2015 - Rani Gaidinliu Birth Centenary | Commemorative Coin

The 6th commemorative coin of 2015 was released to mark the Birth Centenary of Rani Gaidinliu.

Rani Gaidinliu occupies an inspiring place in India’s freedom movement as a fearless Naga spiritual and political leader who dedicated her life to resisting British rule and protecting the cultural identity of her people. Born in 1915 in Tamenglong district of present-day Manipur, she joined the Heraka movement at a very young age under the leadership of her cousin, the revered Jadonang. The movement sought both the revival of indigenous Naga religious practices and freedom from colonial oppression. After Jadonang’s execution by the British in 1931, the responsibility of leading the movement fell on the young Gaidinliu, who was barely sixteen. She rose to the occasion with remarkable courage, mobilizing her people and becoming a symbol of resistance in the hills of the Northeast.

Her campaign against British rule soon drew the attention of the colonial authorities, who launched an intensive manhunt to capture her. Despite her youth, she displayed extraordinary determination, moving from village to village, urging her followers to stand united and continue the struggle. Her growing influence and the strength of the movement made her a major threat in the eyes of the British. In 1932, she was eventually arrested during a surprise raid and sentenced to life imprisonment. At such a young age, she began enduring the hardships of long years spent in various prisons across Assam, Nagaland, and Uttar Pradesh. Her imprisonment became a symbol of the harsh measures used against indigenous resistance in the region.

Even in jail, her spirit remained unbroken. Many leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru, recognized her significance in the national struggle. Nehru visited her in 1937 and was deeply moved by her dedication and resilience, famously referring to her as “Rani” Gaidinliu, a title that has remained with her ever since. After India gained independence, she was finally released and returned to her people. Rani Gaidinliu devoted the next phase of her life to social reform, the preservation of Naga tradition, and working for the upliftment of tribal communities. She continued to be a guiding force for the Heraka faith and became an important voice for unity and cultural preservation among the Zeliangrong people.

Her contributions were recognized by the nation through several honours, including the Tamrapatra Freedom Fighter Award, the Padma Bhushan, and the Vivekananda Seva Award. She spent her later years working closely with community organizations and advocating for the rights and welfare of tribal groups until her passing in 1993. Rani Gaidinliu’s life story stands as a powerful testament to courage, cultural pride, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. She remains an enduring figure in India’s freedom struggle, particularly in the Northeast, where her legacy continues to inspire generations to uphold identity, justice, and dignity.

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