Why this matters now
Sarojini Naidu is tested for her Congress presidency (first Indian woman), the Dharasana salt raid, women’s rights advocacy and as the first woman Governor of UP.
Early life and poetry
A precocious child poet, Sarojini Naidu earned her sobriquet for her lyrical English verse (collections like The Golden Threshold, The Bird of Time, The Broken Wing). She studied at Cambridge and married against caste convention — an early sign of her boldness.
In the freedom struggle
She joined the freedom movement around 1905, championed women’s suffrage (Women’s Indian Association) and travelled widely as an orator. She became the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress (Kanpur Session, 1925) — Annie Besant had been the first woman president (1917). She led the Dharasana Salt Raid (May 1930) after Gandhi’s arrest — a pivotal Civil Disobedience moment recorded by Webb Miller. She was repeatedly jailed.
First woman Governor
After independence, she was appointed Governor of the United Provinces (UP) — the first woman governor in India (1947-49). She died in office in 1949. Her birthday, 13 February, is observed as National Women’s Day in India.
UPSC angle
Know Sarojini Naidu — Nightingale of India, poet (Golden Threshold), first Indian woman Congress President (Kanpur 1925), Dharasana salt raid (May 1930), first woman Governor (UP, 1947-49), birthday 13 Feb = National Women’s Day.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Sarojini Naidu called the Nightingale of India?
For her lyrical English poetry, which earned her this sobriquet from Gokhale and Gandhi.
Was she the first woman to head the Congress?
She was the first Indian woman President of the INC (Kanpur, 1925); Annie Besant (1917) preceded her overall.
What was the Dharasana Salt Raid?
A May 1930 non-violent raid on the Dharasana salt works after Gandhi’s arrest, led by Sarojini Naidu.
What office did she hold after independence?
Governor of the United Provinces — the first woman governor of an Indian state (1947-49).