24 Facts About Rani Gaidinliu

Gaidinliu Pamei popularly known as Rani Gaidinliu was a Naga spiritual and political leader who led a revolt against British rule in India.

Rani Gaidinliu was released in 1947 after India's independence, and continued to work for the upliftment of her people.

Rani Gaidinliu was honoured as a freedom fighter and was awarded a Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.

Rani Gaidinliu was born on 26 January 1915 at Nungkao village in the present-day Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong District, Manipur.

Rani Gaidinliu was the fifth of eight children, including six sisters and a younger brother, born to Lothonang Pamei and Kachaklenliu.

Rani Gaidinliu did not have a formal education due to the lack of schools in the area.

In 1927, when she was just 13, Rani Gaidinliu joined the Heraka movement of her cousin Haipou Jadonang, who had emerged as a prominent local leader.

Rani Gaidinliu openly rebelled against the British rule, exhorting the Zeliangrong people not to pay taxes.

Rani Gaidinliu received donations from the local Nagas, many of whom joined her as volunteers.

Rani Gaidinliu evaded arrest by the police, moving across villages in what are now Assam, Nagaland and Manipur.

Rani Gaidinliu's forces engaged the Assam Rifles in armed conflicts in the North Cachar Hills and the Hangrum village.

In October 1932, Rani Gaidinliu moved to the Pulomi village, where her followers started building a wooden fortress.

Rani Gaidinliu denied that she had any role in the attack on the Hangrum post of the Assam Rifles or the construction of the fort.

Rani Gaidinliu was taken to Imphal, where she was convicted on the charges of murder and abetment of murder after a 10-month trial.

Rani Gaidinliu was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Political Agent's Court for abetment of murder.

Rani Gaidinliu established tribal organization like Kabni Samiti in 1934.

Rani Gaidinliu's statement, published in the Hindustan Times, described Gaidinliu as a "daughter of the hills" and he gave her the title 'Rani' or Queen of her people.

Rani Gaidinliu continued to work for the upliftment of her people after her release.

Rani Gaidinliu stayed at Vimrap village of Tuensang with her younger brother Marang till 1952.

In 1953, Prime Minister Nehru visited Imphal where Rani Gaidinliu met and conveyed to him the gratitude and goodwill of her people.

Rani Gaidinliu was opposed to the Naga National Council insurgents, who advocated secessionism from India.

In 1966, after six years of hard underground life in old age, under an agreement with the Government of India, Rani Gaidinliu came out from her jungle hideout to work for the betterment of her people through peaceful, democratic and non-violent means.

Rani Gaidinliu went to Kohima on 20 January 1966, and met the Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in Delhi on 21 February 1966, demanding the creation of a separate Zeliangrong administrative unit.

In 1991, Rani Gaidinliu returned to her birthplace Longkao, where she died on 17 February 1993 at the age of 78.