Mohandas Gandhi (1931-09-12) by Douglas MillerGetty Images
Hugely respected and revered in her native India, Sarojini Naidu and her work is perhaps overlooked by the rest of the world. But her legacy is fully deserving of a greater degree of appreciation. Keep reading to find out more about her extraordinary life and work.
Making of the Constitution (1946-1950) (1946-12-09/1949-11-26)Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
Beginnings and education
Sarojini Chattopadhyay was born in Hyderabad in 1879 into a well respected and prosperous family. The eldest of eight children, she did well at school and earned a place at Kings College London, and later Cambridge University. After finishing her studies she traveled Europe.
Asian Relations Conference 23 March- 2 April 1947 (1947-03-23/1947-04-02)Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
Return to India
Returning to India in 1898, she married Govindaraju Naidu, whom she met while studying in England. However, family life was not enough for Sarojini and she began to get involved in politics.
Gandhi And Naidu (1930-01-01) by KeystoneGetty Images
Political activism
From 1904, Sarojini started to give speeches about women's rights and Indian independence. In 1914 she met Mahatma Gandhi who inspired her political activity. She established the Women's Indian Association in 1917 and joined in various acts of non-violent resistance.
India's Congress Party (1946-05) by Margaret Bourke-WhiteLIFE Photo Collection
Challenges and triumph
Sarojini was jailed multiple times by the British rulers in India for her part in various acts of resistance, including the gruelling Salt March of 1930. Following independence from British rule, she was appointed governor of Uttar Pradesh, the first woman to achieve this rank.
Asian Relations Conference 23 March- 2 April 1947 (1947-03-23/1947-03-23)Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
A true pioneer
Feminist icon, education campaigner, popular leader, pioneering politician, accomplished poet, the life of Sarojini Naidu is remarkable in many ways.
85199 (1970-09) by John OlsonLIFE Photo Collection
Discover more stories about pioneering women.
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