Rani Gaidinliu, who passed
away on 17 February 1993, was a Naga spiritual and political leader who led a
revolt against British rule in India. At the age of 13, she joined the Heraka
religious movement of her cousin Haipou Jadonang. The movement later turned
into a political movement seeking to drive out the British from Manipur and the
surrounding Naga areas. Within the Heraka faith, she came to be considered an
incarnation of the Goddess Cherachamdinliu. Gaidinliu was arrested in 1932 at
the age of 16, and was sentenced to life imprisonment by the British rulers.
Jawaharlal Nehru met her at Shillong Jail in 1937, and promised to pursue her
release. Nehru gave her the title of "Rani" ("Queen"), and
she gained local popularity as Rani Gaidinliu.
