03-12-2024
11:50 AM
Prelims: History of India and Indian National Movement
Mains: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country
Rani Gaidinliu was a celebrated Naga freedom fighter and spiritual leader from Northeast India who fought against British colonialism and worked to preserve the culture of the Zeliangrong Nagas. She played a pivotal role in the Heraka Movement, which aimed to revive Naga culture and resist foreign rule by promoting indigenous religious practices.
Gaidinliu's legacy is marked by her strong resistance to British rule, her efforts to unite tribal communities, and her dedication to preserving cultural heritage, leaving a lasting impact on Indian history and tribal rights.
Rani Gaidinliu was born on January 26, 1915, in Nungkao village (now in Manipur, India), to a Rongmei Naga family with a foundation in indigenous traditions. She was raised in a community that valued its spiritual heritage, so she developed a strong sense of cultural identity and leadership from a young age.
The Heraka Movement was a socio-religious movement that began in the 1920s in Zeliangrong territory. The term "Heraka" means "pure," and the movement aimed to revitalise the indigenous religion where the followers worship Tingkao Ragwang which is the name of the supreme god in the Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak (TRC) religion.
Rani Gaidinliu's leadership in the Heraka Movement and active opposition to British policies led to her arrest in 1932 at the age of 16. She was sentenced to life in prison by British rulers and spent 14 years in various prisons throughout Northeast India, enduring harsh conditions while remaining steadfast in her resistance to colonial rule. Her imprisonment attracted widespread attention, and her bravery served as an inspiration to many in the freedom struggle.
After being released from prison, Rani Gaidinliu continued to advocate for Naga culture and her people's rights. She died on February 17, 1993, in Luangkao, and was honoured with several awards for her contributions to India's freedom struggle and community development.
To commemorate her life and contributions, several memorials and institutions have been established including the Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum and the Rani Gaidinliu Air Lounge.
Q1. Who gave the title Rani to Gaidinliu?
Ans. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, gave Gaidinliu the title "Rani" for her bravery in fighting against British rule.
Q2. What movement did Rani Gaidinliu lead?
Ans. Rani Gaidinliu led the Heraka Movement, which aimed to revive the Naga tribal religion and resist British colonial rule.
Q3. What is the Heraka Movement?
Ans. The Heraka Movement was a socio-religious movement founded by Haipou Jadonang and later led by Rani Gaidinliu that sought to revive the Naga tribal religion and oppose British colonialism.
Q4. Who is known as the queen of Nagas?
Ans. Rani Gaidinliu is known as the "queen of Nagas" for her leadership in the Naga resistance against British colonial rule.
Q5. How long was Rani Gaidinliu imprisoned by the British?
Ans. Rani Gaidinliu was imprisoned for 14 years, between 1932 and 1947.
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