Talk:Indian Freedom Fighters

From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia

INC[edit]

Founders of INC[edit]

Freedom Fighter Home Region Ethnicity Ahimsa Role Symbolism
Ananda Mohan Bose
(alias 'Saint Bose')
E.B. Bengali Brahmo Samaji
Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee
(alias 'Bengali Tiger')
W.B. Bengali Influenced by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Vivekananda,
taught Pali and Sanskrit (as well as Bengali and Hindi),
his Dr. S.P. Mukherjee would found the Jana Sangh party
Dr. Atmaram Pandurang Tarkhadkar Maharashtra Marathi Founded Prarthana Samaji
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(alias 'Lokmanya', 'Father of the Indian Unrest')
Maharashtra Marathi Not strictly Member
(Leader)
Of the 'extremist' faction within the INC, he established institutions, including the Deccan Education Society and its Fergusson College, popularized Ganesh Chathurti and Shiv Jayanti, as well as wrote important historical works.
Dadoba Pandurang Tarkhadkar
(alias 'Ek Hindu')
Maharashtra Marathi Paramahansa Mandali,
member and key associate of Prarthana Samaj
Durga Mohan Das E.B. Bengali Brahmo Samaji
Durgaram Manchharam Dave
(alias 'Durgaram Mehta')
Gujarat Gujarati Founded Manav Dharm Sabha and Paramahansa Mandali
Dwarkanath Ganguly E.B. Bengali Brahmo Samaji
Ganapathy Subramania Iyer T.N. Tamil Member of Theosophical Society and of Madras Native Association that opposed Christian missionary work
Janki Nath Ghoshal W.B. Bengali Engaged with Brahmo Samjis, including Keshub Chunder Sen, and with Rabindranath Tagore, Vivekanand, and Sister Nivedita[1]
regular contributor of Brahmo-affiliated pro-freedom Indian Mirror newspaper[2],
father of Subhas Chandra Bose and Sarat Chandra Bose
Sir Jotindra Mohan Tagore W.B. Bengali Founded an endowment for the benefit of Hindu widows and setup an annual fund towards a gold keyur to be annually presented to the best student in Sanskrit literature in Calcutta University
Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu
(alias 'Raja Ram Mohan Roy of Andhra')
Andhra Pradesh Telugu Brahmo Samaji,
Prarthana Samaji (popularized the Prarthana Samaj in southern India)
Kashinath Trimbak Telang
(alias 'Justice Telang')
Maharashtra Marathi Translated the Bhagavad Gita, and his other important publication (1884) was the historical Sanskrit play Mudrarakshasa of Vishakhadatta
Krishna Kumar Mitra E.B. Bengali Brahmo Samaji
Rangachari Balaji Rao T.N. Marathi Member of Madras Mahajana Sabha who opposed Christian missionary work, follower of Vivekanand[3]
Lalmohan Ghosh W.B. Bengali Brahmo Samaji
Madan Mohan Malaviya
(alias 'Mahaman', 'Pandit')
U.P. Malwi 4-time INC president, founded Bharat Dharma Mahamandala and Hindu Mahasabha
Mahadev Govind Ranade
(alias 'Justice Ranade')
Maharashtra Marathi Member and key associate of Prarthana Samaj
Monomohun Ghose E.B. Bengali Sanskritist,
Brahmo Samaji
Mudumbai Veeraraghavachariar T.N. Tamil Member of Theosophical Society and of Madras Native Association that opposed Christian missionary work
Nabagopal Mitra
(alias 'National Mitra')
W.B. Bengali Brahmo Samaji
Sir Narayan Ganesh Chandavarkar
(alias 'Mr. Justice')
Karnataka Marathi Usually Member
(Leader-National President)
Prarthana Samaj member
Narendra Nath Sen Gupta
(alias 'Father of Indian Psychology')
E.B. Bengali Established Theosophical Society of Bengali,
had close friendship with Keshab Chunder Sen,
wrote Mechanisms of Ecstasy, which drew ideas from Hindu [and Christian] classics from his passionate study of the psychology of religions and their scriptures
Nyapati Subba Rao Pantulu
(alias 'Andhra Bhishma')
Andhra Pradesh Telugu Inspired by Vivekanand's speeches, he began Hindu Samajam in Rajahmundry (1903) for propagating the Gita and Sanatan Dharm[4]
Panapakkam Ananda Charlu T.N. Tamil Member of Theosophical Society and of Madras Native Association that opposed Christian missionary work
Rai Raghunath Rao T.N. Marathi Member of Theosophical Society,
statue of Krishna was constructed for him in front of Kumbakonam Town Hall in Kudanthai
Sir Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar Maharashtra Marathi Member and key associate of Prarthana Samaj
Romesh Chunder Dutt
(alias 'Arcydae', 'Babu Dewan', 'Hindu')
W.B. Bengali Usually Member
(Leader-National President)
Wrote Early Hindu Civilisation, B.C. 2000 to 320 (1927)
Romesh Chunder Mitter W.B. Bengali Established Sanskrit Chatuspathi in Bhawanipur, and translated Valmimi Ramayana and Mahabharata into English
Satyendranath Tagore W.B. Bengali Brahmo Samaji,
member of Hindu Mahamela
Shankar Vishnu Patankar Maharashtra Marathi Prarthana Samaji
Shib Chandra Deb W.B. Bengali Brahmo Samaji
Sir Subbier Subramania Iyer
(alias 'Lion of South India')
T.N. Tamil President of the Dharma Rakshana Sabha, established 2 Vedic Schools (Madurai and Thiruparankundram),
VP of Theosophical Society (1907-1911),
established Suddha Dharma Mandala (1915)
Subodh Chandra Mallick
(alias 'Raja')
W.B. Bengali Funded Bande Mataram and Karmayogin newspapers, was a member in Jugantar,
and financed Aurobindo's revolutionary activities
Surendranath Banerjee
(alias 'Rashtraguru')
W.B. Bengali Usually Member
(Leader)
Brahmo Samaji
Umesh Chandra Dutta W.B. Bengali Brahmo Samaji
Vishwanath Narayan Mandlik
(alias 'Rao Saheb')
Maharashtra Marathi Wrote several works on Hindu Law in English, including translations of Yajnyawalkya Smriti, the Manu Smriti and Nilakantha's Vyvahara Mayukha,
Prarthana Samaji
Vishnu Bhikaji Sule Maharashtra Marathi Prarthana Samaji
Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee W.B. Bengali Usually Member
(Leader-National President)
His maternal lineage traced to the Sanskrit scholar and philosopher Pandit Juggonath Turkopunchanun, linking him to the tradition of Hindu saints,
studied at Hindu School at Kolkata, a major institution for blending Western and Sanskrit learning,
authored Reform of the Hindu Marriage Laws (1868), which critiqued and proposed changes to Hindu marriage customs to be more ethical

Later members of INC[edit]

Freedom Fighter Home Region Ethnicity Ahimsa Role Symbolism
Ambikagiri Raichoudhury
(alias 'Assam Kesari')
Assam Assami Yes Member
(Leader, Detector)
Established Sankardeva Sarcharkas organization to promote Assamese folk songs and cultural elements, including those influenced by Vaishnava traditions (e.g., devotional music and reformist ideas) — work emphasized Assami identity, which Ekasarana Dharm helped shape,
criticized British authority for banning puja at Kamakhya Temple (centre of plots against British rule)
Ambujammal Desikachari
(alias 'Akkamma')
T.N. Tamil Yes Member
(Leader-Local VP)
Member of WIA,
referenced Hindu scriptures in her nationalist and feminist work,
translated Tulsi Ramayana into Tamil
Annie Besant England English Yes Member
(Leader)
Arunachalam Vaidyanatha Iyer
(alias 'Madurai A.')
T.N. Tamil
Avinashilingam Chettiar T.N. Tamil
Awadhesh Pratap Singh M.P. Bagheli Yes Member
(Leader-Local President)

Baba Kanshi Ram
(alias 'Pahari Gandhi', 'Paharan-Da-Bulbul', 'Siyahposh Jarnail')
H.P. Kangri Pahari Not strictly Member Incorporated Hindu symbols into his speeches and writings,
emphasized dharma
Badri Datt Pandey
(alias 'Kumaon Kesari', 'Pandit')
Uttarakhand Kumaoni Yes Member Blended anti-imperialism with Hindu cultural revival,
founded Shakti,
wrote about history referencing scriptures,
glorified temple patronage,
supported maths (i.e., Sanskrit schools like Shivaraj Sanskrit Pathshala) and ashrams (i.e., Sanatan Dharm Maha Mandal),
Kuli Begar Movement's first oath was in 1921 at Haru Mandir
Bal Krishna Sharma (alias 'Lion of Kanpur', 'Naveen') M.P. Malwi Yes Member
(Leader)
His poetry often evokes India's ancient glory rooted in Hindu themes like in "Kumkum", "Rashmirekha", "Apalak", and revolutionary verses,
wrote Urmila (version of Ramayana)
Dr. Bhagwan Das U.P. Hindi Yes Member
(Leader)
Theosophy Society member,
founded Kashi Vidya Peeth,
wrote commentaries in English and Hindi on scriptures and concepts (i.e., Pranava-Vada),
received Bharat Ratna
Bhag Mal Sautha H.P. Mahasuvi Pahari Member
(Secretary)
Founding member of Prem Pracharini Sabha, which encouraged recitation of devotional songs, prayers, and moral conduct as a means of social upliftment and unity among subjects, and Hindu principles like dharm
Bheemanna Khandre Karnataka Kannadiga Yes Member
(Leader)
President of Akhil Bharata Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha,
imprisoned for activism in liberation of Hyderabad from nizam
Bipin Chandra Pal W.B. Bengali Part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio that promulgated the Swadeshi movement,
was a Brahmo Samaji
Birama
(alias 'Swami Keshwanand')
Rajasthan Marwari Organized celebrations to honour Sikh, Namdhari-Sikh, Bishnoi-Vaishnav, and Jain gurus, was Udasin member himself, founded 300 schools (including a Sanskrit one), 50 hostels and social centres
Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya Andhra Pradesh Telugu Member
(Leader)
Wrote positively about Hindu heritage and civilizational continuity
Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Bihar Bengali Member
(Leader)
Supported movements framed around Hindu protection and social organization (e.g., relief efforts tied to Hindu communities)
Bishnu Prasad Rabha
(alias 'Kalaguru')
Assam Assami Not strictly Member Drew an imaginary portrait of Sankardev,
sang Borgeets (Vaishnava devotional songs),
drew cultural inspiration from him for Assami identity
Chakravarti Rajagopalacari
(alias 'Rajaji')
T.N. Tamil Yes Member
(Leader)
Retold Rama in Chakravarti Thirumagan portraying Ram as the ideal upholder of righteousness/dharma,
viewed Hindu principles as moral foundations for nationalism
Chinnaswami Subramaniyan
(alias 'Subbayya Bhartiyar', 'Mahakavi')
T.N. Tamil Not strictly Member
Chittaranjan Das
(alias 'Deshbandhu')
W.B. Bengali Quoted the Gita,
occasionally praised Shivaji,
influenced by Brahmo Samajis
Cunjen Kesavan Kerala Malayali Member
(Leader)
Used Hindu principles to argue that caste discrimination contradicted Hindu philosophical ideals
Diwan Rajagopala Balaji Rao T.N. Tamil Member of Madras Mahajana Sabha who opposed Christian missionary work
Dorothy Jinarajadasa England English Mainly Non-Member
(Event Attendant)
Worked closely with Gandhi and attended INC events like its Session at Kolkata (1917) and Malabar District Conference (1918)
Duggirala Gopalakrishnayya
(alias 'Chirala Rama Das', 'Andhra Ratna')
Andhra Pradesh Telugu Yes Member
(Leader)
Established the Rama Dandu (Rama's Army) to promote swaraj and its members wore saffron clothes, rudraksha beads, and vermillion, and established in 1921 Ramanagara as a Ram Rajya utopian settlement of 13,000 residents (religious idiom used to mobilize Congress mass politics)
Durgabai Deshmukh
(alias 'Iron Lady of Andhra')
Andhra Pradesh Telugu Yes Member
(Leader-Local Chairperson)
Emphasized dharm as duty, service, and moral responsibility, especially in public life and social reform
Dwarka Prasad Mishra M.P. Malwi Yes Member
(Leader)
Wrote Krishnayana and emphasized Krishna's struggle against tyrant Kamsa akin to Indians fighting for independence against British imperialists,
other writings (i.e., Living an Era) and speeches occassionally invoked India's ancient Hindu heritage
Ela Bhatt Gujarat Gujarati Yes Member Founder of SEWA and women’s rights activist,
mentioned Hindu law in academic contexts (e.g., her gold medal in Hindu law studies).
Gangadharrao Deshpande Karnataka Kannadiga Yes Member
(Leader-Local Chairperson)
Expressed admiration of Savarkar and RSS,
wrote letter to V.J. Patel in December 1947
Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi U.P. Hindi Member
(Leader, Journalist)
Martyred when rescuing Hindus from a Muslim mob during a riot in Kanpur (1931),
protested with other INC members against Islamic communalism to Moolgang Mosque in retaliation for its Muslims having attacked a Hindu procession's musical band,
used Hindu symbolism like Ram Rajya as a just and moral society in speeches and writings
Ghanshyam Das Birla Rajasthan Marwari Funded Hindu institutions like temples and Harijan Sevak Sangh, and funded INC and educational institutions, wrote June 1924 letter to Gandhi supporting conversions of Muslims to Hinduism
Gogineni Ranga Nayukulu
(alias 'Acharya Ranga')
Andhra Pradesh Telugu Member
(Leader)
His autobiography and writings refer to Gandhi’s religious philosophy and its Hindu roots,
discussed Indian village life through the lens of dharmic ethics
Gopabandhu Das
(alias 'Utkalmani')
Odisha Odia Member
(Leader-Local President)
Founded institutions rooted in service (seva), dharma, and Hindu ethics
Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar Karnataka Kannada Yes Member
(Leader)
Referenced Hindu philosophical ideas, especially in his writings (i.e., Americadalli Gorur, wherein he referenced Upanishads and living by dharma), including essays that invoked Hindu principles for moral nationalism and social reform
Govind Ballabh Pant U.P. Marathi Yes Member
(Leader)
Reference to Ram Rajya like in Constituent Assembly debate (1948), to Krishna for issues like cow protection, supported Hindu Code Bill reforms, first U.P. CM of independent India, "Real Swaraj means Ram Rajya. If secular State means that our children will not know about the Ramayana or listen to the Gita or the Koran or the Granth what is the political freedom worth? Sir, by 'Ram' I mean Hindu God and also Christian God."
1939: "We want Ram Rajya, we want Sarvodaya. But for achieving them it is necessary that every..."
Gulzarilal Nanda[5] Punjab Punjabi Member
(Leader)
"Nanda ji developed the great cultural and religious heritage of Kurukshetra by facilitating it for 22 years,..." says Kurukhshetra University. He wrote "A Sacred Legacy" about Baba Sitaramdas Omkarnath[6],
founded the Bharat Sadhu Samaj along with other persons
Haladhar Bhuyan Assam Assami Yes Member Established Srimanta Sankardev Sangha to protect Sankardev's Ekasarana Vaishnava sect from adopting unethical traits and to promulgate the sect's teachings,
was jailed for participation in freedom struggle
Hansa Mehta
(alias 'A founding mother of the Indian republic')
Gujarat Gujarati Member Translated the Valmiki Ramayana's chapters "Aranyakanda", "Balakanda" and "Sundarakanda", and ensured MS University Baroda undertook projects to publish other scriptures of ancient India
Hanuman Prasad Poddar Rajasthan Marwari Not strictly Non-Member
(Attendant, Rally Protestor)
Founder of Gita Press (provided more accurate translations of Hindu texts) and Kalyan magazine,
affiliated with Hindu Mahasabha and RSS
Hardekar Manjappa
(alias 'Gandhi of Karnataka')
Karnataka Kannadiga Yes Non-Member
(Volunteer)
Used Basava's teachings as a symbol against British rule,
promoted Basava's teachings through celebrations (i.e., starting Basava Jayanti festival) and writings (wrote over 40 books, like Basava Charithre),
presented a book on Basava to Gandhi,
was part of Basweshara Seva Dala,
organized first Ganesh Chaturthi in Belgaum (1905), which inspired Tilak to nationalize festival and utilize it for freedom struggle
Haribhau Upadhyaya
(alias 'Pandit')
M.P. Malwi Yes Member
(Leader)
Wrote works on Hindu scriptures, such as Bhagwat Geeta, Sadhana ke Path Par, and Yug Dharm
Himmatlal Ramchandra Dave
(alias 'Swami Anand')
Gujarat Gujarati Yes Member
(Administrator)
A swami and Joint Secretary of the Bharat Sadhu Samaj, which he founded along with other persons
Jagat Narain Lal Bihar Bhojpuri Member
(Leader)
His Light Unto a Cell references Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Isha Upanishad, among others
Jayaprakash Narayan Srivastava
(alias 'Loknayak')
Bihar Bhojpuri Yes Member
(Leader-National GS)
Frequently invoked Ram Rajya as an ideal of moral, decentralized, and just governance in his later writings and the Total Revolution Movement (1970s), describing it as a society based on dharm, equality, and ethical rule,
reference Hindu ethical concepts of dharm, ahimsa, and selfless action positively while blending them with social ideals
Jhaverchand Meghani
(alias 'Rashtriya Shayar')
Gujarat Gujarati Yes Non-Member
(Rally Protestor)
A poet and folklorist that mentioned Hindu figures in patriotic literature,
his works invoked cultural nationalism
Jivatram Bhagwandas Kripalani
(alias 'Acharya Kripalani')
Sindh Sindhi Yes Member
(Leader-National President)
Jugal Chandra Ghosh W.B. Bengali Member Worked with groups mobilizing around Hindu protection and identity, including during the pro-Pakistan Direct Action Day riots in Kolkata
Jugal Kishore Birla Maharashtra Marwari Funded both INC and Hindu groups like HM and RSS, and funded Kolkata Medical College, Marwadi Balika Vidyalaya in Kolkata and other such institutions
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay Karnataka Kannadiga Yes Member
(Leader)
Promoted Hindu arts (theatre), crafts (handicrafts), and civilizational heritage
Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi Gujarat Gujarati Shifting view Member
(Leader)
Promoted Hindu cultural revival,
founded Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan,
mentioned figures like Shivaji for nationalism,
used pro-Hindu symbolism in writings
Keshava Pillai
(alias 'Bodheswaran')
Kerala Malayali Yes Member Disciple of Narayana Guru and Swamikal,
promoted Hindu values, especially for reform
Konda Venkatappayya
(alias 'Lion of Andhra')
Andhra Pradesh Telugu Member His journalism framed Indian nationalism as rooted in Sanatan cultural continuity
Koyapalli Kelappan
(alias 'Gandhi of Kerala', 'Dakshin ka Gandhi')
Kerala Malayali Yes Member
(Leader-Local President)
Lived in Brahmacharya, and spoke of Hindu principles like dharm and sarvoday and worked to restore the historically-ruined Tali Temple
Krishna Nath Sarmah Assam Assami Yes Member
(Secretary)
Prominent Gandhian freedom fighter, social reformer, and participant in movements like the Dandi March and Civil Disobedience,
actively referenced and utilized Vaishnava institutions by inviting Mahatma Gandhi in 1934 to inaugurate/open his family namghar
Krishnalal Shridharani[7] Gujarat Gujarati Yes A writer,
mentioned Hindu figures in nonviolence discussions
Krishnanand Swami H.P. Mandyali Pahari A swami
Kushal Konwar Assam Assami Member Influenced by reading the Gita near death
Lajpat Rai
(alias 'Lala Rai', 'Punjab Kesari')
Punjab Punjabi Not strictly Member
(Leader)
Arya Samaj member
Lal Bahadur Srivastava (Shastri)
(alias 'Shastriji', 'Man of Peace')
U.P. Bhojpuri Quoted Gita,
spoke of Ram Rajya,
occasionally praised Shivaji
Lal Chand Prarthi H.P. Kullavi Pahari Not strictly Member
(Leader)
Documented Hindu folklore, village deities, and rituals, portraying them as symbols of cultural resistance against imperial and feudal oppression,
supported Hindu institutions by advocating for preservation of local temples and festivals as part of regional identity
Laxman Vasudev Paranjape Maharashtra Marathi Member Involved in organizations promoting Hindu cultural and social revival
Madhavrao Sapre M.P. Marathi Usually Member
(Leader)
Translated into Hindi Tilak's Gita Rahasya, Samarth Ramdas' Dasbodh, Chintamani Vinayak Vaidya's Mahabharat Mimansa, and other Marathi works (i.e., Shri Ram Charitra, Ekanath Charitra, Atma Vidya)
Mahadev Desai Gujarat Gujarati Yes Member
(Personal Assistant, Journalist)
Gandhi’s secretary,
mentioned Hindu figures like Krishna [in Gita translations],
his statements promoted Gandhian Hinduism as tolerant and inclusive
Mahadev Govind Ranade
(alias 'Nyayamurti Ranade')
Maharashtra Marathi Usually Member
(Leader)
Founded Prarthana Samaj
Makhanlal Chaturvedi
(alias 'Pandit Ji', 'Yug Charan', 'Ek Bhartiya Atma')
M.P. Hindi Non-Member
(Rally Protestor)
Used Hindu imagery, including of Ram and Krishna, in his literature, and drew on spiritual themes to foster nationalism against British rule
Maurice Frydman
(alias 'Swami Bharatanand')
Poland Polish Jewish convert to Hinduism,
became rajyaguru to Anudh princely state's Raja Bala Sahib and drafted a constitution for the kingdom,
lived at Gandhi's ashram and worked with him,
worked with fellow Pole Gandhian Umadevi
Laxminarayan Das Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarhi Yes Member Was mahant of Jaitu Sao Math in Raipur,
used symbolisms like saffron robes,
spoke of Ram in devotional contexts
Malangi Shivalingiah Gurupadaswamy Karnataka Kannada Yes Member Referenced Hindu culture and scriptures positively context of "Indianisation," suggesting in a Constituent Assembly speech that Muslims should respect Hindu scriptures and culture for national unity
Margaret Cousins Ireland Irish Usually Non-Member
(Attendant)
Worked closely with Gandhi and attended INC events like INC Session at Kolkata (1917) and Gandhi's meetings and campaigns
Manikya Lal Verma
(alias 'Gandhi of Mewar')
Rajasthan Mewari Yes Member
(Leader)
Worked closely with Arya Samaj
Morarji Desai Gujarat Gujarati Not strictly Member
(Leader)
Made pro-Hindu statements like "Hinduism is the most tolerant religion" and emphasized Hindu moral values,
referenced Hindu philosophy in governance but balanced with secularism
Nana Bhatt Gujarat Gujarati Yes Educationist and Nai Talim pioneer,
promoted Hindu ethical values like simplicity and self-reliance in education but without sectarian pro-Hindu statements,
referenced Hindu cultural inheritance in educational philosophy
Nand Lal
(alias 'Master Ji')
Punjab Punjabi Member He wrote the Ramayan in a drama form and organized a play on the same on Navratras and Dussehra festivals (he played Dasrath in the play)
Dr. Narayan Subbarao Hardikar Karnataka Marathi Yes Member
(Leader-Local GS)
Established the Hindustani Seva Mandal (later became Rashtriya Seva Dal) in 1923,
established the Arya Bala Sabha,
taught the Gita during his student days in Kolkata[1],
was a fan of Lokmanya Tilak,
and had enthusiastically worked with Lala Rai
Narendra Dev
(alias 'Acharya Dev')
U.P. Hindi Shifting view Member
(Leader)
Referenced Ram Rajya as socialist utopia, and Hindu ethical traditions and figures like Krishna as sources of moral inspiration for selfless action and justice
Narhari Dwarkadas Parikh Gujarat Gujarati Yes Non-Member
(Attendant, Rally Protestor, Volunteer)
Referenced Hindu ethics in satyagraha
Naurang Rai
(alias 'Swami Sahajanand Saraswati')
U.P. Bhojpuri Not strictly Member Wrote books in Sanskrit and Hindi, on Hinduism and independence,
helped form All India Kisan Sabha, in which he was its first President,
worked with INC, Swatantra (N.G. Ranga ), and CPI (E.M.S. Namboodiripad),
organized Bakasht Movement in Bihar in 1937–1938,
built ashram at Bihta, Bihar
Nautamlal Bhagavanji Mehta
(alias 'Nagar Seth of Jetpur')
Gujarat Gujarati Yes Non-Member Supporter of Gandhi — coined 'Mahatma' for him, invoking Hindu reverence,
promoted Hindu unity in nationalism
Padam Dev
(alias 'Pandit,' 'Kaviraj')
H.P. Mahasuvi Pahari Yes Member
(Leader-Local GS)
Arya Samaj preacher — promoted shuddhi (even converting American Samuel Evans Stokes),
referenced Hindu scriptures in his campaigns (i.e., against Begar or forced labour and reet or feudal tax,
speeches invoked figures like Dayanand
Pandurang Mahadev Bapat
('Senapati Bapat')
Maharashtra Marathi No
(revolutionary)
Non-Member
(Attendant)
Hindu symbolism (Shivaji, dharma) in speeches, including religious symbolism in anti-colonial struggle
Pandurang Sadashiv Khankhoje Maharashtra Marathi No
(revolutionary)
Pandurang Sadashiv Sane
(alias 'Sane Guruji', 'Gandhi of Maharashtra')
Maharashtra Marathi Yes Member Wrote the Geeta Hridaya,
from his notes on the lectures in prison that Acharya Bhave delivered in the same jail, the latter compiled the Gita Pravachane book,
orgaqnizations Akhil Bharatiya Sane Guruji Kathamala, Antar Bharati, and Rashtriya Smarak Samiti were modelled on Guruji's teachings
Pandurang Vitthalapanta Valame
(alias 'Rang Avadhoot'[8])
Gujarat Marathi A mystic saint,
mentioned Hindu figures like Dattatreya,
used devotional slogans like "Jai Guru",
teachings were spiritual
Purushottam Das Tandon U.P. Hindi Yes Member
(Leader-National President)
Advocated for Hindu militarism to fight perceived threats in India, used Hindu cultural symbolism (i.e., Ram Rajya),
worked with K.M. Munshi in the Constituent Assembly against forced or induced conversions,
was Sanskrit scholar,
supported education in Vedas, Upanishads and Gita
Ramaswamy Aiyer Krishnamurthy
(alias 'Kalki Krishnamurthy')
T.N. Tamil Yes Member Adopted the name Kalki,
his works like Ponniyin Selvan and Sivagamiyin Sapatham drew heavily from Tamil/Hindu epics and they used Hindu themes to evoke modern nationalism
Raghunath Vinayak Dhulekar U.P. Marathi Yes Member Wrote commentaries about shastras and ideas, like Shweta-Shwatrupanishad Bhasya on Shvetashvatara Upanishad and Shaivism, Prashnapanishad Saral Bhashya on the Prashna Upanishad, Atmadarshi Geeta Bhashya on the Gita, Chaturvedanugami Bhashya on Vedas, and Pillars of Vedant on Vedanta
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Bihar Bhojpuri Yes Member
(Leader-National President)
Strongly defended traditional Hindu dharm and personal laws against the Hindi Code Bill, arguing to Nehru that changes would undermine core Hindu scriptural and cultural traditions (i.e., family structure rooted in shastras and dharm),
referenced Hindu concepts like dharm positively as the ethical foundation of Indian society and expressed respect for figures like Ram and Krishna as moral ideals
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia U.P. Marwari Shifting view Member
(Leader-National Secretary)
Wrote essay "Ram, Krishna, aur Shiva" as "India's three great dreams",
invoked Ram Rajya positively,
engaged positively with Gita and Hindu ethical concepts like dharm, and praised Krishna's call for nishkam karma as model for selfless struggle and social change,
used Hindu figures to foster cultural confidence and mass mobilization (i.e., Ramayana Mela at Chitrakoot, U.P.) to connect with tural and traditional audiences,
argued Hindu symbols could transcend narrow religious boundaries and promote unity
Ram Prasad
(alias 'Agyat', 'Bismil', 'Pandit')
U.P. Hindi No
(revolutionary)
Non-Member
(Attendant, Volunteer)
Arya Samaj member that encouraged shuddhi for Muslims
Ravishankar Shukla M.P. Hindi Yes Member
(Leader-Premier)
Headed Kanyakubja Sabha and collaborated with Malaviya to mobilize Brahmans,
joined Theosophical Society to explore vastness of Hindu canon,
1st CM of independent M.P.
Ravishankar Vyas
(alias 'Maharaj', 'Father of Gujarat')
Gujarat Gujarati Yes Non-Member
(Rally Protestor)
Mentioned Hindu dharma in Gandhian contexts
Sarojini Naidu Telangana Bengali Yes Member
(Leader-National President)
Used women like Sita, Savitri, Gargi, and Damayanti as ideals for women's empowerment,
used Hindi ideas of tolerance for harmony between communities
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
(alias 'Philosopher President', 'Bridge Builder')
T.N. Telugu Usually Authored a highly influential commentary called The Bhagavad Gita (1948, praising it as the pinnacle of Hindu philosophy and a universal guide to ethics, dharm, and spiritual realization,
celebrated Hindu scriptures (Gita, Vedanta, Upanishads) as profound expressions of eternal truth, dharm as moral order, and Krishna as a symbol of divine wisdom and action within his works Indian Philosophy and The Hindu View of Life
Savalai Ramaswami Mudaliar Puducherry Tamil Usually Member
(Leader)
Seshadri Srinivasa Iyengar
(alias 'Lion of the South')
T.N. Tamil Devout Sri Vaishnava that authored a book on Mayne's Hindu Laws, became monk (Swami Anvananda) later in life
Seth Govind Das
(alias 'Mahakoshal Kesari')
M.P. Hindi Yes Member
(Leader-Local President)
Invoked Hindu scriptures (including Vedas, Upanishads, Vishnu Purana, and Brahma Purana) and figures in Constituent Assembly,
wrote drama plays and texts of Hindu subject matter,
partook in demonstration against cow slaughter in 1966 led by RSS, VHP, and RRP
Shankar Trimbak Dharmadhikari
(alias 'Dada Dharmadhikari')
M.P. Marathi Yes Non-Member Mentioned Hindu figures like Krishna in philosophical contexts,
was studying Shankaracharya's works for about a year before joining independence movement
Shankarlal Banker Gujarat Gujarati Yes Non-Member
(Rally Protestor)
Referenced Hindu ethics in labor reforms
Shiv Prasad Gupta U.P. Hindi Yes Member
(Financier)
Founded Kashi Vidya Peeth for Indian and Hindu studies,
funded Hindu institutions like BHU,
built Bharat Mata Mandir,
held the First National Congress at his residence,
Gandhi called him Rashtra Ratna
Sohan Lal Dwivedi
(alias 'Rashtrakavi')
U.P. Hindi Yes Non-Member Mentioned Ram Rajya, like in Bharavi collection of poems,
used both Krishna and Rama in patriotic poetry to describe India as the privilaged land they lived in
Sonaram Sutiya Assam Assami Yes Vaishnav pandit that [through the Srimanta Sankardev Sangha] promoted nam-kirtan, satras and namghars, and Sankardev's teachings
Subbier Subramania Iyer
(alias 'Grand Old Man of South India')
T.N. Tamil Usually Member
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan U.P. Mentions Hindu figures in her poetry, like Ram in" Vijayadashmi", and Krishna in a few like "Ye Kadamb Ka Ped", "Vida", "Bhaiya Krishna!", "Krishna-Yashoda"
Sundara Satyamurti
(alias 'Firebrand of South India', 'Dheerar')
T.N. Tamil Yes Member
(Leader-National President)
Engaged with Hindu scriptures,
sometimes invoked dharma for moral nationalism
Dr. Sampurnanand U.P. Hindi Yes Member
(Leader-Local Secretary)
Wrote books like Yogadarshan and commentaries on Vedic texts,
portrayed Hinduism as the nationalistic force for strengthening India,
mentioned Ram Rajya,
openly discussed the threats of Muslim disloyalty
Subramaniya Siva T.N. Tamil Used Tamil-Hindu cultural imagery in poetry
Swami Purnanand H.P. Mandyali Pahari Member
(Leader)
A swami
Tanguturi Prakasam
(alias 'Andhra Kesari', 'Prakasam Pantulu')
Andhra Pradesh Telugu Member
(Leader)
His public rhetoric frequently invoked dharma and the moral authority of Hindu epics,
quoted Gita,
occasionally invoked Krishna and Ram as moral exemplar in speeches,
occasionally praised Shivaji,
supported protection of Hindu religious institutions and saw them as part of national heritage
Valangaiman Sankaranarayana Srinivasa Sastri T.N. Tamil Member Public lectures frequently praised Sanskrit literature and ethical universality of Hindu scriptures,
presented Hindu philosophy to Western audiences as one of India’s greatest contributions to world civilization
Vallinayagam Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai
(alias 'Kappalottiya Tamizhan')
T.N. Tamil Not strictly Member Met Swami Ramakrishnananda (Vivekanand’s brother) in Chennai and was advised by him to serve the nation as a form of dharm (spiritual duty),
became a member of the militant Bharatha Matha Sangam,
his literature includes the commentaries Thirukural (1917) and Tolkappiam (1928),
memorials to him exist in places like Theni district, erected by the Shaiv Vellalar community,
his promotion of Tamil literature often intersected with Shaiv devotional texts (Tirumurai, Periya Puranam),
was active in organizations like the Shaiva Siddhanta Sangam (Madurai)
Dr. Vavilala Gopalakrishnayya
(alias 'Andhra Gandhi', 'Telugu Bhishma')[9]
Andhra Pradesh Telugu Yes Spoke of Ram Rajya in the context of democratic accountability,
welfare state ideals ("land of dharma and a real of peace"),
and political morality (nonviolence to achieve goals)
Vinayak Narahar Bhave
(alias 'Acharya Vinoba')
Gujarat Marathi Yes Non-Member Bhoodan leader,
mentioned Hindu figures like Krishna in philosophical contexts,
used slogans like "Jai Jagat" (Victory to the World),
his statements emphasized spiritual equality and non-violence, drawing from Hindu texts for universal humanism,
spoke of Ram Rajya like in Bhoodan movement discource
Vyenkatesh Bhagvanrao Khedgikar
(alias 'Swami Ramanand Tirtha')
Karnataka Kannada Yes Member
(Leader)
Was an Arya Samaj monk,
drew from scriptures like Gita,
rallied people against Nizam,
became first President of the Hyderabad State Congress in 1947
Wanda Dynowska
(alias 'Umadevi')
Poland Polish Established Polish-Indian Library (translated Hindu and Bauddh scriptures into Polish to share with fellow Poles),
worked with fellow Pole Gandhian Swami Bharatanand

Non-aligned[edit]

Freedom Fighter Home Region Ethnicity Ahimsa Role Symbolism
Alluri Sitarama Raju Telangana Telugu Took sanyas,
used to teach Gita to people
Ayodhya Prasad Upadhyay U.P. Volunteered lecturing Hindi at the Banaras Hindu University,
wrote important works
Arani Subramaniya Sastri T.N. Tamil
Akkur Ananthachari T.N. Tamil
Chatursen Shastri U.P. Yes Wrote works both religious and sociopolitical,
even critiquing Gandhi's nonviolent stance and in independent India,
Nehru attempted to ban his books
Sir Chetput Pattabhirama Ramaswami Aiyar T.N. Tamil
Kattamuthu Ocha Thevar
(alias 'Pappapatti Kattamuthu Mookiah')
T.N. Tamil Was disciple of Ukkirapandi Muthuramalinga Thevar
Natesa Iyer
(alias 'Father Gangadhara Shastri')
T.N. Tamil
Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty T.N. Tamil
Sakkottai Krishnaswamy Iyengar T.N. Tamil
Kallidaikurichi S. Subramaniya Iyer T.N. Tamil
Mandayam Parthasarathi Tirumal Acharya T.N. Tamil
Nanak Bheel Bhili Propagated the movement of Govind Guru (disciple of Swami Dayanand) among tribals,
organized public gatherings that incorporated bhajans and patriotic songs,
and was martyred by British imperialist forces
Pothiram Upadhyay
('Swaroopanand Saraswati',
'Revolutionary Sadhu')
M.P. Yes A participant in 1942 Quit India Movement,
he later 1st president of ABRRP,
supported reclaiming Ram Janmabhumi and including shastras in curriculum,
was Shankaracharya of Dwarka Sharada Peeth from 1982 and before that of Jyotir Math, Badrinath (1973),
mentioned Hindu figures like Ram, Krishna, Hanuman, and Shiva in speeches
Ramanathapuram Sankara Venkatarama Iyer T.N. Tamil
Rangaswami Iyengar
(alias 'Alathur')
T.N. Tamil
Seshayengar Srinivasa Raghavaiyangar T.N. Tamil
Dr. Swaminatha Sastri T.N. Tamil
Thakur Akshay Singh Ratnu M.P. Renovated the Karni Mata temple,
wrote devotional works like "Maa Karni Vandana Stotram",
in his family memoirs is credited with instilling "Sanskaras of Sanatan Hindu Dharma",
wrote about Maharana Pratap,
known as Sahityabhushana
Tiruppur Subrahmanya T.N. Tamil
Ukkirapandi Muthuramalinga Thevar
(alias 'Pasumpon')
T.N. Tamil Lived as a sadhu,
combined political activism with Hindu spirituality and community leadership,
kept strong links to Hindu religious networks in T.N.,
had temple-centered authority
Varahaneri Venkatesa Subramaniam Aiyar T.N. Tamil
Veer Narayan Singh Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarhi
  1. Dr. N.S. Hardiker By Ranganath Ramachandra Diwakar