They are the unsung warriors, very less talked about
When it comes to talking about the sacrifices and grit of the heroes who fought the war for India since the beginning of the time, one always has names of men to mention. But have we ever sat and praised the vigour of female war heroes? In the history of Indian battles against the various rulers and kingdoms, various women warriors have taken the forefront fighting with all their might. Right from their warfighting skills to strategizing against enemies, these women war heroes have shown what it means to be fierce. Here we take a look at and get to know the female war heroes.
Mai Bhago
Also known as Mata BhagKaur, she was a Sikh warrior leading Sikh soldiers against 10,000 soldiers of Mughals in 1705. Exceptionally skilled, the legends of Kaur have it that she is known for rallying the 40 Sikhs (ChaliMukte) who abandoned Guru Gobind Singh at the siege of Anandpur Sahib and then bringing them back to fight. Kaur even served as a bodyguard to Guru Gobind Singh during his exile in Maharashtra.
Sultana Chand Bibi
Ruler and warrior, Bibi was the Regent of Bijapur Sultanate in 1580-1590 and regent of Ahmednagar Sultanate in 1595-1600. The warrior is best known for defending Ahmednagar against the Mughal forces of Emperor Akbar in 1595.
AhilyabaiHolkar
The noble Queen of the Maratha Empire, Ahilyabai took over the reign of the Maratha Empire after the death of her father-in-law MalharRaoHolkar. Ahilyabai is known for her wit, grit, and intelligence. She also attempted to defend her homeland against looting invaders. She is also known to have personally led armies into battle.
OnakeObavva
This 18th Century Hindu warrior fought against the forces of Hyder Ali single-handedly, with just a pestle, aka Onake, to her rescue. Her husband was the guard of a watchtower in the fort of Chitradurga, but as he was away from the tower, the enemies invaded. During that time, his wife, Obavva saw the invaders and one by one killed all of them with a pestle.
Other female war heroes are Bhavashankari, Juliana Dias da Costa, Ruby Daniel, Rani Durgavati, MulaGabharu, NurJahan, Jauhar, Jhalkaribai, PriyaJhingan, Rani Karnavati of Garhwal, SadaKaur, RukhsanaKausar, Rama Khandwala, SuchetaKripalani, MahChuchak Begum, Begum HazratMahal, BelawadiMallamma, VeluNachiyar, SharanKaurPabla, Laxmi Indira Panda, Begum Samru, Sati Sadhani, Ruchi Sharma, KiranShekhawat, Shivangi Singh, Mohana Singh Jitarwal, Riti Singh, Sugandha, Tarabai, Tai Telin, KumudiniTyagi, Uda Devi, Umadevi, Unniyarcha, and Vishpala to name a few.
