Rani Gaidinliu – The Daughter of the Manipur Hills

In the annals of history, there are those whose courage and resolve change the course of events. Today, we bring to light the story of Rani Gaidinliu, a remarkable woman whose singular determination instilled fear in the hearts of the British colonizers and left an indelible mark on her people. She was not just a figure of resistance; she was a beacon of hope and a symbol of fearless defiance. Her name echoes through the hills and valleys, remembered and revered for her extraordinary courage.

In addition to challenging the British, this formidable lady stood as a bulwark against the missionary conversions in the Naga community, opposing the oppressive laws that sought to undermine her people. Her opposition was a fierce fight for cultural preservation, a stance against foreign domination and cultural dilution, a voice for her people in a time of turmoil and transformation. Her courage in the face of overwhelming odds was more than defiance; it was a statement of cultural identity and a commitment to the rights and heritage of her community.

This remarkable lady’s legacy continues to resonate within the Naga community and beyond. Her stand against the British, missionary conversion, and oppressive laws is a testament to her unyielding spirit and profound commitment to her people’s rights and heritage. In the heart of the Naga community, there emerged a figure of mythic proportions. Fierce, intelligent, and revered, she was considered nothing less than the reincarnation of a goddess. This was Rani Gaidinliu, a lady whose spirit and actions transcended the mortal realm in the eyes of her people. Rani Gaidinliu’s struggle was not just political; it was deeply spiritual. She became the guardian of the Naga tribal religion, fiercely protecting it against external attempts at dilution and conversion.

The story of Rani Gaidinliu is not just a tale from the past; it is a narrative of relentless courage, a testament to an indomitable will that feared no one. Her legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the power of conviction and the enduring strength of cultural identity. Gaidinliu was born on 26 January 1915 at Nungkao village, in today’s Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong District, Manipur. A daughter of the Rongmei Naga tribe, she was the fifth child in a family of eight, born to Lothonang Pamei and Kachaklenliu. Her family, belonging to the ruling clan of the village, laid the foundation for her destined path.

In a land devoid of formal education, young Gaidinliu’s early life was steeped in the traditions and stories of her people. At the tender age of 13, her life took a pivotal turn. She joined the Heraka movement led by her cousin, Haipou Jadonang, a revival of tribal religion that drew followers from the Zeliangrong tribes. Jadonang’s execution by the British for allegedly killing Manipur merchants marked a turning point. Gaidinliu, deeply influenced by Jadonang’s ideology, stepped forward as his disciple, emerging as a vibrant voice against British rule.

By the age of 16, Gaidinliu had already become a symbol of resistance. Accused of creating communal unrest, she mobilized people against the British, challenging their rule and the prevailing injustices. This defiance led to her eventual arrest by the British, marking the beginning of her journey as a national figure. Rani Gaidinliu’s early life and her rise to prominence set the stage for her enduring legacy. From the remote village of Nungkao to the forefront of resistance against colonial rule, her journey reflects the unyielding spirit of a leader born to challenge the status quo.

Rani Gaidinliu’s defiance against the British reached new heights as she openly rebelled, urging the Zeliangrong people to refuse tax payments. Garnering support through donations and volunteers, she became a symbol of resistance, leading the British authorities to launch an extensive manhunt. The Governor of Assam dispatched battalions of the Assam Rifles to capture her, supervising the operation with hefty rewards and promises of tax breaks for information leading to her arrest. Her forces, however, stood firm, engaging the Assam Rifles in armed conflicts in the North Cachar Hills and Hangrum village.

In October 1932, Gaidinliu’s refuge in Pulomi village was breached. A surprise attack by Captain MacDonald of the Assam Rifles led to her arrest. Facing charges of murder and abetment of murder, Gaidinliu was convicted after a 10-month trial, resulting in a life sentence. The aftermath saw most of her associates either executed or jailed. During her time in imprisonment, stretching from Guwahati, SHillong, AIzwal to Tura jails, Gaidinliu’s influence persisted. She established the tribal organization Kabni Samiti in 1934, continuing her legacy of defiance and leadership.

Jawaharlal Nehru, recognizing her spirit and struggle, met Gaidinliu in Shillong Jail in 1937. He proclaimed her as the ‘Rani’ or Queen of her people, advocating for her release. Despite his efforts and appeals to British MPs, the Secretary of State for India denied her release, fearing her influence could reignite the rebellion. Rani Gaidinliu’s imprisonment marked a crucial phase in her life, a period of suffering yet unwavering commitment to her cause. Her story, from the hills of Manipur to the jails of British India, is a tale of extraordinary courage and undying spirit.

She was finally released in 1947, after India’s independence, on first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s orders. Nehru described Gaidinliu as the “daughter of the hills” and he gave her the title of ‘Rani’ for her courage. After spending time in Vimrap village with her younger brother, Rani Gaidinliu finally returned to her beloved Longkao in 1952. Her reunion with her homeland was a moment of triumph and reflection.

In 1953, a significant meeting took place in Imphal where Rani Gaidinliu expressed her people’s gratitude and goodwill to Prime Minister Nehru. Her subsequent meeting in Delhi focused on the development and welfare of the Zeliangrong people, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her community. Rani Gaidinliu’s path diverged from that of the Naga National Council insurgents. Advocating for a separate Zeliangrong territory within India, she faced criticism and threats from NNC leaders and Baptist groups. In defense of the Heraka culture, she went underground in 1960, marking another challenging chapter in her life.

In 1966, after years in hiding, Rani Gaidinliu emerged to pursue peaceful and democratic means for her people’s betterment. Meeting with Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, she advocated fiercely for her community. Her efforts were later recognized with prestigious honors, including the Tamrapatra Freedom Fighter Award, the Padma Bhushan, and the Vivekananda Seva Award. Rani Gaidinliu’s life journey, from a fearless rebel to a respected leader, is a saga of resilience, dedication, and unwavering spirit. Her legacy transcends time, continuing to inspire and guide generations.

As the final chapter of her remarkable life unfolded, Rani Gaidinliu returned to her birthplace, Longkao. Here, surrounded by the hills that had shaped her destiny, she passed away on 17 February 1993, at the age of 78. Her departure marked the end of an era but the beginning of a lasting legacy. Her funeral was a testament to the impact she had on countless lives. Attended by the Governor of Manipur, Chintamani Panigrahi, the Home Secretary of Nagaland, and many others, it was a solemn occasion, marked by tributes and respect. The Government of Manipur declared a general holiday, allowing people to pay their respects to a true daughter of the hills.

Rani Gaidinliu’s legacy continued to be honored posthumously. She was conferred the prestigious Birsa Munda Award, and in 1996, the Government of India released a postal stamp in her honor. Further commemorating her contributions, a special coin was issued in 2015, celebrating her centenary. Rani Gaidinliu’s legacy, while towering, has been a subject of complex and often conflicting perceptions. In a region where the majority had embraced Christianity by the 1960s, her staunch advocacy for the Heraka movement, seen as antithetical to Christian beliefs, led to a muted recognition of her heroics among the Nagas.

Her perceived closeness with the Government of India further complicated her standing among Naga nationalist groups. Additionally, the alignment of the Hindu nationalist Sangh Parivar with the Heraka movement in the 1970s fueled the misconception of Gaidinliu being a promoter of Hinduism among Christian Nagas. In 2015, when the Central government and T. R. Zeliang’s state government proposed constructing a Gaidinliu memorial hall, several civil society organizations in Nagaland opposed the move. This controversy highlights the ongoing complexities in fully acknowledging and celebrating her multifaceted legacy.

Sanctioned by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, in 2019, this museum is set to be a beacon of historical preservation. It aims to exhibit artefacts and narratives not only of Rani Gaidinliu but also of other tribal freedom fighters who played pivotal roles in various resistance movements against British colonial rule, including the Anglo-Manipuri War and the Naga-Raj movements. In a significant move to commemorate and preserve the legacy of Rani Gaidinliu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah virtually laid the foundation stone for a museum dedicated to her in Manipur’s Tamenglong district in November 2021.

In another tribute to her enduring legacy, the 44 Assam Rifles inaugurated an air lounge named after Rani Gaidinliu. This lounge, situated in Manipur’s Tamenglong district, stands as a testament to her valiant struggle against the British, honoring her contributions as a freedom fighter. These initiatives – the Rani Gaidinliu Museum and the Rani Gaidinliu Air Lounge – are more than mere structures. They are symbols of remembrance and respect, ensuring that the story of this formidable leader and the rich history of tribal resistance continues to be shared and celebrated for generations to come.

There is a growing hope that more people will embrace her ideology, embodying her spirit of resilience and courage, and in doing so, bring pride to the nation Yet, the path to such recognition is not without its challenges. Despite her significant contributions to the freedom movement and her cultural impact, a surprising number of people in Manipur, Nagaland, and even across the Northeast, and in the whole country remain unaware of Rani Gaidinliu and her heroic legacy.

This gap in awareness underscores the need for educational efforts and public remembrance initiatives. By integrating her story into the broader narrative of India’s struggle for independence and cultural identity, we can ensure that her sacrifices and achievements are not only remembered but also serve as an inspiration for future generations. As we reflect on the life and legacy of Rani Gaidinliu, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our history and honoring our heroes. It is through such collective remembrance and education that the stories of leaders like Rani Gaidinliu can continue to enlighten and motivate, fostering a sense of pride and unity in the diverse tapestry of India.