Here is a list of some of the most famous freedom fighters of India, who dedicated their lives to the cause of freedom.
India has been blessed with uncounted patriots who fought against the British Crown and gave their ultimate sacrifice to see their motherland free from its colonial masters.
This article cannot do justice to the true achievement or laurels of each one of them.
Freedom Fighters of India
However, for the sake of representation, we can write a brief about a few famous ones.
Mangal Pandey (1827-1857):
A soldier in the British East India Company, Pandey is remembered for sparking the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence, when he rebelled against the introduction of greased cartridges.
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi (1828-1858):
One of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Rani Lakshmibai fought bravely against the British before dying in battle. She remains a symbol of resistance and bravery in India.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856-1920):
Known as “Lokmanya,” Tilak was one of the first leaders of the Indian independence movement.
He helped to lay the groundwork for the movement through the initiation of the Swadeshi movement, which was part of the Indian Nationalist struggle against British rule.
Lala Lajpat Rai (1865-1928):
Known as “Punjab Kesari” or the “Lion of Punjab”, Rai was a significant figure in the Indian Nationalist movement. He was part of the Lal Bal Pal triumvirate.
He led the protest against the Simon Commission in 1928 where he died due to injuries inflicted by police.
Bipin Chandra Pal (1858-1932):
An early leader of the Indian Nationalist Movement, Pal was part of the Lal Bal Pal triumvirate. He was a proponent of militant nationalism and was one of the architects of the Swadeshi movement.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948):
Known as the “Father of the Nation”, Gandhi led India to independence using his unique principles of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) and truth.
His leadership of movements like the Salt March and the Quit India movement were critical in mobilizing the masses.
Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964):
A key figure in the Indian National Congress, Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India.
He was a major force in the push for full Indian sovereignty and was known for his advocacy of secularism, socialism, and democracy.
Subhas Chandra Bose (1897-1945):
Bose was a prominent figure who didn’t agree with Gandhi’s principle of non-violence.
He was a key leader in the Indian independence movement, leading the Indian National Army against British forces.
Bhagat Singh (1907-1931):
Singh was a socialist revolutionary whose two acts of dramatic violence against the British and execution at age 23 made him a folk hero of the Indian independence movement.
Vallabhbhai Patel (1875-1950):
Known as the “Iron Man of India,” Patel was a staunch Gandhian and a skilled organizer.
He was instrumental in the political integration of over 500 princely states into the Union of India post-independence.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1888-1958):
As a scholar and senior leader of the Indian National Congress, Azad advocated for a united India resisting sectarian division.
He was the president of the INC during the crucial period of 1940-46.
Rajendra Prasad (1884-1963):
Prasad was a key member of the Indian National Congress. He played a significant role in the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement.
He served as the president of the Constituent Assembly and later became the first President of independent India.
Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949):
Known as the “Nightingale of India,” Naidu was a renowned poet and a key figure in India’s independence movement. She was the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress and the first woman to become the governor of an Indian state.
The list of Freedom Fighters name is countless and we have identified one of the most famous ones.
