relentlessly against colonization to maintain tribal autonomy. In Lushai Hills (part of present-day Mizoram and Tripura), when Mizo Chiefs, including widow chiefs, were in a dilemma and forced to negotiate with and make certain adjustments with the colonial government, many women chiefs, such as Ropuiliani, Pi Buki, Lalhlupuii, Rothangpuii, Vanhnuaithangi, Laltheri, Darbilhi, Neihpuithangi, Pawibawia Nu, Dari, Thangpuii, Pakuma Rani and Zawlchuai emerged to fight against colonialism. In the late 19th century, after the death of her husband, Ropuiliani became the first woman Mizo Chief in the recorded history of Mizoram who refused to acknowledge the British authority. As a result she was imprisoned in 1893 in Lunglei and was later transferred to a jail in Rangamati, in present-day Bangladesh, where she died in January 1894. Her body was taken home by her son, who was also imprisoned with her. Although Mizo is a patriarchal society, Ropuiliani managed to establish her hegemony over nine villages in south Mizoram. She was the chief of a village called Denlung, situated near Hnahthial in southern Mizoram. The village still exists today. IN POST-INDEPENDENT INDIA, over time and by fighting against all odds, tribal women have excelled and contributed to various fields. Over the decades, rural tribal women have played a vital role in protecting forests, and sustainably managing India's forests, land, and water, sustainable agriculture and food security, local selfgovernance, community health management, promotion of education, eradicating poverty and economic self-reliance through self-help groups and the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge. They have also been champions in promoting the education of girls, as well as eradicating social malpractices, acting as a watchdog on alcoholism, domestic violence and child marriages. Tribal women have also made their presence visible in the field of legal services, academia and media. Fifteen-year-old Sangeeta Bauri became a national hero and TRIBAL WOMEN CHAMPIONS IN NATION BUILDING
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