Role of Women in Srikakulam Tribal Movement

Andhra Pradesh is noted for women's role in the Srikakulam tribal movement (1957-75) against oppression and exploitation by the landlords and traders of plain areas. In the Srikakulam tribal struggles, the participation of women was remarkable. Women played various inspiring roles in this movement very courageously, not hesitating even to sacrifice their lives. Women died in police firing and attacks at different times. Ms.Panchadi Nirmala was killed in police encounter. Ms. Biddika Chandramma was killed by police along with her six months baby (Sivarami Reddy). Ms.Chowadari Sampoornamma, Ms. Boopathi Varalakshmi, Ms.Saantamma and other women went to jail and many faced physical harassments from police. Women also contributed their jewellery to fund this movement, like Ms.Panchadi Nirmala, Ms.Chowdari Sampoornamma, Ms.Ramanamma Ms., Jayamma, Ms.Paaramma, Ms.Saraswati and Ms.Chandramma (Sivarami Reddy (2006), P.307).After this movement subsided around 1975, women leaders joined NGOs, left parties and other political parties, while the tribal women mainly remained with left parties. The region of Srikakulam had been a base for several people?s movements. The events before 1950, as a background to set the context for understanding women?s role in politics in Srikakulam after its formation as a district in 1950.