Priyal Dholakia – Enigmatic Horizon Staff (Assistant Editor)
“God is not so far away.” “He is right with us, and he will protect me.”
These are the powerful words of Rani Gaidinliu, a legendary Naga freedom fighter who dedicated her life to preserving the culture and traditions of her people. She was a symbol of strength, courage, and resilience for the people of Manipur and the entire Naga community.
Fondly remembered as the “Daughter of the Hills,” Rani Gaidinliu emerged as a fearless patriot who fought against Christian missionaries and protected Naga culture. She joined the freedom movement at the age of 13 to abolish British control and protect her land. As a result, she was arrested and condemned to life imprisonment by British officials. Subsequently, after India’s independence, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, released her from the bars. He bestowed the title “Rani” on her in recognition of her heroic deeds.
Even after serving 14 years in prison, she revolted once again against the NNC (Naga National Council), which was demanding a separate nation for the Nagas. Rani Gaidinliu did not want to separate the Naga tribe from India’s union. Rather, she desired a separate Zeliangrong province for the Nagas within the Union of India. She made use of powerful guerilla warfare techniques against the NNC and opposed their moves.
Rani Gaidinliu’s fight against the British
Rani Gaidinliu’s fight against the British began when she was just 13 years old. At an age when kids are usually busy playing games and having fun, she was already leading a region-wide movement. She had a strong desire to see her land free from British control and joined the movement to abolish British rule in India. She became one of the youngest and most prominent leaders of the movement in Manipur, and her fearlessness and determination inspired many to join her cause.
The British officials saw Rani Gaidinliu as a threat to their authority and arrested her in 1932. They sentenced her to life imprisonment for her protest against them. However, even while she was in jail, she remained committed to her cause and continued to inspire her fellow prisoners with her courage and conviction.
Finally, she was released from prison on the orders of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru after India attained independence. Her release was a significant moment for the Naga community, and she was hailed as a hero upon her return to her homeland. Overall, Rani Gaidinliu’s fight against the British was a crucial moment in the history of the Naga community.
How did Rani Gaidinliu lead the Heraka Movement?
Rani Gaidinliu was only 16 years old when she became the leader of the Heraka religious movement. Heraka means “pure” in the Naga language. It was a movement aimed at reviving and restoring the traditional Naga religion.
The influence of Christian missionaries, who had been converting the Nagas for decades, was in danger of wiping out their religion. Rani Gaidinliu believed that the Nagas had a divine mission to defend their religious identity. So she used her extensive spiritual and cultural knowledge to rally her people to the cause. She traveled extensively throughout the region, preaching her message of resistance and mobilizing people to join the movement.
Under Rani Gaidinliu’s leadership, the Heraka movement spread throughout the Naga hills, and thousands of Nagas joined in the mission. She was a charismatic leader, and her followers saw her as a symbol of hope and inspiration. Rani Gaidinliu was arrested many times, and many of her followers were killed or imprisoned. But even in the face of oppression, Rani Gaidinliu’s spirit stayed steadfast and unbroken and continued to inspire her followers.
Rani Gaidinliu’s continuing legacy
Rani Gaidinliu believed in the idea of preserving the unique identity of her people while also being a part of the larger Indian Union. Her commitment to this cause earned her recognition and accolades from the Indian government.
In 1972, the Indian government bestowed Rani Gaidinliu with the Tamrapatra in recognition of her historic accomplishments. The Tamrapatra is an award granted to individuals in recognition of their contributions to the Indian freedom struggle. She was also given the Padma Bhushan in 1981 and the Vivekanand Seva award in 1982. In addition, a postal stamp was released in her honor in 1996.
Her legacy continues to live on, and she is remembered as a symbol of courage, resilience, and determination for the Naga community even today. She was not only a revolutionary fighter but also a cultural icon who devoted her life to preserving the unique identity of her people. It is people like her whom we need to adopt as role models in Indian society. But for that to happen, it is necessary to acquaint our younger generations with the valiant sacrifices of such forgotten legends as Rani Gaindinliu.
