Remembering Rani Gaidinliu: Iconic freedom fighter on her death anniversary

Poujiabthai Gangmeih *

Rani Gaidinliu Birth Centenary / Golden Jubilee Celebration at Thanagong village, Khoupum in Tamenglong on December 15-17 2015 :: Pix - Nongpok

Today (February 17) , as we commemorate the 32nd Death Anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu, we pay tribute to a fearless freedom fighter, a spiritual leader, and a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression.

Born on January 26, 1915, in present-day Longkao (Nungkao) village, Tamenglong, Manipur, Rani Gaidinliu emerged as a beacon of hope for her people during a time when British imperialism ravaged the hills and valleys of Northeast India. Her life was a testament to courage, resilience, and an unyielding spirit that challenged the might of the British Empire.

Rani Gaidinliu was born into a world where the British colonial rulers imposed forced labor and heavy taxation on the hill tribes of Manipur. She belonged to the Rongmei tribe, part of the Zeliangrong Naga community, who endured harsh treatment and exploitation under British rule.

The British sought to suppress the indigenous culture, traditions, and autonomy of the hill tribes, leaving them in a state of despair. It was in this oppressive environment that Gaidinliu grew up, witnessing the suffering of her people and nurturing a deep desire to fight for their freedom.

At the tender age of 13, Gaidinliu joined the Heraka religious movement led by her cousin, Haipou Jadonang, a respected socio-political and religious reformer among her tribesmen. The movement was not only a spiritual revival for the Zeliangrong people but also a political struggle against British rule, aiming to establish “Makaamv Gwangdih” or Naga Raj.

Jadonang’s vision of self-determination and cultural preservation resonated deeply with Gaidinliu. However, the movement faced brutal suppression by the British, resulting in Jadonang’s arrest and subsequent execution on August 29, 1931, leaving the movement leaderless.

Unfazed and undeterred by the loss of her mentor, Gaidinliu took up the mantle of leadership at just 16 years old. She reorganized the movement, mobilizing her people to resist the oppression of the colonial rulers. Her charisma and determination inspired thousands to join the struggle. She challenged the British with unwavering resolve, declaring, “We are free people; the white men should not rule over us.”

Gaidinliu’s defiance soon made her a target of the British. In 1932, she was captured after a violent confrontation and sentenced to life imprisonment. Many of her sympathizers were arbitrarily arrested, and heavy fines were imposed on villages that provided her shelter.

She was incarcerated in various colonial jails in Guwahati, Shillong, Aizawl, and Tura, where she spent 14 long years in captivity. Despite the unsympathetic conditions, her spirit remained unbroken.

Rani Gaidinliu :: Pix - TSE

It was during her imprisonment that Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, learned about her struggle while visiting Sylhet. Nehru met her in Shillong Jail in 1937 and was deeply moved by her resilience. Notably, Nehru referred to her as the ‘Rani of the Nagas’ and promised to use his influence to secure her release.

He published an article in The Hindustan Times on December 18, 1937, describing Gaidinliu as a ‘Rani’ or ‘Queen,’ a title that would forever be associated with her name. Nehru made persistent efforts to secure her release, even writing to Lady Nancy Astor, a British Conservative Member of Parliament.

However, her freedom was not immediately granted after India’s independence in 1947. It was only after relentless efforts by Nehru and others that she was finally released in 1947.

Nonetheless, her release did not mark the end of her struggles. Her demands for the integration of Naga territories, particularly the Zeliangrong region, and the preservation of her people’s cultural identity remained unfulfilled. Disheartened but not defeated, she regrouped her followers and continued her fight, even as she faced opposition from various quarters, including some factions within the Naga community.

Rani Gaidinliu’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle and her relentless fight for the rights of her people earned her numerous accolades. She was awarded the Tamrapatra Freedom Fighter Award in 1972, the Padma Bhushan in 1982, the Vivekananda Seva Award in 1983, and the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Puruskar in 1996, among many other recognitions.

Her life story became a source of inspiration for generations, symbolizing the power of resistance against injustice, particularly for the tribal communities of the region.

On February 17, 1993, Rani Gaidinliu passed away at her birthplace, leaving behind a legacy of courage and determination. In his condolence message, then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao stated, “Rani Gaidinliu was one of the most prominent freedom fighters of India. Her services to the people of the Northeast will be long remembered.”

Many other dignitaries also paid heartfelt tributes in recognition of her contributions. Shri T.C.K. Lotha, the then Chief Secretary of Nagaland, remarked, “Even in her old age, Rani Gaidinliu worked ceaselessly for the downtrodden tribal people, and she has made a great impact on the history of the Nagas. Her bravery and courage will be remembered.”

Her life reminds us of the sacrifices made by countless unsung heroes in the fight for freedom and justice. As we remember her on this day, let us honor her memory by upholding the values she stood for freedom, equality, and the preservation of cultural identity.

Rani Gaidinliu was not just a queen in title but in spirit—a warrior who fought tirelessly for her people and her land. Her story is a poignant reminder that the struggle for justice is often long and arduous, but the flame of resistance, once lit, can never be extinguished.