Anjalai Ammal: Among the First Few Women To Enter State Legislature

Anjalai Amma

Described by Mahatma Gandhi as the Jhansi Rani of South India, Anjalai Amma was a freedom fighter who fought for the independence of India from the British. She was born in Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu in 1890.

She became a part of the Non-Cooperation Movement started by Gandhi in 1921. She was 31 and spent many years in prison for her participation in the freedom struggle .

Anjalai Amma took part in the Neil Statue Satyagraha, Salt Satyagraha, and Quit India Movement.

In 1931 Anjalai Ammal was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment for participating in Salt Satyagraha and was imprisoned in Vellore prison even when she was pregnant. She was released on bail for delivery for only two weeks.

Leelavathy was her daughter who was named by Gandhi himself.

Anjalai Ammal was elected from Cuddalore constituency as a member of Chennai Provincial Legislative Assembly in 1937, 1946 and 1952.

Anjalai Amma died in 1961.

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