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Who is Subhadra Kumari Chauhan?
Not everyone knows about the revolutionary figure Subhadra Kumari Chauhan and her contribution to Indian freedom. If you are here to know about the story of this ordinary lady and her extraordinary work for her nation, keep reading and discover the facts about her life.
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan is still known as eminent poetess and a freedom fighter for India. She is known for her incredible poetic works (including “Jhansi ki Rani”) which is still appreciated today. Her contributions to Hindi literature make her an iconic personality who is now studied in several schools across the country.
Early Life and Family Background of Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
| Name | Subhadra Kumari Chauhan |
| Year of Birth | 1904 |
| Birthplace | Nihalpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Husband Name | Thakur Lakshman Singh Chauhan |
| Year of Demise | 1948 |
Subhadra Chauhan was born in Nihalpur, Uttar Pradesh. She finished the Crosthwaite Girls’ School in Allahabad and the middle-school examination in 1919 after studying there for three years. In 1919, she married Thakur Lakshman Singh Chauhan of Khandwa at sixteen, with whom she had five children.
After her marriage to Thakur Lakshman Singh Chauhan of Khandwa in the same year, she relocated to Jubbulpore (now Jabalpur), Central Provinces. Sudha Kumari Chauhan Children are Sudha Chauhan, Ashok Chauhan, Vijay Chauhan, Ajay Chauhan, Mamta Chauhan.
She and her husband joined Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921. She became the first woman to be arrested for protesting British rule in Nagpur and was jailed twice, once in 1923 and again in 1942.
She later became a member of the state’s legislative assembly (erstwhile Central Provinces). In 1948, she tragically died in a car accident near Seoni while on her way back from attending an assembly session in Nagpur, which served as the capital of Central Provinces.
On August 16th, 2021, in honour of her 117th birthday, Google Doodle released an image featuring Indian poetess Subhadra Kumari Chauhan writing a verse. The doodle was designed by New Zealand-based artist Prabha Mallya and provided a glimpse into the life of this legendary figure.
Chauhan dedicated her life to the independence struggle, continuing to make revolutionary proclamations on and off the page. She published 88 poems and 46 short stories as part of her service to the freedom cause.
The Rebellion Works of Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, considered the firebrand poetess of Hindi literature, was born in 1904 to a farmer’s family in Nihalpur village, Uttar Pradesh. When she turned 16, she married Thakur Laxman Singh Chauhan of Khandwa per her parent’s wishes.
Despite being born into a household that prominent practiced chhooa-chhooi (untouchability), she despised such traditions and would often reprimand her mother for discriminating against her lower caste neighbours. In addition, she would regularly help with chores around the house.
The practice of covering women in her family was forced upon them, but she fought against it and stopped wearing the ghoonghat after marriage. While many people in her parental family opposed such backwards customs, she persisted, and her desire to fight for the underdog and oppressor played a vital role in her personality.
Role of Subhadra Kumari Chauhan against Caste Based Discrimination
Subhadra was against caste-based discrimination and helped her daughter Sudha marry Amrit Rai, the son of famous literary figure Munshi Premchand, even though some family members disapproved because it was against their caste.
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan was by her daughter’s side throughout everything. She always advocated for women’s freedom during a time when their opinions weren’t even considered, let alone valued. Chauhan dedicated her entire life to the cause of gender equality, whether it was through writing, poetry or her political activism. After seeing India become independent in February 1948, she sadly passed away soon.
Literary Works of Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
The doodle, designed by New Zealand-based artist Prabha Mallya, captures Chauhan in a saree holding a pen and paper. In the background is a scene from her poem ‘Jhansi ki Rani’ on one side and freedom fighters on the other.
In a statement, Google described Chauhan as a “pioneering writer and freedom fighter” who “gained national attention during a time when men dominated literature”. “In 1923, Chauhan’s fearless activism led her to become the first woman satyagrahi, a member of the Indian collective of nonviolent anti-colonialists, to be arrested in India’s fight for independence,” the internet search giant said.
“She was notorious for frequently writing, even in the horse carriage on the way to school, and her first poem was published at the age of nine. During her early twenties, Indian independence became increasingly popular. She used her poetry to encourage others to fight for their country’s sovereignty as a member of the Indian Nationalist Movement.” Google added.
Today, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan’s poetry is recited in many Indian classrooms as a way to represent historical progress. Her words are seen as an encouragement for future generations to stand up against social injustice and celebrate the poems that shaped their nation’s history. Sudha Chauhan, Chauhan’s daughter, wrote her biography entitled ‘Mila Tej Se Tej’.
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan Poems
Here is a look at some of the best-known poems including Subhadra Kumari Chauhan Jhansi ki Rani.
Jhansi wali Rani thi
Lakshmi thi ya Durga thi woh swayan veerta ki avatar,
dekh Marathey pulkit hotey uski talwaron key vaar,
nakli yudh-vyuh ki rachna aur khelna khub shikar,
sainya gherna, durg todna yeh they uskey preeya khilwad.
Maharashtra-kul-devi uski bhi aaradhya Bhavani thi,
Bundeley Harbolon key munh hamney suni kahani thi,
Khoob ladi mardani woh to Jhansi wali Rani thi.
Jallianwala Bagh mein Vasant
No matter how tragic, time always moves forward, and the seasons keep changing. This is true even after terrible events like Jallianwala Bagh, where thousands of people were killed or forced to jump into a well when all exits were blocked. Even so, spring will come again, and nightingales will sing again. Chauhan urges Rituraj Vasant, or spring itself, to instruct the following season of colours on the decorum it must pursue in a location of unceasing mourning that Jallianwala Bagh had become.
Komal balak mere yaha goli khaa-khakar
kaliyaan unke like girana thodi laakar
aashao se bhare hriday bhi chhin hue hai
Apne priya pariwar, desh se bhinn hue hue hai.
Her poems Veeron Ka Kaisa Ho Basant, Rakhi Ki Chunauti, and Vida openly discuss the freedom movement and are said to have encouraged many Indian youths to fight for India’s independence.
Veero Ka Kaisa Basant
Bhushan athva kavi chand nahi
bijli bhar de vah chhand nahi
hai Kamal bandhi swachhandh nahi
fir hume bataye kaun?
Hant-veero ka kaiso ho basant
Rakhi Ki Chunauti
Mujhe garv hai kintu raakhi suni hai
vah hota, khushi to kya hoti na dooni?
hum mangal manaave, vah tapta hai dhooni
hey ghayal hriyad, dard uthta hai khuni
aate ho bhai? punha puchhti hu-
ki mata k bandhan ki hai laaj tumko
to bandi bano, dekho bandhan hai kaisa,
chunauti yeh raakhi ki hai aaj tumko
Vida
Apne kaale avgunthan ko
rajni aaj hatana mat
jala chuki ho nabh mein jo
ye deekap inhe bujhana mat
Aao aaj vikalte!
jag ki pidiyaein nyaari-nyaari
mere aakul praan jala do,
aao tum baari baar
Jyoti nasht kar do naino ki,
lakh na saku unka jana
fir mere nishthur se kahna,
kar le ve bhi manmana
Conclusion
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan is one of India’s most renowned and respected poets. Even though she only wrote poetry for a short period, her work has been celebrated for generations. If you are interested in Indian culture or just looking for an exciting read, we recommend checking out some of Chauhan’s poems. Who knows? You may even find yourself inspired to write your own verse after reading hers.
FAQs
How did subhadra kumari chauhan died?
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan passed away in a car accident in 1948 near, near Seoni, Madhya Pradesh. She was She was enroute from Nagpur to Jabalpur.
Who is Subhadra kumari Chauhan?
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan was an Indian poet who wrote in the Hindi and Avadhi languages. She is considered one of the most important modern Hindi poets. Her poetry is known for its patriotic and nationalist themes. She is also known for her poem “Jhansi ki Rani”, which is about the queen of Jhansi, Lakshmi Bai.
When was subhadra kumari chauhan born?
16 August 1904; Prayagraj, Erstwhile, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
Which is the famous poem of Subhadra Kumari Chauhan?
“Jhansi ki Rani” or “Jhansi Wali Rani thi” is a commonly heard as well most famous poetic work by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan.
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