A PIONEERING ASSAMESE FREEDOM FIGHTER AND FEMINIST: CHANDRAPRABHA SAIKIANI

Abstract: Assamese women had played multifaceted role during Indian Freedom Struggle. Chandraprabha Saikiani (1901–1972), was one of them who was an Assamese freedom fighter, feminist, social reformer, and writer played a pivotal role in that era, particularly in organizing women in Assam. She motivated Assamese women to challenge colonial subjugation and patriarchal traditions throughout her active participation and contributions in freedom struggle to the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. As a torch bearer of the feminist movement in Assam, she established the Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti in 1926. She advocated for women's rights and education along with nationalist objectives. This study highlights Saikiani’s multifaceted contributions towards the Indian Freedom Movement particularly her role in organizing women strengthening anti-colonial resistance in Assam and challenging social limitations. This study is based on secondary sources of data and follows qualitative research method.