RANI GAIDINLIU

    Rani Gaidinliu was born on January 26, 1915 at Nungkao village, district Tamenglong of Manipur State. Her political career started when she was barely thirteen years of age. She came in contact with the well-known political and spiritual leader of the Nagas, Haipau Jadonang who launched a movement to drive out the British from Manipur. When Jadonang was hanged by the British on 29 August 1931, Gaidinliu took over his mantle and exhorted her followers to fight against the British, saying “We are a free people, the white men should not rule over us, we will not pay house tax to the Government, will not obey their unjust laws like forced labour and compulsory poster subscription.” RANI GAIDINLIU Her movement had socioreligious and political aims. She wanted to preserve the traditional Naga culture. Her political programme was strongly influenced by the preachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

    The British....