Lakshmi Sahgal: The Forgotten Wom...

Lakshmi Sahgal: The Forgotten Women of India's Independence

Women in History by Sherry Crowther
S1 · E11
Aug 31, 2026
27:11

Episode notes

Lakshmi Sahgal was a doctor who left behind a successful medical career to fight for India's independence in the 1940s. As "Captain Lakshmi," she commanded the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, an all-female unit of the Indian National Army during World War II. However, her story is more complicated than a simple tale of heroism. Her alliance with Subhas Chandra Bose and Imperial Japan raises questions about nationalism, war, and moral compromise. In this episode, we explore Lakshmi's remarkable journey from physician to revolutionary, and the woman who dedicated her life to serving others.

Keywords

history
women's history
World War 2
Indian history

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