6 Indian Poets Who Shaped the Freedom Struggle With Their Words

Indian poets were the unsung heroes of the freedom movement, wielding their pens to ignite passion, unity, and resistance against colonial oppression.

1. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay In the 1870s, Bengal, Bankim’s Vande Mataram stirred the earliest flames of patriotism, uniting Indians with its call to worship the motherland.

Vande Mataram Written in Sanskritised Bengali, this poem was first published in 1882 as part of Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath.

2. Rabindranath Tagore In 1905, Tagore’s “Amar Sonar Bangla” became a rallying cry during the first partition of Bengal, symbolising unity and resistance.

Amar Sonar Bangla This song, with its evocative imagery, became a symbol of Bengal’s cultural heritage and a call to preserve its unity against colonial forces.

3. Kazi Nazrul Islam In December 1921, Nazrul’s “Bidrohi” (“The Rebel”) was published, challenging oppression and advocating for justice.

Bidrohi This radical poem, with its themes of rebellion and defiance, inspired countless freedom fighters and became synonymous with the struggle for India’s independence.

4. Sarojini Naidu Known as the “Nightingale of India,” Naidu’s “In the Bazaars of Hyderabad” captured the vibrant spirit of Indian life, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.

In the Bazaars of Hyderabad This poem, rich in imagery and rhythm, portrays the lively scenes of a traditional Indian market, symbolising the nation’s unity and diversity.

5. Hasrat Mohani In 1921, Mohani coined the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad,” symbolising the revolutionary zeal of the youth.

Inquilab Zindabad This slogan, meaning “Long live the revolution,” inspired countless freedom fighters and became synonymous with the struggle for India’s independence.

6. Jayanta Mahapatra From Odisha, Mahapatra’s “Indian Summer” reflected the socio-political landscape of post-independence India, capturing the nation’s evolving identity.

Indian Summer This English poem delves into the nuances of Indian life, blending personal experiences with broader cultural observations.