Subhadra Kumari Chauhan: Poet of Patriotism and Feminist Fire

Subhadra Kumari Chauhan: Voice of Valor in Hindi Literature

Subhadra Kumari Chauhan (1904–1948) was a pioneering Hindi poet, freedom fighter, and social reformer whose words ignited the spirit of nationalism in pre-independent India. Born in Nihalpur village, Prayagraj, she began writing poetry at a young age and published her first poem at just nine years old.

Her most celebrated work, “Jhansi ki Rani,” immortalized Rani Lakshmi Bai and became a rallying cry for patriotism. The poem’s iconic refrain, “Khoob ladi mardani, woh toh Jhansi wali Rani thi,” is still recited in schools and public gatherings across India.

Subhadra Kumari Chauhan was not just a literary figure—she was a political activist. In 1921, she joined Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, becoming the first woman Satyagrahi to be arrested in Nagpur. She was jailed twice, in 1923 and 1942, for her role in protests against British rule.

Her poetry, written in Khariboli Hindi, was simple yet powerful. Works like “Veeron Ka Kaisa Ho Basant,” “Jallianwala Bagh Mein Vasant,” “Rakhi Ki Chunauti,” and “Vida” reflected her revolutionary spirit and deep empathy for social issues, especially women’s rights and caste discrimination.

Subhadra also served as a member of the Legislative Assembly in the Central Provinces, balancing her political duties with her literary pursuits. She authored 88 poems and 46 short stories, including children’s literature and feminist narratives.

She died tragically in a car accident near Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, on February 15, 1948, while returning from an assembly session in Nagpur. Her legacy lives on through her writings, her activism, and the generations she continues to inspire.

Trivia About Subhadra Kumari Chauhan:

• Born on August 16, 1904, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
• First poem published at age nine.
• Famous for “Jhansi ki Rani,” a patriotic poem.
• First woman Satyagrahi arrested in Nagpur.
• Jailed twice during the freedom movement.
• Wrote in Khariboli dialect of Hindi.
• Authored 88 poems and 46 short stories.
• Served in the Legislative Assembly of Central Provinces.
• Died in a car accident in 1948.
• Her poem “Veeron Ka Kaisa Ho Basant” celebrates bravery.
• Google honored her with a doodle on her 117th birthday.
• Her works are part of school curricula across India.
• She challenged caste discrimination in her personal life.
• Her first poetry collection “Mukul” won the Seksaria Prize.
• India Coast Guard named a ship after her: ICGS Subhadra Kumari Chauhan.

Original Hindi text of one of the ten stanzas:

सिंहासन हिल उठे राजवंशों ने भृकुटी तानी थी,

बूढ़े भारत में भी आई फिर से नयी जवानी थी,

गुमी हुई आज़ादी की कीमत सबने पहचानी थी,

दूर फिरंगी को करने की सबने मन में ठानी थी।

चमक उठी सन सत्तावन में, वह तलवार पुरानी थी,

बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,

खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।