Rani Lakshmi Bai
14. Bipin Chandra Pal
15. Chittaranjan Das
16. Begum Hazrat Mahal
17. Bhagat Singh
18. Lal Bahadur Shastri
19. Nana Sahib
20. Chandra Shekhar Azad
21. C. Rajagopalachari
22. Abdul Hafiz Mohamed Barakatullah
23. Subhash Chandra Bose
24. Mangal Pandey
25. Sukhdev

Must Read: Essay on Indian Freedom Struggle

Most Famous Women Indian Freedom Fighters

The role of women Indian Freedom Fighters in the fight for independence was significant and cannot be ignored. Many brave women Indian Freedom Fighters stood up against the British government and their rule. They lead protests, organise processions, and give speeches. Their unwavering courage and deep sense of patriotism were truly inspiring.

Below we have shared a list of the most famous women Indian Freedom Fighters in the country.

1. Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi
2. Annie Besant
3. Madam Bhikaji Cama
4. Kasturba Gandhi
5. Aruna Asaf Ali
6. Sarojini Naidu
7. Usha Mehta
8. Begum Hazrat Mahal
9. Kamala Nehru
10. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
11. Jhalkari Bai
12. Savitri Bai Phule
13. Ammu Swaminathan
14. Kittu Rani Chennamma

Greatest Indian Freedom Fighters and Their Journeys

Every freedom fighter has a unique story that continues to inspire generations even today. Their courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment play an important role in changing the future of our country. This volume highlights the lives and journeys of some of the greatest Indian freedom fighters who shaped the country’s destiny.

Mahatma Gandhi	Father of the Nation Civil Rights Activist in South Africa Satyagraha Civil Disobedience Movement Quit India Movement
Kunwar Singh	Indian Rebellion of 1857
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar	Leading figures of Hindu Mahasabha and formulator of Hindu Nationalist Philosophy
Dadabhai Naoroji	Unofficial Ambassador of India
Tantia Tope	Indian Rebellion of 1857
K. M. Munshi	Founder of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Jawaharlal Nehru	Preeminent fighter First Prime Minister of India
Ashfaqulla Khan	Member of Hindustan Republican Association
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel	Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement Unification of India
Lala Lajpat Rai	Punjab Kesari Against Simon Commission
Ram Prasad Bismil	Founding Member of Hindustan Republican Association
Bal Gangadhar Tilak	The Maker of Modern India Swadeshi Movement
Rani Lakshmi Bai	Indian Rebellion of 1857
Bipin Chandra Pal	Father of Revolutionary Thoughts Swadeshi Movement
Chittaranjan Das	reorganized the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) under its new name of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association
Begum Hazrat Mahal	Indian Rebellion of 1857
Bhagat Singh	One of the Most Influential Revolutionary
Lal Bahadur Shastri	White Revolution Green Revolution Second Prime Minister of India
Nana Sahib	Indian Rebellion of 1857
Chandra Shekhar Azad	Last Governor-General of India Leader of the Indian National Congress
C. Rajagopalachari	Last Governor-General of India Leader of the Indian National Congress
Abdul Hafiz Mohamed Barakatullah	Revolutionary Writer
Subhash Chandra Bose	World War II Indian National Congress

This was the overview of the greatest freedom fighters. Now, let’s read about them in brief, one by one.

Mahatma Gandhi: The Father of the Nation

Also Read: Non- Cooperation Movement

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

One of the greatest Indian freedom fighters that history witnessed was none other than Subhas Chandra Bose. He was born on 23rd January 1897. He was a radical nationalist and his ultimate patriotism carved a hero out of him. Bose disagreed with the ideals of non-violence promoted by Gandhi, instead of believing that only armed revolt could oust the British from India.

The founder of the Forward Bloc, he escaped the eyes of the British to reach Germany during the Second World War ultimately. He raised the Indian National Army (INA) and with Japanese help, was able to free a portion of Indian territory from the British in Manipur, but was ultimately defeated due to Japanese surrender to the British. Although he is believed to have died in a plane crash in 1945, his death remains shrouded in mystery to date.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: The Iron Man of India

Vallabhbhai Patel was born on 31st October 1875. A senior leader of the Indian National Congress, he made an immense contribution to the Indian freedom struggle as one of the most influential and strong-minded Indian freedom fighters. He was one of the most influential leaders of Gujarat, who organized peasant movements against the British based on Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence.

One of the first congress leaders to have accepted the British plan of partition for India, he is remembered as the “Iron Man of India” for his crucial role in integrating the princely states into the Indian Union. His efforts led to the integration of around 562 princely states. After independence, he served as the first home minister and deputy prime minister of India.

Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru: The First PM of India

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was born on 14th November 1889. He was the single child of Motilal Nehru and Swarup Rani Nehru. Nehru was one of the most renowned barristers and was known for his intellectual capabilities which soon made him one of the greatest politicians India had ever seen.

Nehru, under the approval of Gandhi, his mentor, rose to become one of the most dominant figures in Indian politics from the 1930s onwards. Nehru, after much deliberations, accepted the partition proposal for India in 1947 and took oath as the First Prime Minister of India after attaining independence. His birthday on 14 November is widely celebrated in India as Children’s day.

Lal Bahadur Shastri: Man of Peace

Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2nd October 1904 in the state of Uttar Pradesh. He was conferred with the title of Shastri which in English is termed a Scholar. At the age of only sixteen, he left his studies to join the non-cooperation movement at the call of Gandhi. Later, he graduated with a first-class degree from Kashi Vidyapeeth, a national institution of higher education inaugurated by Gandhi.

He was one of the most proactive Indian freedom fighters who participated in various movements such as the Quit India movement, the Civil Disobedience movement, and other satyagrahas led by Mahatma Gandhi. Lal Bahadur Shastri was incarcerated by the British for considerable periods during his lifetime. After attaining independence, he first became the Home Minister and later was made the Prime Minister of India in the year 1964.

Must Read: 1857 to 1947 History of India

Shaheed Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh is one of the most iconic Indian freedom fighters, known for his radical approach and unmatched courage. Born in 1907 in Punjab, his revolutionary spirit was ignited by the death of Lala Lajpat Rai at the hands of British police. As a prominent member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), Bhagat Singh was committed to direct action to overthrow British rule in India.

One of his most notable acts was the 1929 bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly, aimed at protesting the Simon Commission. Although it was non-lethal, the act was a powerful statement against colonial oppression. Bhagat Singh’s involvement in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre protests further exemplified his dedication to India’s independence.

Despite his young age, Bhagat Singh became one of the greatest Indian freedom fighters of all time. His bravery during his trial and ultimate sacrifice in 1931 left an indelible mark on India’s struggle for freedom. Today, Indian freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh are remembered as national heroes whose legacies continue to inspire future generations.

Dadabhai Naoroji: The Grand Old Man of India

Born on 4th September 1825, was a Mathematics and Natural Philosophy professor. He was educated at the Elphinstone College in Bombay. He turned towards politics later in life and became very active in the field. His opinion was unfavourable and he felt that the British rule would leave and cause irreparable damage to the Indian economy.

In the years 1886, 1893, and 1906, Dadabhai Naoroji had the privilege of presiding over the annual sessions of the Indian National Congress. This later led to the nationalist movement in India. His popular writings include the article named Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (1901). In this article, he was of the strong belief and opinion that India was taxed at a very high rate and all of India’s wealth was being drained to England.

Ramachandra Pandurang Tope: Tantia Tope

Tantia Tope was one of the famous revolutionaries of the Rebellion of 1857. Born in 1814, he led his soldiers to fight against the dominance of British rule. He made General Windham leave Kanpur and helped Rani Lakshmi Bai reinstate Gwalior.

Bipin Chandra Pal: Father of Revolutionary Thoughts

Bipin Chandra Pal was a revolutionary born in 1858 during the Biggest revolution against the British Army. He was a significant part of the Indian National Congress and encouraged the abandonment of foreign goods.

He formed a trio with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bal Gangadhar Tilak to be known as Lal-Bal-Pal where they executed several revolutionary activities.

Lala Lajpat Rai: The Lion of Punjab

Lala Lajpat Rai, famously known as Punjab Kesari, or the “Lion of Punjab”, and he was one of the extremist members of the Indian National Congress. He formed a trio with Bipin Chandra Pal and Bal Gangadhar Tilak to be known as Lal-Bal-Pal where they executed several revolutionary activities. He led the Punjab Protest against the Jallianwala Incident and Non-Cooperation Movement.

He fought against the Simon Commission Protest and lost his life because of a lathi charge by the Britishers.

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Bal Gangadhar Tilak, popularly known as “Lokmanya,” meaning “accepted by the people as their leader,” played a key role in India’s freedom movement. The British authorities referred to him as “The Father of Indian Unrest” due to his revolutionary ideas. He was a remarkable freedom fighter born in 1856 and was among the earliest supporters of Swaraj (self-rule).

He was a bold advocate for awakening India’s national consciousness. Famously known for his quote, ‘Swaraj is my Birthright. He published several rebellious newspapers and built schools to defy British Rule. He was the third member of the Lal-Bal-Pal along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal.

Ashfaqulla Khan: The Kakori Martyr

Born on 22nd October 1900, in the district of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Ashfaqulla Khan grew up with the non-cooperation movement going on at the forefront, led by Mahatma Gandhi. Just when he was a young gentleman, Ashfaqulla Khan became acquainted with Ram Prasad Bismil. He was one of the main conspirators in the Chauri Chaura incident, which took place in Gorakhpur.

He was a strong advocate of independence and wanted the British to leave India at any cost. Ashfaqulla Khan, a popular freedom fighter known for his true friendship with Bismil, was sentenced to death for the Kakori train robbery. It was popularly known as the Kakori Conspiracy of 1925.

Nana Saheb: Leader of the Revolt of 1857

Nana Govind Dhondu Pant, commonly known as Nana Sahib, was born in Bithoor (Kanpur District), Uttar Pradesh in May 1824. He was the eighth Peshwa of India’s Maratha Empire. Balaji Bajirao was another name for him. When Chattrapati Shahu died in 1749, he left the Maratha Empire to the Peshwas. He did not have an heir to his realm, therefore he nominated the valiant Peshwas as his heir.

Nana Sahib, as king of the Maratha Empire, made significant contributions to the development of Pune. During his rule, Poona was transformed from a small village to a metropolis. He redesigned the city by constructing new districts, temples, and bridges. Having said that, Sahib was a key contributor to the 1857 revolt, leading a group of enthusiastic rebels. He overran the British soldiers in Kanpur and endangered the British camp by murdering the survivors. However, after defeating Nana Saheb and his men, the British were able to retake Kanpur.

Must Read: 50 Interesting History Facts

Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar

Sukhdev, who was born in 1907, was a brave revolutionary and a key member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. Without a doubt, he was one of the most revered figures of the Indian freedom struggle. He collaborated closely with his colleagues Bhagat Singh and Shivram Rajguru.

He was accused of being involved in the assassination of British officer John Saunders. Unfortunately, at the age of 24, he was caught and hanged with Bhagat Singh and Shivaram Rajguru on March 23, 1931, in Punjab’s Hussainwala (now in Pakistan).

Veer Kunwar Singh

Veer Kunwar Singh was born in April 1777 to the Maharaja and Maharani of Jagdispur (now in Bhojpur District, Bihar) to the Maharaja and Maharani of Jagdispur. His name is often lost amid the other more renowned names of the Revolt. Nonetheless, his contribution to the First War of Independence was enormous. Kunwar Singh led the uprising in Bihar.

On July 25, 1857, he gained command of the sepoys stationed at Danapur at the age of nearly 80. Kunwar Singh took over Azamgarh in March 1858. (now in UP). He then went home and commanded a successful fight near Jagdispur on July 23rd. The British, headed by Captain Le Grand, were beaten in this fight despite Kunwar Singh being the fact that Kunwar Singh was severely hurt.

Shaheed Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pandey, a well-known Indian freedom fighter, is usually recognized as the forerunner of the 1857 revolt against the British, which is regarded as India’s first battle of independence. As a soldier in the East India Company’s army’s 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) regiment, he led the sepoy mutiny, which eventually led to the 1857 uprising. When a new Enfield rifle was launched in India in the mid-1850s, his biggest dispute with the business began.

The rifle’s cartridges were rumoured to be lubricated with animal fat, specifically cow and pig fat. As a result of the cartridges’ use, the Indian troops rebelled against the corporation since it violated their religious beliefs. Pandey and his fellow sepoys rose up in revolt against the British commanders on March 29, 1857, and even attempted to kill them. He was arrested and sentenced to death on April 18. However, anticipating a sepoy uprising, British officials executed him 10 days prematurely on April 8.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar: Veer Savarkar

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was born in 1883 and spent the rest of his life as a dedicated activist and Indian revolutionary. He established the Abhinav Bharat Society and the Free India Society. Swatantryaveer Savarkar was his given name.

As a writer, he also penned a piece named ‘The Indian War of Independence,’ which provided wonderful information about the 1857 Indian revolt.

C.R. Rajagopalachari: Governor-General of the Dominion of India

Chakravarti Rajagopalachari BR, born in 1878, was a lawyer by profession before joining the Indian National Congress in 1906 and rising through the ranks to become a recognised Congress legislator. He was popularly known as Rajaji or C.R. Rajagopalachari was a towering figure in contemporary Indian politics.

He was a member of the Indian National Congress during the pre-independence era and a staunch supporter of Mahatma Gandhi. He was a fervent devotee. He also actively engaged in Lajpat Rai’s Non-Cooperation Movement.

Ram Prasad Bismil: Freedom Fighter with a Poet’s Heart

“Desh hit paida huye hai

Desh par marr jayenge

Marte marte desh ko

zinda magar kar jayenge”

Ram Prasad Bismil was one of the most notable Indian revolutionaries who fought British colonialism and made it possible for the nation to breathe the air of freedom after eons of struggle against the imperial forces, with a desire for freedom and revolutionary spirit reverberating in every inch of his body and poetry.

Bismil, who was born in 1897, was a respected member of the Hindustan Republican Association alongside Sukhdev. He was also a participant in the infamous Kakori train heist, for which the British government condemned him to death.

Chandra Shekhar Azad : An Indian Revolutionary Leader

Chandra Shekhar Azad, born in 1906, was a close companion of Bhagat Singh in the independence movement. He was also a member of the Hindustan Republican Association and the bravest and daring Indian freedom fighters against the British authorities.

After murdering several opponents during a battle with British forces, he shot himself with his Colt pistol. He promised he’d never be caught alive by the British.

Lakshmi Bai: The Queen of Jhansi

Rani Lakshmibai widely known as the Queen of Jhansi was born in the year 1828. She was one of the most fierce members of the Revolution of 1857. She inspired many women across the country to fight for the freedom of India and to date inspires several women to fight for their rights.

She defended her palace with her newborn child in the year 1858 which was invaded by the British Forces.

Begum Hazrat Mahal: India’s First Female Freedom Fighters

A woman of many roles – a mother, a queen, and most importantly, a symbol of resistance. Born to a family with a very weak economic background, her maiden name was Muhammadi Begum. Sold at a very young age to the royal harem as an attendant, Begum Hazrat Mahal got a proper training meilleur casino en ligne in etiquettes. She was given the new name of ‘Mahak Pari’ in the Pari Khana and later became one of the wives under a contract of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. One of her biggest contributions to the freedom struggle was uniting Hindus and Muslims to come together as one force to fight the British. She proved her mettle as a leader.

She even played an important role in encouraging and motivating women to step out of their homes and join the struggle for independence. She believed that women could do anything in the world, fight any battle, and come out as winners.

Top Ten Indian Freedom Fighters and Their Legacy

The legacy of the top ten Indian freedom fighters and others is deeply ingrained in the nation’s history. Their sacrifices and ideologies paved the way for the free, democratic India we live in today. From the leaders of the Indian National Congress to the revolutionary fighters who took up arms against the British, the freedom struggle was a collective effort involving countless individuals from all walks of life.

So far, you’ve learned about some of the greatest freedom fighters. Now, let’s explore famous quotes by Indian freedom fighters, presented through images.

Famous Quotes by Indian Freedom Fighters

Here’s a famous revolutionary quote from Bhagat Singh:

Here’s a famous and inspirational quote from Mahatma Gandhi:

Here’s a powerful and motivational quote from Lal Bahadur Shastri:

Indian Freedom Fighters Image and Legacy

The Indian freedom fighters images and their legacy continue to resonate with the spirit of nationalism and unity in India. The visual representations of these icons, whether in photos or sculptures, serve as constant reminders of the sacrifices made for India’s independence. The images of Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Patel can be seen across various public spaces, institutions, and historical landmarks, symbolizing their undying contributions.

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FAQs

This was everything about the famous Indian freedom fighters. We hope this blog on Indian freedom fighters made you realize the struggle we went through to get Independence. Which one is your personal favourite freedom fighter? If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!