In a culturally conservative society where women were traditionally confined within domestic boundaries, the Indian freedom movement opened new spaces for female participation in public life. In Odisha, one of the most remarkable yet under-recognized figures of this transformation was Sarala Devi (1904–1986). A freedom fighter, social reformer, legislator, and literary personality, she played a pioneering role in mobilizing women during the Gandhian era. This paper examines her contribution to the nationalist movement, her advocacy for women’s emancipation, her organizational leadership, and her literary engagement as instruments of social reform. The study argues that Sarala Devi represents a significant bridge between regional nationalism and early feminist consciousness in Odisha. Despite her immense contributions, she remains marginalized in mainstream historiography. Reassessing her legacy is essential for reconstructing a more inclusive narrative of India’s freedom struggle.
Sarala Devi, Odisha, Women’s Empowerment, Nationalism, Gandhian Movement, Feminist Thought, Odia Literature.
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