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Naidu, Sarojini (1879-1949), was a leader of the Indian women's movement. She became known as the "Nightingale of India," because of her poetry and her speeches. Naidu played an important part in India's struggle for freedom from British rule.
Naidu was born in Hyderabad. Her parents were reformist Hindus from Bengal. She grew up speaking Urdu, Bengali, and English. Throughout her life, Naidu worked to unite the people of many different religions, languages, and communities in India.
Naidu wrote poetry in English. Her three important collections published in the United Kingdom were Golden Threshold (1905), Bird of Time (1912), and Broken Wing (1917). Her best poems, such as "Bangle-Sellers" and "Palanquin-Bearers" catch the colours and sounds of Indian village life.
In 1925, she became president of the Indian National Congress. Like several other leaders seeking Indian independence she was imprisoned several times by the British for her political activities. After India gained independence in 1947, Naidu became governor of the state of Uttar Pradesh.
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