Rani Gaidinliu (1915-1993) fought for the independence of her tribe at only 13 years old. Though her methods were controversial, many still remember her as a freedom-fighter, leader, and hero.
Rani Gaidinliu (1915-1993) fought for the independence of her tribe at only 13 years old. Though her methods were controversial, many still remember her as a freedom-fighter, leader, and hero.
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Hello! From Wonder Media Network, I’m Jenny Kaplan. And this is Womanica.
This month, we’re highlighting Indigenous women from around the globe.
Today’s Womanican fought for the independence of her tribe at only 13 years old! Though her methods were controversial, many still remember her as a freedom-fighter, leader, and hero. Let’s talk about Rani Gaidinliu.
Gaidinliu was born January 26, 1915 into the Rongmei tribe. The Rongmei are part of the Naga ethnic group, native to northeastern India. They practice Vaishnavism -- the largest denomination of Hinduism.
In the 1920s, a rise in missionary activity and the ongoing British rule pushed the Naga to a breaking point. A movement called Heraka, or “Pure,” rose up. Though Heraka was aimed at reforming Naga religious beliefs, it also served as a political movement to unify the Naga people against British control. Gaidinliu’s cousin spearheaded the coalition -- and Gaidinliu herself joined the fight at only 13 years old.
Though there was an Indian leader of the region, the British maintained true control -- and they saw the Heraka movement as a threat. In 1931, the movement’s leader was arrested by British forces and hanged.
Gaidinliu -- only 16 years old -- became leader of the Heraka movement. She ramped up its political goals, tying it more closely to the broader fight for Indian independence. By 17 years old, she was leading guerilla forces to fight against the British and rallying political opposition across the region, including widespread tax resistance.
In retaliation, the British imposed fines on the villages in the area and offered a 500 rupee reward and a 10 year tax holiday for whichever village turned Gaidinliu in.
But the Naga tribes supported Gaidinliu.
The British manhunt against Gaidinliu grew so intense she was forced to go into hiding. She and her followers moved swiftly across the state -- until October 1932, when intel suggested British forces seemed to be heading in the opposite direction.
Gaidinliu and her forces stopped in Pulomi village to begin building a wooden fortress. But their guard was down. Suddenly, the British attacked. Their movement had been a trick.
Gaidinliu and her troops were all taken prisoner. Most of her soldiers were executed or imprisoned. Gaidinliu was convicted of murder, and sentenced to life in prison.
Gaidinliu would spend the next 14 years behind bars.
While Gaidinliu was in prison, the last of her devout followers were jailed. The Heraka movement seemed finished. However, India also gained its independence and Jawaharlal Nehru became prime minister. He ordered Gaidinliu’s release in 1946, and even gave her the title of “Rani,” a royal designation.
Gaidinliu stayed with her younger brother for a few years, before moving back to her native village in 1953, ready to take on other causes. She fought against the Naga secession movement spearheaded by the Naga National Council, advocating instead for a separate territory for her people within India.
She also revived the Heraka movement. As she put it, “Loss of religion is the loss of culture, loss of culture is the loss of identity.” But many Naga people had already converted to Christianity. The leaders of the Naga National Council strongly disapproved of Gaidinliu’s opposition.
The Council’s threats forced Gaidinliu to go underground again. She started amassing another private army of soldiers willing to fight for uniting the region, rather than seceding.
By 1966, the Indian government persuaded the aging Gaidinliu to come out of hiding. Though she continued to face opposition from Naga people who did not follow traditional practices, the Heraka movement still honored Gaidinliu as a valuable leader. She was given multiple awards throughout the 70’s and 80’s, and even later issued a stamp and a commemorative coin in her honor.
Rani Gaidinliu passed away on February 17th, 1993 at age 78.
All month, we’re honoring the legacy of Indigenous women.
Special thanks to Liz Kaplan, my favorite sister and co-creator.
Talk to you tomorrow!