When we speak of India’s freedom struggle, most of the names that come to mind belong to the plains and big cities. But far away in the lush green hills of the Northeast, a young girl rose to challenge the might of the British Empire — and became a legend. Her name was Rani Gaidinliu, lovingly remembered as Rani Maa by her people.

Born on 26th January 1915 in the small village of Nungkao in present-day Manipur, Gaidinliu belonged to the Zeliangrong Naga community. She grew up in a world deeply connected to nature, spirit, and ancestral traditions. Little did anyone know that this quiet child would soon lead a movement that shook the British administration.

Rani Gaidinliu

At just 13 years old, Gaidinliu joined the spiritual and socio-political movement led by Jadonang, a reformer who opposed British rule and encouraged the revival of indigenous identity. After Jadonang was executed by the British, the young Gaidinliu stepped forward and took leadership of the resistance.

To the Naga people, she was not just a political leader but a symbol of cultural revival, courage, and spiritual pride.

Rani Gaidinliu vs The British Empire

By the age of 16, she was already on the British “most wanted” list. She mobilized tribal groups, encouraged self-governance, and pushed for independence from colonial control. Her influence began to spread from village to village — and that frightened the Empire. In 1932, she was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.

She spent 14 long years in jail, moving across different prisons in Assam, Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. Darkness and isolation never broke her spirit. She held on to her culture, her identity, and her belief that her land must be free.

After independence, Jawaharlal Nehru hailed her as the Queen of the Nagas. She was a queen — a woman who challenged colonial power at an age when most children were still in school. A voice of indigenous pride, her life reminds us that freedom was not won only in Delhi and Mumbai, but also in the mountains, forests, and villages of our country.