It combines the words "vir" (वीर), meaning "hero" or "brave," and "angana" (अंगना), meaning "woman."
Virangana is often used to describe strong, courageous, and skilled female fighters in mythology, history, or literature. They are often depicted as embodying both femininity and warrior prowess, challenging traditional gender roles.
Examples of Viranganas in Indian mythology include:
* Draupadi: The strong-willed queen in the epic Mahabharata.
* Jhansi ki Rani Laxmibai: The valiant queen of Jhansi who fought bravely against the British East India Company.
* Rani Padmavati: The legendary queen of Chittor who fought for her honor and led a Jauhar (self-immolation) to avoid capture.
In modern usage, the term "virangana" can also be used to refer to any woman who demonstrates exceptional courage or strength in any field, not just warfare. It can be used to describe strong women who are fighting for social justice, equality, or other causes.