Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. (200 words)

Gandhian politics expanded the freedom struggle from elite politics into mass participation, enabling women to enter public protest on an unprecedented scale.

Political action

• Women picketed liquor and foreign-cloth shops, spun khadi and joined constructive work.
• They participated in Salt Satyagraha, Civil Disobedience and Quit India demonstrations.
• Aruna Asaf Ali, Sucheta Kriplani, Usha Mehta, Sarojini Naidu and Kasturba Gandhi provided leadership.

Legacy

• Prison, underground broadcasting and local mobilisation challenged colonial authority and patriarchal restrictions.
• Participation strengthened claims to citizenship, though leadership and decision-making remained male-dominated.

Keywords: khadi, satyagraha, Salt March, Civil Disobedience, Quit India, Usha Mehta, Aruna Asaf Ali.