Rani Gaidinliu — Veer Gatha

Gaidinliu joined the Heraka movement of her cousin Haipou Jadonang as a girl and led it after his execution in 1931, resisting British rule in the hills of Manipur, Nagaland and Assam. Captured in 1932, she was imprisoned until India became independent.

Early life and background

Born into the Rongmei Naga community in Manipur, Gaidinliu joined the religious and political movement led by Haipou Jadonang at the age of thirteen.

Historical context

Jadonang’s Heraka movement sought to revive Naga religious traditions and challenged British authority in the region. The British executed Jadonang in 1931.

Key achievements

After Jadonang’s death, Gaidinliu, still a teenager, led the movement and its resistance to colonial rule. She evaded capture for about a year before being arrested in October 1932.

Important events and milestones

1927 Joins Haipou Jadonang’s movement at thirteen.
1931 Leads the movement after Jadonang’s execution.
17 October 1932 Captured; later sentenced to life imprisonment.
1937 Meets Jawaharlal Nehru in prison in Shillong.
1947 Released after Independence.
17 February 1993 Dies in her birthplace.

Awards and honours

Tamrapatra Freedom Fighter award (1972); Padma Bhushan (1982). India Post issued a commemorative stamp in her honour in 1996.

Later life

After her release in 1947 she continued to work for her people. She died at Longkao (Nungkao) in 1993.

Enduring legacy

Rani Gaidinliu is one of the best-known freedom fighters of the North-East and a reminder of the many young women who resisted colonial rule.

References

Portrait: India Post commemorative stamp, 1996 · India Post, Government of India · GODL-India · Source · Licence terms

This account is compiled from the sources listed and is offered as a tribute, not as an official record. Corrections are welcome at connect@vedacloud.ai.