Rani Gaidinliu, Heraka Movement, Fight Against British

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.

About Rani Gaidinliu

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.

• At the age of 13, Gaidinliu joined the Heraka Movement, which was founded by her cousin Haipou Jadonang, a spiritual leader who opposed British rule.
  • The movement aimed to reform Zeliangrong's social practices while resisting British policies and the spread of Christianity.
• Following Jadonang's execution in 1931, Gaidinliu assumed leadership, continuing the fight against colonial oppression.

What was the Heraka Movement?

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.

• Haipou Jadonang founded the movement to oppose the infiltration of Christian missionaries and British government reforms such as forced labour and high taxes on tribal households.
• Following Haipou Jadonang's arrest and execution by the British in 1931 for opposing colonial rule, Rani Gaidinliu assumed leadership of the Heraka Movement.
• She transformed it from a spiritual and cultural revivalist movement into a broader political resistance to British rule.
  • Gaidinliu connected her spiritual leadership to her role as a nationalist, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Rani Gaidinliu urged the Naga tribes to refuse to pay taxes and boycott British goods, making it difficult for the British administration to operate in the area.

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Rani Gaidinliu Fight against British

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.

• In 1934, she founded a tribal organisation called Kabini Samiti. Later, in 1937,Jawaharlal Nehru, met Gaidinliu in Shillong and was deeply moved by her determination and commitment to her country's independence.
  • He promised to work for her release, referring to her as the "Daughter of the Hills" and bestowing the title "Rani" (Queen) in honour of her bravery and leadership.
• Gaidinliu was eventually released in 1947 when India gained independence.

Rani Gaidinliu’s Legacy

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.

• Tamra Patra Award (1972): For her contributions to the freedom movement.
• Padma Bhushan (1982): One of India’s highest civilian honours, recognising her distinguished service.
• Vivekananda Sewa Summan (1983) and Stree Shakti Puraskar (1991): Awards recognising her contributions to women’s empowerment and social justice.
• Bhagwan Birsa Munda Puraskar (1996, posthumous): For her dedication to tribal rights and welfare.
• Fast Patrol Vessel: The Indian Coast Guard commissioned a Fast Patrol Vessel, “ICGS Rani Gaidinliu,” in 2016 to honour her legacy.

Rani Gaidinliu Memorials

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.

• • Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum: In November 2021, Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the groundwork for this museum at her birthplace in Manipur's Tamenglong district.
    • It preserves artefacts from tribal freedom fighters, including those from the Anglo-Manipuri War, Kuki Rebellion, and Naga-Raj movements.
    • Funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 2019, the museum aims to educate future generations about tribal resistance to British colonial rule.
  • Rani Gaidinliu Air Lounge: The 44 Assam Rifles inaugurated this air lounge in Manipur's Tamenglong district to commemorate her contributions to India's freedom struggle.