Rani Gaidinliu: The Iconic Woman of Northeast India

This article attempts to analyse why Rani Gaidinliu, who was a freedom fighter and social and religious reformer, was keen to preserve the identity and culture of her cognate tribe 1 —the Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmai/Kabui and Npui. Does Heraka—a socio-religious movement started by Haipou Jadonang and later developed by the Rani—become a tool of ‘cultural revivalism’ and act as a means to unite cognate tribes? Why do we juxtapose Heraka with the Hindutva ideologues such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that position Rani Gaidinliu in a new spirit of nationalism and identity as the lone woman spiritual and political protagonist of Northeast India? She used Heraka with politics to fulfil her goals in fighting the British. Using the interview method, I spoke to selected respondents, particularly elders and community leaders, about Rani Gaidinliu. Her story illustrates a rationality that could encourage marginalised and invisible women to become sociopolitical and spiritual leaders, questioning patriarchy and bringing about empowerment and social inclusion.