Until very late, in mainstream historiography, women had been 'hidden from history.' While exploring Rani Gaidinliu's (1915-1993) remarkable journey, this paper aims to revive and honor India's rich history of women. She played a significant role in protecting and revitalizing the cultural heritage of the Naga people. Her multifaceted approach to knowledge preservation, spiritual leadership, and cultural resilience is a testament to making women in history more visible, especially in India's Northeast region. From 1915 to the mid-1940s, Manipur witnessed unprecedented challenges to traditional social structures, with Rani Gaidinliu emerging as a pivotal figure in the region's complex social dynamics. The early 20th century in Manipur marked a profound social transformation, characterized by intricate interactions among the colonial administration, indigenous communities, and the emerging nationalist consciousness. In the tumultuous landscape of early 20th-century colonial India, Rani Gaidinliu proved herself as a genuine guardian of indigenous knowledge, cultural preservation, and spiritual resistance.

Keywords:
North-East India, cultural heritage, Heraka, Animism, Zeliangrong

Until very late, in mainstream historiography, women had been 'hidden from history.' While exploring Rani Gaidinliu's (1915-1993) remarkable journey, this paper aims to revive and honor India's rich history of women. She played a significant role in protecting and revitalizing the cultural heritage of the Naga people. Her multifaceted approach to knowledge preservation, spiritual leadership, and cultural resilience is a testament to making women in history more visible, especially in India's Northeast region. From 1915 to the mid-1940s, Manipur witnessed unprecedented challenges to traditional social structures, with Rani Gaidinliu emerging as a pivotal figure in the region's complex social dynamics. The early 20th century in Manipur marked a profound social transformation, characterized by intricate interactions among the colonial administration, indigenous communities, and the emerging nationalist consciousness. In the tumultuous landscape of early 20th-century colonial India, Rani Gaidinliu proved herself as a genuine guardian of indigenous knowledge, cultural preservation, and spiritual resistance.

Keywords:
North-East India, cultural heritage, Heraka, Animism, Zeliangrong