In a time before the term feminism even existed, these Indian women were forging indelible legacies across freedom, film, and culture—transforming society in ways still felt today. 

1. Accamma Cherian
Known as the “Jhansi Ki Rani of Travancore,” Accamma was a schoolteacher who gave up her job to join the Travancore State Congress. In October 1938, she led 20,000 protestors to the royal palace demanding political reform—and famously declared, “I am the leader; shoot me first before you kill others,” causing authorities to stand down. Her bold defiance and public leadership earned Gandhi’s praise and a pivotal place in Kerala’s struggle for democracy. 

2. Madhubala
Born Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlavi in 1933, she entered films at nine to support her family. Over a 36‑year career, Madhubala delivered classics such as Mahal, Amar, and Mughal-E-Azam, bringing emotional nuance and strength to women’s stories in cinema. Even in the 1950s, she was hailed globally—Theatre Arts called her “the biggest star in the world.” 

3. Kailash Puri
Known to Punjabi women abroad as “Humraaz Maasi”, Kailash pioneered conversations on female agency and sexuality in conservative times. As one of India’s early ‘sexologists,’ she counseled women across diasporas—redefining cultural taboos around identity and empowerment. 

Other figures like Suhasini Ganguly, who sheltered revolutionaries after the Chittagong Armoury Raid, and Chunibala Devi, celebrated for her role in Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali at the age of 80, further illustrate how women have long shaped India's political and creative narratives.