First War of Independence and Azizan. I was privileged by Bithoor trip to get a lot of inspiring information related to the first freedom struggle. During my school days I was taught history about the many brave heroes and heroines of this first freedom struggle, but there was one name that I was unaware of, and her sacrifice of everything and immolation of precious life for freedom and patriotism impressed me greatly.
Not only men but women were also involved in India’s freedom struggle. While on one hand there were women from elite families, on the other hand courtesans and dancers were not left behind. One such prominent name is that of Azizan Bai. Although Azizan Bai was a courtesan by profession, she actively participated in the 1857 War of Independence. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar also used to appreciate her prominent role in the first war of independence. This beautiful woman played a great role in the first freedom struggle along with Tatya Tope, Nana Sahib, Azim Ullah Khan etc. This brave heroine was entrusted with a big responsibility by appointing her as a spy. She was wholeheartedly and selflessly dedicated to the freedom struggle and presented her total wealth to Nana Sahib. She formed a Mastani troupe with her female companions, who used to motivate people during the day to join the revolution, and at night used to fascinate the British with their looks and dance. Whatever secrets collected in nights from the British were passed to Tatya Tope and Nana Sahib. She couldn’t escape from Bithoor when General Havelock captured Bithoor. She rejected the offer of release on providing the information about the revolutionists. At the age of 25 she attained the martyrdom in Kanpur. Azizan Bai’s numerous contributions may have been forgotten but she is an immortal martyr.
India is not at the place it should have been after 75 years of independence because today’s trend of narrow mindedness has bound the society in caste, religion etc that there is no way out. If this was the thinking of those who sacrificed everything including lives for freedom, would we have been able to become free, certainly not.