Discover the bravehearts whose sacrifices didn’t make it to the spotlight, but helped shape a free India.
When we think of India’s independence, names like Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Jawaharlal Nehru often come to mind. But behind this known history lies a rich legacy of unsung heroes — brave individuals whose stories are rarely told but whose contributions were no less significant.
This Independence Day 2025, let’s honor those forgotten warriors who fought relentlessly, without the expectation of fame or recognition
🌟 10 Unsung Freedom Fighters You Should Know
1. Matangini Hazra (West Bengal)
At age 73, she led a procession with the Indian flag and was shot by the British police — still chanting “Vande Mataram” till her last breath.
2. Peer Ali Khan (Bihar)
One of the earliest rebels of 1857, Peer Ali was a bookbinder who turned into a freedom fighter. He was executed by the British but remains largely unknown.
3. Kanaklata Barua (Assam)
A teenage freedom fighter who led the Mrityu Bahini, Kanaklata was shot while hoisting the national flag during the Quit India Movement.
4. Velu Nachiyar (Tamil Nadu)
The first Indian queen to wage war against the British — in the 1780s — long before the Revolt of 1857.
5. Alluri Sitarama Raju (Andhra Pradesh)
Led a tribal uprising against British rule in the Eastern Ghats. Revered as a hero in Telugu culture, he was martyred at 27.
6. Birsa Munda (Jharkhand)
Tribal leader who led the Munda rebellion against British land policies and exploitation. Died in British custody at just 25.
7. Bhikaji Cama (Maharashtra/Europe)
She unfurled the first version of the Indian national flag on foreign soil in 1907. A key figure in the overseas revolutionary movement.
8. Tirot Sing (Meghalaya)
A Khasi tribal chief who fought the British in the 19th century to protect his people’s independence and territory.
9. Potti Sreeramulu (Andhra Pradesh)
Went on a hunger strike not just for freedom, but for linguistic state rights — his death led to the formation of Andhra Pradesh.
10. U Tirot Sing Syiemlieh, Rani Gaidinliu, and Others
Regional heroes who led spiritual and armed movements across Northeast India, rarely mentioned in mainstream history.
🧕🏽 The Forgotten Women Warriors of India
- Rani Abbakka Chowta: Defended her kingdom against the Portuguese in the 16th century
- Aruna Asaf Ali: Hoisted the flag during the Quit India Movement in 1942, earning the title “Grand Old Lady of the Independence Movement”
- Durgawati Devi: Helped Bhagat Singh escape and was active in revolutionary networks
- Rani Gaidinliu: A Naga spiritual leader who led armed resistance against British rule at just 13
📜 Why Aren’t These Heroes in Textbooks?
- Many belonged to tribal, rural, or minority communities
- Their movements were localized, grassroots, and less documented
- Colonial records deliberately downplayed or erased their stories
- Post-independence political narratives focused more on a few central leaders
📣 Let’s Remember Their Legacy
These heroes may not feature in school books or government posters, but their sacrifices carved the path for India’s independence. This 15 August, let’s share their stories — in schools, offices, and online — to ensure their names live on.
🇮🇳 Final Note
As we celebrate 79 years of freedom, may we not just look back at who gave us freedom, but also how many gave it all for our tomorrow.
This Independence Day, let’s remember the names that history forgot.
Also Read : 75+ Independence Day 2025 Wishes & Greetings for WhatsApp Groups
