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Sarojini Naidu Biography: The Nightingale of India| Notes for UPSC
IMPORTANT LINKS
Modern History UPSC Notes
Sarojini Naidu, popularly known as the ‘Nightingale of India’ or ‘Bharatiya Kokila’ was a poet, politician and an activist, who played an important role in India’s freedom struggle and in promoting women’s rights. She was the first woman of Indian origin to be elected as the president of the Indian National Congress(INC) and the first woman to be appointed as governor of an Indian state.
In this article on Sarojini Naidu Biography, let us look at the important facts of Sarojini Naidu’s life, career and work for UPSC IAS Exam.
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About Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu, also known as the Nightingale of India, was a prominent Indian independence activist, poet, and politician. Born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, she was the first woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress and the first woman to serve as a state governor in independent India. Naidu played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence through her oratory skills, writings, and political activism.
Sarojini Naidu’s Early Life
- Sarojini Naidu was born in Hyderabad on 13th February 1879.
- She was the daughter of Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, a scientist, a philosopher and the first principal of the Nizam College, Hyderabad and Varada Sundari Devi, a Bengali poetess.
- At the age of 12, she joined the University of Madras and at the age of 16, she got admission in King’s College, England and later entered Girton College in Cambridge.
- After returning to India, she married Muthyala Govindarajulu Naidu, a physician at the age of 19.
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Sarojini Naidu’s Poetic Career
Sarojini Naidu was a highly acclaimed poet whose works were characterized by their lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and patriotic fervor. Her poetry reflected themes of love, nature, patriotism, and social issues. Some of her notable works include "The Golden Threshold" (1905), "The Bird of Time: Songs of Life, Death & the Spring" (1912), and "The Broken Wing: Songs of Love, Death and the Spring" (1917). Naidu's poetry earned her widespread recognition both in India and abroad, establishing her as one of the leading literary figures of her time.
Sarojini Naidu’s Role as a Freedom Fighter
Sarojini Naidu was deeply affected by the 1905 Bengal partition and therefore, decided to join the freedom struggle.
- In 1916, she worked with Jawaharlal Nehru and fought with the British for the disheartening conditions of the Indigo workers of Champaran, in the western district of Bihar.
- She traveled all over India and gave speeches on youth welfare, the dignity of labor, women’s emancipation and nationalism.
- In 1917, she founded the Women’s India Association with Annie Besant and other leaders and presented Congress with the need to involve women in the freedom struggle.
- She traveled to the United States and European countries as the flag-bearer of the Indian Nationalist struggle.
- She joined Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement to protest against the Rowlatt Act of 1919. She also supported his other campaigns like the Sabarmati Pact, the Khilafat issue, the Civil Disobedience Movement, Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms and the Satyagraha Pledge.
- In 1924, she attended the East African Indian Congress as one of the two delegates of the Indian National Congress(INC).
- In 1925, owing to her contribution to the struggle for freedom, she was elected as the President of INC.
- She led the Dharasana Satyagraha when Gandhi was arrested after the Salt March to Dandi in 1930.
- Her role in the freedom struggle led to multiple stints in prison in 1930, 1932, and 1942.
- After India’s independence, she became the governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) and remained in the role till her death.
Role in Women Empowerment
Sarojini Naidu was a staunch advocate for women's rights and played a significant role in advancing the cause of women empowerment in India. As the first woman to preside over the Indian National Congress, she shattered gender barriers and inspired women to participate actively in the freedom movement. Naidu emphasized the importance of education and economic independence for women and championed their right to vote and participate in political affairs. Through her speeches, writings, and leadership, she became a symbol of women's empowerment and paved the way for future generations of women leaders in India.
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Notable Literary Works of Sarojini Naidu
- Sarojini Naidu, besides her contribution to the Indian Nationalist Movement, led an active literary life.
- She started writing at the age of 12 with a 1300 lines long poem in English titled ‘The Lady of the Lake’.
- Her play ‘Maher Muneer’ written in Persian impressed the Nizam of Hyderabad who granted her a scholarship to study overseas.
- She was famous for her use of sensory images in her writing and for her depictions of India.
- Her first volume of poetry named The Golden Threshold was published in 1905. “The Bird of Time” and “The Broken Wings” are her other collections that attracted huge readers.
- In 1914, she was elected by the Royal Society of Literature.
- Apart from poetry, she has also written articles like ‘Words of Freedom’ penning her political beliefs and issues like women empowerment.
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Sarojini Naidu’s Death and Legacy
- Sarojini Naidu died of a cardiac arrest on 2nd March, 1949 in Lucknow.
- She was one of the feminist luminaries of India. To commemorate the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, 13th February is observed as National Women’s Day.
- She was conferred the title ‘Nightingale of India’ by Mahatma Gandhi.
- In 1919, the English poet Edmund Gosse called her “the most accomplished living poet in India”.
- In 1990, Eleanor Helin at the Palomar Observatory discovered Asteroid 5647 Sarojininaidu. On 27th August 2019, the naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center.
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Important Facts Related to Sarojini Naidu Biography for UPSC
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Important Facts Related to Sarojini Naidu for UPSC |
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Born |
13th February, 1879 |
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Birth Place |
Hyderabad, British India |
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Birth Name |
Sarojini Chattopadhyay |
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Popularly known as |
Bharat Kokila or The Nightingale of India |
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Political affiliation |
Indian National Congress (INC) |
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Death |
2nd March, 1949 |
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Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
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Sarojini Naidu Biography UPSC FAQs
What was Sarojini Naidu famous for?
Sarojini Naidu was famous for her multifaceted contributions to Indian society. She was a renowned poet, a prominent political activist during the Indian independence movement, and the first woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress.
Why did Sarojini Naidu choose poetry?
Sarojini Naidu was drawn to poetry from a young age due to her natural talent and passion for literature. She found poetry to be a powerful medium for expressing her thoughts, emotions, and social concerns, and she used her poetic skills to advocate for causes such as Indian nationalism and women's rights.
Why is Sarojini Naidu known as Nightingale of India?
Sarojini Naidu is known as the Nightingale of India because of her melodious voice and poetic brilliance. Her lyrical poetry, characterized by its beauty and musicality, earned her this endearing nickname, which reflects her status as one of India's most beloved poets.
Why did Sarojini Naidu go to England?
Sarojini Naidu went to England to pursue higher education and to further her literary and intellectual pursuits. She studied at King's College, London, and later at Girton College, Cambridge, where she honed her literary skills and became involved in the suffragette movement.
What is the nickname of Sarojini Naidu?
Sarojini Naidu is often referred to as the "Nightingale of India" due to her melodious voice and poetic talents. This nickname highlights her significance as one of India's most celebrated poets.