ConflictNational and Dravidian movements
Lakshmi Swaminathan leads Rani of Jhansi Regiment
Madras-born doctor Lakshmi Swaminathan was appointed to lead the women's Rani of Jhansi Regiment of Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army.
Lakshmi Swaminathan, a doctor born in Madras and practising in Singapore, joined the Indian National Army after meeting Subhas Chandra Bose in 1943. She was given command of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, an all-women unit, and became known as Captain Lakshmi. Many Tamil migrants in Malaya and Singapore served in the Indian National Army. She was captured in 1945 and later returned to India, where she remained active in public life.
