History often forgets its unsung heroes, but some stories are too powerful to remain buried. One such story is that of Neera Arya (1902–1998), remembered as the first woman spy of the Indian National Army (INA). A figure of immense courage and sacrifice, Neera Arya defied societal expectations, chose patriotism over personal ties, and endured unthinkable torture without betraying her comrades. Her journey from privilege to obscurity paints both a tale of bravery and a sobering reminder of how many freedom fighters were forgotten after independence.
Early Life and Revolutionary Spirit
Neera Arya was born on 5 March 1902 in Khekra Nagar, Baghpat (Uttar Pradesh). Belonging to an affluent Arya Samaj family, she was well-educated in Kolkata. From a young age, Neera was influenced by the nationalist movements sweeping across India and felt a strong calling to serve her motherland.
Her upbringing instilled in her discipline, courage, and a sense of justice. She was exposed to revolutionary ideas, which deeply shaped her outlook. Unlike many women of her time who were restricted to domestic roles, Neera chose the path of struggle, stepping into the world of espionage and warfare.
She eventually joined the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, the all-women unit of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s INA, a revolutionary force committed to overthrowing British colonial rule. The regiment was not just symbolic but participated in real battles, and Neera Arya’s intelligence work became a critical support system for the INA.
The Tragic Conflict: Duty vs Marriage
Neera Arya’s life took a turbulent turn when her father arranged her marriage to Srikant Jai Ranjan Das, a British Army CID officer. Their union soon became a battleground of loyalties: Neera dedicated herself to Bose’s cause, while her husband remained loyal to the British crown.
Srikant Das, being a high-ranking officer, was assigned the mission of tracking Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and dismantling the INA network. This placed Neera in an agonizing position. Her loyalty to the nation and her allegiance to Bose’s vision of a free India clashed with her role as a wife. But when the decisive moment came, Neera did not hesitate.
The conflict culminated in a dramatic moment when Srikant attempted to harm Netaji. He even killed Bose’s driver in a failed attempt to capture him. To save Netaji, Neera stabbed her husband to death, choosing her duty to India over personal ties. This act cemented her as one of the bravest patriots of her time.
Torture and Silent Resistance
Following her husband’s death, Neera was arrested by the British and imprisoned in the notorious Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There, she was subjected to brutal torture aimed at forcing her to reveal secrets of the INA.
Historical accounts narrate how she was chained, beaten, and deprived of food, yet she did not falter. The British interrogators promised her wealth, comfort, and even freedom if she betrayed Netaji, but Neera Arya chose silence. Her resilience made her a symbol of strength within the INA ranks.
Her role as a spy extended beyond battlefield intelligence. She provided safe routes, carried coded messages, and used her position to deflect British suspicion. Despite unimaginable suffering, Neera Arya remained unwavering in her silence. She refused to betray Netaji or her fellow revolutionaries, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and loyalty. This earned her recognition as the INA’s first woman spy.
The Role of Women in the INA
Neera Arya’s story also reflects the broader narrative of women in the Indian independence movement. The Rani of Jhansi Regiment under Captain Lakshmi Sahgal was not a symbolic addition but a true fighting force. Women like Neera Arya, Saraswathi Rajamani, and others proved that the fight for freedom was not gendered. They broke stereotypes, donned uniforms, carried rifles, and walked into battlefields with the same courage as their male counterparts.
By working as spies, informants, and sometimes even frontline fighters, women added a crucial dimension to India’s freedom struggle. Neera Arya’s contribution was particularly unique because espionage demanded secrecy, intelligence, and nerves of steel—qualities she embodied completely.
Life After Independence: From Patriot to Obscurity
Ironically, after independence, Neera Arya’s sacrifices went largely unacknowledged. While the nation celebrated its freedom, many soldiers of the INA were left in the shadows. Neera Arya lived her later years in Hyderabad, reduced to selling flowers near Charminar to survive. Locals affectionately called her Pedamma (elder mother), often unaware of her extraordinary past.
She refused to exploit her sacrifices for personal gain and declined government assistance, preferring to live with dignity. Forgotten by history and neglected by the state, she passed away in poverty on 26 July 1998, in Osmania Hospital, Hyderabad.
Her end was tragic, but it reflected the fate of many freedom fighters who sacrificed everything yet received little recognition in free India. Her story raises critical questions about how we treat our heroes and whether true patriotism is adequately honored.
A Legacy Revived Through Cinema
Though history overlooked her, cinema is now stepping in to honor her memory. Filmmaker Roopa Iyer has announced a biopic on Neera Arya, aiming to bring her fearless journey to the big screen. Produced under R2 Patriotic Films LLP, the film seeks to immortalize her courage and inspire future generations.
The biopic not only promises to showcase her personal struggles and sacrifices but also aims to highlight the role of women in the INA and the forgotten chapters of India’s independence struggle. With powerful storytelling, the film could become a cultural milestone in reviving awareness about unsung heroines like Neera Arya.
Neera Arya’s story is one of unparalleled bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. She chose her country over her marriage, endured torture without breaking, and died in obscurity—only to be remembered decades later as India’s first woman spy. Her life challenges us to reflect on how we honor our freedom fighters and reminds us that true patriotism often comes at the cost of personal sacrifice.
She is more than a forgotten chapter; she is a symbol of courage, conviction, and sacrifice. As India revisits her story through cinema and scholarship, Neera Arya lives on—not just in history, but in the spirit of every Indian who values freedom above all else.
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Author: Team BTP
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