
INTRODUCTION
- Akamma Cherian was an Indian freedom fighter.
- She was known as Jhansi Rani of Travancore.
- Akamma, who was a important figure in the history of Women’s Movement and Political history of Kerala, has been jailed many times.
A JOURNEY THROUGH HER LIFE

- Born on February 14, 1909 in Karipaparampil ,Kanjirapalli, Kottayam was the second daughter of Thomman Cheriyan and Annamma.
- She did her Primary Education at Kanjirapally Government Girls High School and Changanassery St.Joseph High School.
- She then graduated in History from St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam.
- After completing Her Education in 1931, She worked as a Teacher at St. Mary’s English Medium School, Edakkara.
- Travancore State Congress was formed in February 1938 and She gave up her teaching career to participate in the freedom struggle.
- In October 1938, the State Congress Working Committee tasked Akamma Cherian to organize the Desasevika Sangam (Women’s Volunteer Group).
- State Congress led a mass rally from Thampanoor to Chithira Tirunal Balarama Varma’s Kavadiyar Palace under the leadership of Akamma Cherian demanding the withdrawal of the ban.
- In 1939,She was arrested and jailed for violating prohibition orders.
- On 8 August 1942,She welcomed the Quit India Resolution passed by the historic Bombay Session of the Indian National Congress .
- In 1946, She was again arrested and imprisoned for six months for violating prohibition orders.
- After Independence in 1947, She was elected unopposed to the Travancore Legislative Assembly from Kanjirapalli.
- In the early 1950s, she resigned from the Congress party after being not given a Lok Sabha ticket.
- In 1952, She contested the parliamentary elections as an Independent Candidate from Muvattupuzha constituency but failed.
- In 1967, She contested the assembly elections from Kanjirapalli as a Congress candidate but lost to the Communist Party candidate.
- She served as a Member of the Freedom Fighters Pension Advisory Committee.
- She died on 5th May 1982.
- A Statue was built in Her memory at Vellyambalam, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Sribala K Menon has made a Documentary film based on her Life.
PROFILE
Name : Akamma Cherian
Date of Birth: February 14, 1909
Place of Birth: Kanjirapalli, Kerala
Parents: Thomman Cherian, Annamma
Education : Kanjirapally Govt GirlsHigh School, Changanassery St. Joseph High School, Ernakulam St. Theresa’s
Known As : Freedom Fighter
Died: May 5,1982
FAMOUS QUOTE
“I am the Leader;Shoot me first before you Kill Others” .
akkama