essay on freedom fighters of assam

• International
• Local Sports
• Local Business
• Entertainment
• Web Stories

31 May, 2024 | ePaper

30 may, 2024 | epaper, 28 may, 2024 | epaper, 27 may, 2024 | epaper, 26 may, 2024 | epaper, former rivals reunite: kohli and gambhir’s heartfelt embrace marks new era in ipl 2024, last dance: final chance for virat kohli, rohit sharma to give india a world cup after 13 years, pv sindhu enters second round, lakshya sen loses in singapore open, nothing new, it’s just a shame: a b de villiers laments racial quota chatter around south africa t20 world cup squad, most sfbs would not clamour to become universal banks if rbi eases some curbs, says ex-secy, cci extends bidding deadline for ai to june 28, ioc, gail, ongc fined for 4th straight quarter for not appointing directors, new supply of homes fall 38% across top 8 cities in jan-mar: propequity, joint police operation uncovers major bike and car theft rings in assam, security tightened around jowai dc office ahead of vote counting, gujarat police detain sbi employee in assam over major fraud case, cyclone remal’s aftermath: over 1.98 lakh affected by floods in assam.

Indian Army and Assam Rifles Lead Extensive Flood Relief Operations in Manipur

Assam in the freedom struggle

Assam played an important role in the history of country’s freedom struggle. In this eastern part of India, the anti-British upsurge first made its appearance during the first half of the 19th century. Assam came under the direct British domination after the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. Since then on, many freedom-loving people of Assam belonging to both nobility and common masses began to feel the burning desire for freedom from the foreign domination.

Gomdhar Konwar made the first such attempt. To regain the lost freedom of the motherland, he fought against the British along with Kandura Deka Phukan, Dharmadhar, Haranath and some other nobles. In 1828, the rebels attacked the British armoury at Sadiya. The British crushed this rebellion, but could not suppress the burning desire of freedom from the heart of the people of Assam. So started renewed preparation for another revolt. This time Piyali Barphukan took the lead. He was helped by Jiuram Dulia Barua, Benudhar Konwar, Rupchand Konwar, Deuram Dihingia, Boum Chingfau, Haranath and others. With this band of followers Piyali Barphukan decided to attack the British with an attempt to burn down the British camp at Rangpur. The plan succeeded and the camp was destroyed. But the British captured Piyali Barphukan, Jiuram Barua and some others. Piyali and Jiuram were hanged and others deported for 14 years. During that time, another patriot named Gadadhar Gohain was planning an uprising with some native sepoys of the British army for and made an attempt to kill the British officials posted in upper Assam. But the British captured and imprisoned him before his plan could be materialised.

In 1857, when the Great Revolt shook the whole of the northern India, a brave and intelligent nobleman in Assam named Maniram Dewan took the lead to bring the revolt into this eastern corner. He went to Kolkata and with the help of another rebel named Madhu Mallik, he chalked out the plan for an uprising in Assam. From there he started sending letters to the last Ahom King Kandarpeswar Singha and his adviser Piyali Barua to keep them informed about the courses of the revolt. A loyal group consisting of both nobles and common people took part in Maniram’s anti-British plot. Notable among them were Mayaram Nazir, Nilakanta Choladhara Phukan, Marangikhowa Gohain, Dutiram Barua, Bahadur Gaonburha, Farmud Ali, Trinayan, Kamala Barua and others. Some Hindusthani sepoys stationed at Sahabad also gave them support. According to the plan it was decided that the native soldiers would attack the British under the leadership of the Ahom King while Maniram advanced with arms and ammunitions from Kolkata. Unfortunately the attempt failed. A little lapse on the part of the rebels led the enemy to pre-empt the plan and immediately the British captured and imprisoned many of the rebels. Maniram was taken prisoner in Kolkata. The British also arrested Kandarpeswar Singha and imprisoned him. A great number of the patriots were deported to the Andamans. On February 26, 1858, Maniram Dewan and Piyali Barua gave their lives at the gallows in Jorhat jail for ‘high treason’ against the British government.

Three years after, in 1861, a peasant uprising took place at Phulaguri in Nagaon district. The year 1894 also saw another peasant revolt at Patharughat in Darrang. In both of these events, the peasants raised bold protest against the exploitation and oppressive policy of the British Raj. The British ruthlessly subdued these uprisings and many peasants embraced martyrdom.

There was a brief lull, but the desire for freedom burned in the hearts of the Assamese people as a smouldering fire. The founding of the Indian National Congress in 1885 and the ‘Swadeshi Andolan’ after ‘Partition of Bengal’ in 1905 had great impacts on the patriotic people of Assam. With the appearance of Mahatma Gandhi in 1921 on the national scene, the freedom struggle in Assam also gained momentum along with the rest of India. Congress volunteers in thousands joined the ‘Non-cooperation’, ‘Civil Disobedience’ and other movements. The patriotic people of Assam jumped into both the unarmed movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and armed efforts of the revolutionaries. Chandranath Sarma, Nabin Chandra Bardoloi, Tarun Ram Phukan, Gopinath Bardoloi and others took the leadership of the freedom struggle in Assam.

On August 9, 1942, when Indian National Congress declared the ‘Quit India’ movement, it took an enormous shape in this part of the country. Able and efficient leaders like Gopinath Bardoloi, Bishnuram Medhi, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Omeo Kumar Das, Jyotiprasad Agarwala, Hem Barua, Bijoy Chandra Bhagawati, Chandraprabha Saikiani, Puspalata Das led the movement organised by National Congress. The Socialist followers of Jayaprakash Narayan in Assam added immense momentum with their revolutionary activities. Though the ‘Communist Party of India’ (CPI) opposed the movement and rather supported the British on the pretext of their so called ‘People’s War’, the members of a small communist group named ‘Revolutionary Communist Party of India’ (RCPI) engaged themselves in the patriotic struggle and revolutionary activities against the British war-efforts. The subversive activities indulged by the volunteers of ‘Mrityu Bahini’ of great socialist revolutionary leader Sankar Barua caused much anxieties for the British government. During ‘Quit India’ movement patriots like Kushal Konwar, Tilak Deka, Kanaklata Barua, Mukunda Kakati, Bhogeswari Phukanani, Mangal Kurmi, Maniram Kachari, Hemoram Pator, Gunabhi Bardoloi, Lerela Boro, Ratan Kachari, Lakhi Hazarika, Thagi Sut, Boloram Sut, Madan Barman, Rauta Boro, Nidhanu Rajbangshi and many others laid down their lives at the gallows, firings and other atrocities of the British Raj. Their heroic sacrifices inspired not only the people of this eastern tip but the whole nation. Bishnu Rabha, Haren Kalita, Haridas Deka, Khagen Barbora, Mathura Deka, Gobinda Kalita, Chatrasing Teron, Chintaharan Kalita, Nirendra Lahiri, Uma Sarma, Suresh Bhattacharya, Sarat Rabha, Mohanlal Mukherjee, Hena Ganguli of RCPI played significant role to intensify the revolutionary efforts in this region.

When the ‘Quit India’ movement was dominating the internal scene, the great patriot revolutionary Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose attacked the British imperial force from outside with his liberation army ‘Azad Hind Fauj’ or the ‘Indian National Army’ (INA). The INA entered Indian mainland through the eastern border of Assam and liberated Moirang in Manipur and Kohima in Nagaland. The patriotic Indian soldiers fought fierce battle against the British in the hills and dales and the jungles of Imphal, Palel, Bishenpur, Dimapur and other places. Besides people from the Assam plains, many hill people belonging to Naga, Manipuri, Kuki and other tribes joined this national liberation force to fight against the British. Umesh Chandra Devchoudhury, Sridam Chandra Mahanta, Jalaluddin Ahmed, Chittaranjan Debnath, S Rahman, S Laurat Singh, Harendra Nath Mech were notable among those who joined INA from the Assam valley and fought for their Motherland.

The flame of freedom now engulfed the whole subcontinent in such a magnitude that it became impossible for the foreign rulers to extinguish the fire. So, very soon the British had to quit India and on August 15, 1947 along with the rest of the nation, Assam was also illuminated with the light of long cherished freedom.

By Rupam Barua

Beleaguered Kejriwal

Health sector needs attention, unemployment crisis, popular categories.

• Assam 12649
• National 7265
• Northeast 5772
• International 4181
• Business 3616
• Sports 3320
• Entertainment 1574
• Local Business 939

Joint Police Operation Uncovers Major Bike and Car Theft Rings in...

• Terms of Use
• Article Submission
• Premium Content
• Editorial Board

No products in the cart.

• News & Opinions
• December 2023 – Vol-I
• December 2023 – Vol-II
• November 2023 – Vol-I
• November 2023 – Vol-II
• October 2023 – Vol-I
• October 2023 – Vol-II
• September 2023 – Vol-I
• September 2023 – Vol-II
• Read Online
• Free Downloads

FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF ASSAM

Assam, a North-Eastern state of India, actively participated in the freedom struggle movement of India against British rule like other parts of India.

Many eminent persons from this state contributed their cooperation to gain freedom from the hands of the Occidents. The people of the land were suffering from many problems. They were suppressed, oppressed very strictly.

In simple words, the natives feel helpless, hopeless and homeless within their own region. A great number of people lost their lives in order to free their motherland from the outsiders. The movement caught a new track under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

Related Posts

টোপনি আৰু খাদ্য

Indians lost more than Rs 1,750 crore to cyber fraud!

ৰজোনিবৃত্তি আৰু এগৰাকী মহিলাৰ জীৱন

But unfortunately, very little information can be traced on national sources and the internet also. So, in this article I’m trying to make a list of those warriors who are still neglected and not getting an appropriate place in the pages of history.

I‘m also trying to include a few details about some of them so that knowledge seekers can increase their knowledge level by reading it. Now, let’s have a brief discussion about our Assamese freedom fighters and their role and sacrifices.

In 1228 AD, the Ahoms entered into Assam and established their own kingdom at Charaideo. The Ahom Swargadeus were ruling very nicely and protected their people from severe attacks but it was Bodon Borphukon who invited the Burmese to Assam just to grab the throne.

The Burmese army was more stronger and powerful than the Ahoms and it became impossible for the Ahoms to control the Burmese. So the Ahom king decided to take help from the British East-India Company as they did not have any other option to stop Burmese invasion and to reassure the life of Assamese people from Burmese army. However, Assam (today’s North-Eastern region) was unconquered till the Yandaboo Treaty (1826) of British.

According to this treaty, the whole power over Assam was transferred to the hands of the British. In that way the British entered into Assam but unfortunately, in Assam also they started to show their true colour.

It was Gomdhar Konwar , belonging to the Ahom Royal family, the first Assamese to protest against British administration in 1828. He was supported by his son Harnath Jeuram Dulia Barua, Dhananjoy (Dhanjoy) etc. His revolt was very prominent in Indian history, because in other parts of India, nationalism began after three decades. However, that revolt was successfully by British.

Now let’s move to Swahid Peoli Phukon . As per Indian historians and textbooks, Mangal Pande was the first Indian Martyr who was executed during the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. But it is now proven that it was not Mangal Pande but Peoli Phukon, the first Indian martyr who was executed on 24 September, 1830. But Mangal Pande was executed on 8 April, 1857, after 27 years of Peoli Phukon’s execution.But unfortunately, Mangal Pande was recorded as the first Indian martyr.

The second martyr was Jeuram Dulia Barua. There are lots of references about Assamese people’s protest against British administration but due to some unknown reasons, all those references are still neglected. For example, still, Peoli Phukon did not get his recognition as the first Indian martyr.

In Assam District Gazetteers Sibsagar District part, the 1830 revolt of Peoli Phukon was referred as, “Determined to liberate the country from foreign domination before it was too late, Numali of the Dilihial family, in collaboration with another dianitary of the old realm, Peoli Borphukon, son of Bodon Borphukon, made in 1830 a large scale preparation for a massive armed attack on the British so as to expel them from Assam.”

Maniram Dewan was the first Assamese to establish a private tea garden in Assam. Maniram is regarded as one of the greatest freedom fighters of Assam who was hanged in 1857 for his conspiracy against British authority.

Kushal Konwar is known for his leadership during the Quit India Movement. His leadership made the British furious. On 10 October 1942, a military train got into an accident because of some unknown person’s conspiracy. But British force accused Kushal Konwar as the mastermind of that incident and sentenced him to death by hanging.

Tyagbir Hem Barua, a renowned freedom fighter, social worker, social activist and writer from Sonitpur district, is also regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern literary movement in Assam. After independence, he joined the socialist party and got elected to Lok Sabha from Guwahati.

Bhogeswari Phukanani, one of the prominent martyrs of the Quit India Movement was shot dead during the non-violent protest march against British authority.

Kanaklata Barua, popularly known as “ Birbala ”, actively participated in the Quit India Movement as the leader of the women volunteers line, holding the National Flag in her hand. She was shot at the Gohpur Police station at the age of 14 and became the youngest assamese martyr.

Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and others also participated in the freedom movement both by their writings and activities. It can be traced easily from their biographies. Their songs, plays, poems strongly portray their deep anguish created by British Raj.

These are only a few names and details about some of them. Later on, we will know the names of the Assamese freedom fighters, martyrs and so on. Here is a list of freedom fighters of Assam (Both male and female):-

• Swahid Piyoli Phukan
• Swahid Maniram Dewan
• Gomdhar Konwar
• Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha
• Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala
• Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi
• Deshbhakta Tarunram Phukan
• Karmabeer Chandranath Sharma
• Deshpran Krishnanath Sharma
• Tyagbir Hemchandra Baruah
• Karmabir Nabinchandra Bordoloi
• Swahid Kushal Konwar
• Swahid Kanaklata Baruah
• Swahid Bhogeswari Phukononi
• Lokbandhu Dr. Bhubaneshwar Baruah
• Dr. Harikrishna Das
• Bir Biplabi Sankar Baruah
• Pandit Kanakchandra Sharma
• Kuladhar Chaliha
• Asompran Bishnuram Medhi
• Bimalaprashad Chaliha
• Rajyapal Mahendra Mohan Choudhury
• Loknayak Amiyakumar Das
• Rashtrapati Fakharuddin Ali Ahmed
• Loksewak Haldhar Bhuyan
• Moulana Toyabulla
• Raghunath Choudhury
• Asomkesari Ambikagiri Raychoudhury
• Itihash Ratna Benudhar Sharma
• Siddhinath Sharma
• Asomsinghi Chandraprabha Saikiani
• Motiram Borah
• Chabilal Upadhyay
• Khagendranath Nath
• Adarsh Purush Kameshwar Das
• Aainjiwi Joychandra Choudhury
• Dr. Ghanshyam Das
• Harendranath Baruah
• Sarbeshwar Baruah
• Prafullachandra Baruah
• Singhapurush Ghoniram Talukdar
• Dr. Homeshwar Devchoudhury
• Gourikanta Talukdar
• Kaliram Barman
• Biswa Goswami
• Kamini Kumar Chand
• Hareshwar Goswami
• Arun Kumar Chand
• Rohini Kanta Hatibaruah
• Naranarayan Goswami
• B.K.Bhandari
• Akshay Kumar Das
• Bagmidhar Nilamoni Phukon
• Pitambar Devgoswami
• Lakshmidhar Sharma
• Rohini Kumar Choudhury
• Chandrasekhar Das
• Mohikanta Das
• Padmadhar Chaliha
• Swahid Kamala Miri
• Karmapran Lakhmidhar Borah
• Rajanikanta Goswami
• Brajanath Sharma
• Dehiram Barman (Deka)
• Mohichandra Borah

These names are collected on the basis of books only. But there are many other freedom fighters also whose names were not recorded and that’s why they are not getting any kind of recognition in national and international platforms till now.

Now let’s check the name of those Assamese persons who got bullet wounds by the British force:-

• Moni Kachari
• Kunda Kachari
• Koli doi Nathini
• Medir Nathini
• Golapi Nathini
• Tulai Nathini
• Chandra Nath
• Doriki Nathini
• Herang Bodo
• Rajendra Prashad Basumotary
• Bhogai Nath
• Joyram Nath
• Kamala Kanta Das
• Mayakishor Thakuria
• Nareshwar Pion
• Gobardhan Das
• Dayaram Nath
• Maina Kachari
• Ramcharan Gowala
• Ram Bhuyan and so on.

These two lists show that our Assamese fighters were also not less than other freedom fighters from other parts of India. It is noteworthy that not only the men but the women fighters also actively took part in the movement and sacrificed their lives in the name of their motherland.

We can’t get them back today but can pay homage by remembering their contributions and by bringing them the recognition exactly what they deserved.

[Writer Lipika Das, Assistant Teacher, Goaltuli Girls’ M.E. School, Goalpara]

Mahabahu.com is an Online Magazine with collection of premium Assamese and English articles and posts with cultural base and modern thinking.  You can send your articles to [email protected] / [email protected] ( For Assamese article, Unicode font is necessary)

Share this:

টোপনি আৰু খাদ্য সংঘমিত্ৰা কাশ্যপ সংঘমিত্ৰা কাশ্যপ ৰাতি বাৰু কেতিয়াবা টোপনি অহাৰ পিছতো হঠাৎ সাৰ পাই কিবা খাবলৈ খুব মন...

Doomscrolling: A New Threat to Young Minds

Lok Sabha Elections in North-Eastern States

চিৰতৰুণ পৰেশ বৈশ্য

জ্যোতি প্ৰসাদ আগৰৱালাৰ কবিতা

 লাচিত : শৰাইঘাটৰ যুদ্ধ আৰু ইয়াৰ ঐতিহাসিক তাৎপৰ্য

নাটকৰ ক্ৰমবিকাশ – এটি আলোকপাত

মোৰ হিমালয় ভ্ৰমণৰ অভিজ্ঞতা

Loan Waivers : LOOKING BACK@ 2015

What is the Burqa and is it mandatory for all Muslim women to wear it?

অসমীয়া দেখো এজনো নাই

ধ্যানী মেকুৰী, বৰাগী মেকুৰী আদিৰ সাধু

Bollywood’s Love for Dupatta and Saree Over the Decades

সংগ্ৰামী ভাতৃ মুকুল দাসৰ শেষ যাত্ৰাত …

Mizoram: An Ongoing Tragedy Amid Cyclone Remal’s Fury

Popular stories.

মিচিং সমাজ আৰু সংস্কৃতি

পৰিৱেশ সুৰক্ষা আৰু আমাৰ দায়িত্ব , অসমৰ লোকসংস্কৃতি, ড্ৰাগছ : এক সামাজিক ব্যাধি, অসমীয়া জনজাতীয় সংস্কৃতিঃ সমন্বয় আৰু সমাহৰণ, লক্ষ্মীনাথ বেজবৰুৱাৰ “কবিতা”, অসমৰ বানপানী আৰু গৰাখহনীয়া.

Mahabahu is a collection of premium articles, opinions and writes from the writers all around the world.

• Privacy Policy

We are Social

© 2021 Mahabhahu.com - All Rights Reserved. Published by Powershift | Maintained by Webx

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Oops!! The Content is Copy Protected.

Please ask permission from the Author.

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription.

APSC Online Coaching – Tests, Study Materials & Assam Current Affairs

10 important freedom fighters from northeast india (history of assam).

Assam History Main Page

Ten freedom fighters from the Northeast that include three women, who are largely unfamiliar to the rest of the country, were honoured by the central government as part of the 70th Independence Day celebrations in 2016.

Union ministers have also visited the birth places of ‘forgotten heroes’ and sites of freedom struggle to honour the bravehearts.

• Kanaklata Baruah , 17, was shot dead by the Britishers at Gohpur in Assam’s present-day Biswanath district while going to hoist the national flag at a local police station. On the same day, about 150 km away at Barhampur in state’s Nagaon district, Bhogeswari Phukanani , a 57-year-old mother of eight, was killed for the same reason by the British Police. Kanaklata was leading her group of unarmed villagers following Mahatma Gandhi’s Quit India Movement when she was shot dead at Borangabari near Gohpur.

• Bhogeswari and her colleague Ratnamala were leading a procession at Barhampur when they came face-to-face with police officer Captain Finish, who snatched the flag from Ratnamala. Bhogeswari hit Captain Finish with the pole of the flag. A furious Captain Finish pulled out his revolver and fired at Bhogeswari, who succumbed to injuries.
• Naga spiritual and political leader from Manipur Rani Gaidinliu will also be honoured as part of the “forgotten heroes” programme. Ranima, as she was popularly and affectionately called, was inspired by the Non Cooperation Movement of Mahatma Gandh,and has led a movement against the British colonialism in 1930s and the struggle soon turned into a battle to uproot British from Manipur and Nagaland. She was in jail for 14 years and was released from jail only when India got independence in 1947.
• Kushal Konwar of Assam was hanged by the Britishers for derailment of a military train at Sarupathar in Golghat district in 1942.
• Arunachal Pradesh’s freedom fighter Moje Riba will be honoured as he was the first person to hoist the tricolour at Dipa village in Arunachal Pradesh on August 15, 1947. Riba was arrested by British Police for participating in the Independence struggle and distributing pamphlets during the Quit India Movement.
• Assam’s first Chief Minister Gopinath Bordoloi will be honoured as it was due to his continuous fight that Assam remained with India after he foiled the design of Muslim League to include the Hindu-dominated state into East Pakistan during “grouping” scheme.
• Tirot Sing , one of the chiefs of the Khasi people in the early 18th century will also be honoured. Sing fought against British attempts to take over control of the Khasi hills. He died on July 17, 1835 under house arrest in Dhaka.
• Shoorvir Pasaltha Khuangchera , the first Mizo leader to fight Britishers in 1890, will also be honoured. As the British invaded Lushai hills (Mizoram), Shoorvir died fighting them.
• Matmur Jamoh was a freedom fighter from Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh who will be honoured. Jamoh had killed a British assistant political officer Noel Williamson in 1911 as he did not like the British interference of people’s day-to-day life while his followers killed another British officer Gregeorson. Jamoh was soon arrested and sent to Cellular jail in Andaman where he died in obscurity.
• Freedom fighter from Assam’s Dimasa tribals Sambhudan Phonglo will also be honoured for his contribution during country’s freedom struggle.

Share this:

• Assam Topix
• Young Entrepreneurs of Assam
• Write for Assam
• Assam Facebook Page
• Privacy Policy

Search This Blog

Maniram dewan – an indian freedom fighter from assam.

4 comments:

The record of history says that Maniram Dewan was not only a pioneer in Tea-plantation in Assam but also a unique statesman of Assam who thought first how to save Assam from Burmese onslaught with the help of British and later how to bring back the rule Ahom dynasty. With the uprising of Sepoy Revolt in Northern India, he contemplated the revolt against the British to get rid of British Rule in Eastern India, who was hanged in 26 February, 1858 in Jorhat by the British. He was not honored as a befitting personality in India nor in Assam. He might not be a highly qualified person but he was an inborn statesman, like Rabingra Nath Takhur, a noble laureate, but academically a school degree holder, or many others with inborn quality such as Dr Bhupan Hazarika in the singing and composing of song, or Tea-boy PM of India Narendra Modi in administration without much degree.

Thanks for the info..........

very nice post, really maniram dewan was a hero of Assam, who sacrificed his life to make our nation free from British. The role of Maniram Dewan in the revolt of 1857 in Assam

Contact Form

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

Role of Assam in National Freedom Movement

Related Papers

IJAR Indexing

A series of Tribal revolt was organized in jungal Mahals and Manbhum (hilly area of south west Bengal)during the colonial period.In 1799 an important tribal revolt was started in jungal mahals led by the jangal zamindar.This rebellion mostly familiar as ?Chuar Rebellion?.Durjan Singh was the leader of this revolt,zaminder of Raipur parganas.On ther other hand in1832 a another tribal revolt was revealed in frontier Bengal due to the British revenue policy led by the Ganganarayan Sing Zaminder of Barabhum Parganas.In 1857 an important agrarian discontent was organized against the British by the tribal chiefs of Panchokote raj Zamindars.These revolts are the symbol Indian freedom Movement. Jungal Mahals literally ,Jangal Estate?, was a district formed by the British Government in 1805 for the interest of the British colonial power.After Ganganarayan Hungama in the Barabhum Estae the British Government realized the serious situation of jungal Mahals and for controlling the rebellious condition of that area. rebellion The Junglmahas district basically familiar as hilly area.Presently,modern Bankua,Purulia and Midnapore district is situated in this region.Jungal mahal the the adjoining part of Chhotanagpur plateau and mostly populated by the tribes.Not only the tribes but also some other non-tribal communities resided in this region from the very beginning. Some tribal Zamindari chiefs was the ruler of this ?Bhum suffix? area.During the zamindari era not a single revolt was organized by the tribes against the zamindars.Because a healthy socio-economic atmosphere were there.It was zamindari chiefs who appreciated for the development of the tribes both the socio and economics condition.The British East India Company,After receiving the Great Dewani of 1765 tried to establish their power in this region,and tried to establish a new revenue system on the peoples of that area that was extreeme and was unbearable. As a result all the peoples they rose their voice against the British revenue policy led by the Zaminadrs.It?s have a glorious past history of anti-British struggles for independence.It is fact that,from the last half of the eightieth century a series of Anti-British rebellion was revealed by the rebellious peoples of the jungal Mahals.They truly understood the independence.Different historian they did not pay much attention to the rebellions in proper ways.In their writings we have seen some limitation that was not a historic analysis.Through this article we will try to reevaluate thse Tribal resistant movement.

Siva Nath Pait

DEEPSIKHA Barman

The revolt of 1857 is a landmark in the history of India which brought the end of the rule of British East India Company and the beginning of the rule of British Crown in India. The Revolt was initiated by the sepoys of Meerut against the British; later on the joining of civilian in the revolt gave it a new dimension. Assam was also touched by the spark of the revolt of 1857. In Assam revolt was started by the middle class of Assam. The official records states that the revolt was not spread much in Assam but the oral sources revealed another side of the revolt which clearly shown the spread of the revolt in Assam and its impact on common masses of Assam. By this article an attempt has been made to reconstruct the revolt of 1857 in Assam and also find some new aspects of the nature of the revolt in Assam which distinguished the revolt from other parts of India.

Hemping Lam

Labour and Development, V V Giri National Labour Instiute, New Delhi

Chandan Kumar Sharma

Pacific Affairs

Aditya Mukherjee

isara solutions

International Res Jour Managt Socio Human

The soil of Jungalmahal, Southern part of Bengal,India, have its a glorious past history of Indian Independence movement.After receiving the Great Dewani in 1765 the British Government tried to established their power in this area to collect revenue for the interest of Colonial Government.But the native people in this region raised their voice against British for the extreme revenue collection.Due to this revenue collection by the British some Zamindar king in Jungalmahal revolted against the British taking with the support of peasants community.In this way a great revolt was organized in the hilly area of Manbhum region in 1857.Not only 1857 revolt but also a series of revolt was organized due to the agrarian discontent since 1799 when the "Chuar Rebellion" took place. Historically speaking,the revolt of 1857 is the watershed in the colonial history of British India. However, it was fundamentally different from earlier rebellions by the soldiers, peasants and tribal's of the nineteenth century.Prior to this, the munities and rebellions had remained sporadic or local affairs. However, unlike these, the scale and spread of the Revolt of 1857 was large; sepoys at many centers mutinied and this was accompanied by civil disturbances. In Bengal, it was primarily the Bengal Army which was recruited from North Western Provinces and especially, Awadh, which rose up in mutiny. The revolt in Bihar under the leadership of Kunwar Singh inflamed the district Manbhum as well. The nature of this revolt in Manbhum was mainly agrarian. The Santhals of this locality were discontented with the British due to their repression in the recent past. The Panchakote Zamindar, Raja Nilmoni Singh Deo, got an opportunity to organize the Santhals as a whole under his leadership. He had already become famous for his efficient administration. During the Revolt, the inmates of military garrison at Purulia plundered the treasury, released the prisoners from jail and burnt the records. The Deputy Commissioner of the British Company solicited assistance from Nilmoni Singh, who not only denied the request but declined to take away his notice. Later on the Raja was arrested for his obstinacy, and was sent to Calcutta. In 1859, Nilmoni was released, when all the disturbances had been ceased. Thus, due to this revolt, there was no existence of British administration in Purulia.Part of the village area were also revolted against the British.

Journal of Sikh and Punjab Studies, Nos 1-2

Sukhdev Sohal

Punjabi peasants protested against colonial rule in 1907. In 2020, again the peasants stated protest against the Indian government's three Farm Laws. The protests continued around the national capital New Delhi for 13 months. Finally, these Farm Laws were abrogated. Peasants of north India joined hands.

Mutiny at the Margins: New Perspectives on the Indian Uprising of 1857 -- Volume II: Britain and the Indian Uprising

Andrea Major , Crispin Bates

Maniram Dewan: Assam's first tea planter, freedom fighter, martyr

Recognising his capabilities, the british appointed him as dewan of the assam company ltd, the tea company incorporated in london in 1839 with headquarters at nazira near sivasagar in eastern assam. thus he came to be known as maniram dewan..

He fell out with the British due to their oppressive dominance and during the First War of Indian Independence, he motivated the Ahom Royal of Assam to rise in mutiny and to declare himself as independent of the British.

The plot was unearthed and he along with Piyali (or Peali) Barua was hanged on February 26, 1858 at Jorhat Central Jail at the age of 51. Maniram Dewan's execution by the British sparked off an open rebellion against colonial rule.

According to Debo Prasad Barooah, former Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University, Maniram Dewan and Piyali (or Peali) Barua became martyrs to the cause of freedom in Assam and their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their compatriots made a deep and lasting impression on the minds of the Assamese people who remembered with pride these heroes of 1857 at every stage of the freedom struggle.

Maniram's Early Days

During the Burmese invasions of Assam (1817-1826), Maniram's family went to Bengal, which was then under the control of the British East India Company. In the early days of the First Anglo-Burmese war (1824-1826) Maniram's family again returned to Assam with the protection of the British.

After defeating the Burmese, the East India Company gained control of Assam through the Treaty of Yandabo (1826) earning the support of Maniram, the then royal dynasty and people of Assam.

The British East India company's role against Burmese invasions inspired Maniram to be a loyal associate of the company and he then began his career with the company under David Scott, who was the agent of Governor General in Northeast India.

The legend of Maniram Dewan

In 1828, the 22-year old Maniram was appointed as the Tehsildar and then Sheristadar of Rangpur (present-day Sivasagar), which was once capital of Ahom kingdom.

Writer and historian Prof K.N. Dutt said that recognising his capabilities, the British appointed him as Dewan of the Assam Company Ltd, the tea company incorporated in London in 1839 with headquarters at Nazira near Sivasagar in eastern Assam. Thus he came to be known as Maniram Dewan.

A scholar, Maniram was also a patron of literature and he frequently donated money for the publications of various magazines and books. Later he was made the Prime Minister (Borbhandar) by Purandar Singha, the titular ruler of Assam during 1833-1838 and Maniram continued to be an associate of Purandar's son Kameswar Singha and grandson Kandarpeswar Singha.

When the British deposed Purandar Singha, an angry Maniram resigned from the posts of sheristadar and tehsildar causing the beginning of his bitter relation with the British.

With knowledge in diverse subjects, Maniram apprised the British about the Assam tea grown by the Singpho people, which was hitherto unknown outside Assam. Considering Maniram's knowledge about the tea and his other skills, in the year 1839 he was appointed as the Dewan of Assam Tea Company at Nazira with a salary of Rs 200 per month.

But following the differences of opinion with the British officers, a year later (in 1840) Maniram quit the job intending to start tea plantation as he had obtained adequate knowledge and expertise in tea plantation and he became the first Indian to grow tea commercially in Assam by establishing tea gardens at Chenimora in Jorhat and Selung in Sivasagar respectively.

According to Samudra Gupta Kashyap, a veteran Guwahati-based Journalist of repute, who had reported the Northeast to the outside world for close to four decades, Maniram did not keep himself in tea cultivation only. Gradually he started various other trades, including that of gold, salt production, iron smelting, manufacturing of various goods, boat and brick making, ivory work, ceramic, agricultural products, and many more, Kashyap, currently a State Information Commissioner in Assam, told IANS.

With the gradual expansion of his trade and business, Maniram's mass contacts with the people of various walks of life increased tremendously and he dreamt to turn Assam into a self-reliant province.

Maniram's popularity, his enterprising skills and other feats made him hostile to the British and by 1850, his relation with the British became worse and started facing frequent administrative obstacles in setting up private tea plantations. The European tea planters are also pushing the British against Maniram.

In 1851, a British officer seized all the facilities provided to him earlier. Maniram's 185-member family had to face economic hardship following the British hostilities.

Also Read |  PM Modi to chair NITI Aayog meet today; urban governance, agricultural development on agenda

The Indian Rebellion

When the Indian Mutiny (1857-59), which was also called Sepoy Mutiny or First War of Independence, started against the British on May 10, 1857, Maniram thought that it was an appropriate time to restore the Ahom rule.

With help from messengers disguised as fakirs, he sent coded letters to Piyali Baruah, who had been performing the role chief advisor of Kandarpeswar Singha in his absence.

In these letters, Maniram urged Kandarpeswar to start a rebellion against the British, with the help from the sepoys at Dibrugarh and Golaghat. Kandarpeswar assured to double the salary of the sepoys if they were able to defeat the British.

Maniram also wrote secret and coded letters to the Saring Raja and other reliable persons about him at Jorhat and Sibsagar urging them to make preparations for a coup to seize power from the British in Assam with the help of Sepoys won over from the British Indian troops stationed at Dibrugarh and Golaghat.

Without wasting time, Kandarpeswar and his followers immediately hatched an anti-British plot and procured arms while Kandarpeswar got support to his mission by a large number of influential local leaders, including Urbidhar Barua, Mayaram Barbora, Chitrasen Barbora, Kamala Charingia Barua, Mahidhar Sarma Muktear, Lukd Senchowa Barua, Ugrasen Marangikhowa Gohain, Deoram Dihingia Barua, Dutiram Barua, Bahadur Goonburna, Sheikh Farmud Ali and Madhuram Koch.

On August 29, 1957, the sepoys planned a march to Jorhat, where Kandarpeswar would be installed as the King on the day of the Durga Puja and then Sibsagar and Dibrugarh would be captured. However, the plot was uncovered by the British with the help of spies before it could be executed. Kandarpeswar, Maniram, and other leaders were arrested. Maniram was nabbed in Calcutta, kept in Alipore jail for a few weeks, and then brought to Jorhat.

"The letters of Maniram, sent in July 1857 to Kandarpeswar Simha from Kolkata, fell into the hands of the police in Jorhat. This letter became documentary evidence of the conspiracy hatched by Maniram in league with Kandarpeswar Simha to oust the British," said former Gauhati varsity Vice-Chancellor Barooah. Based on the statement of Haranath Parbatia Baruah, the 'Daroga' (police inspector) of Sivasagar, Maniram was identified as the kingpin of the plot.

The former VC Barooah said that arrested in Kolkata, Maniram was sent to Jorhat by a steamer through the Brahmaputra river and reached on February 22, 1858. A trial was held on February 23, and Maniram Dewan and Piyali Barua were awarded death sentences in a single day trial.

Holroyd, the British Principal Assistant who pronounced the sentence, specified that the two would be hanged on or before February 26, 1858, Barooah said.

He and Piyali Baruah were hanged on February 26, 1858 at the Jornat jail.

Barooah said that towards the end of the 19th century the Assamese students in Calcutta (now Kolkata) formed an association -- 'Asamiya Bhasara Unnati Sadhini Sabha' (association for the development of the Assamese language).

The Sabha's objective was to inculcate the spirit of patriotism through literature and make the people aware of the heritage of the past. They drew up plans and programmes of the Sabha which included collections of manuscripts and folk tales also.

Their motto was 'Sira chenehi mor bhasa janani' (my mother-tongue is my mother who is ever affectionate), he said.

Also Read |  Independence Day 2022: 'Sarfaroshi ki tamanna...' How a poem became war cry of freedom struggle

Read all the Breaking News Live on indiatvnews.com and Get Latest English News & Updates from India

• 75 years of Independence
• freedom fighter

Arvind Kejriwal, out on bail, to surrender on June 2, says, 'take care of my family'

Mr and Mrs Mahi Movie Review: Joyless, slow tale by Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor; even cricket could not save the boat

West Indies slam 257 runs against Australia in T20 World Cup warm-up, win by 35 runs

Related India News

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 7: List of 57 constituencies, states, parties and candidates

PM's pics of meditating at Vivekananda Rock Memorial surface, Modi not to eat for 45 hours

Kerala: 37-year-old woman delivers baby on KSRTC bus in Thrissur | VIDEO

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Priyanka Gandhi held 108 poll rallies, roadshows during campaign

Latest News

'Need to declare heatwave as national calamity': Rajasthan High Court

South Africa's SWOT analysis ahead of ICC Men's T20 World Cup

• Aap Ki Adalat
• Aaj Ki Baat
• Kurukshetra
• Haqiqat Kya Hai
• Entertainment

Yoga: How can smoking become the cause of death in summer?

Aaj Ka Rashifal: What does the first letter of your name say? Know from Acharya Indu Prakash ji.

Aaj Ki Baat: Why is there an uproar over Modi's 'meditation'?

Haqiqat Kya Hai: Last preparations before June 4..Modi outweighs everyone!

AAP has ruined Punjab's industry and farming, says PM Modi at Hoshiarpur Rally | 30 May | Speed News

• Maharashtra
• Uttar Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh
• West Bengal
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Chhattisgarh

PM Modi surpasses 2019 mark, conducts over 200 rallies, roadshows during Lok Sabha 2024 campaign

Notorious gangster Sahil, close associate of Himashu Bhau, detained in USA

Punjab: One killed, 2 hurt after Luxury car hits motorcycle in Zirakpur | VIDEO

• Constituencies
• Key Candidates

Uganda's jersey for ICC Men's T20 World Cup witnesses last-minute change | Explained

Sandeep Lamichhane's hopes of T20 World Cup participation meet tragic end following visa rejection

Team India's record against every opponent in T20 World Cup history

WOW! 12-year-old Indian-American boy wins National Spelling Bee, takes home $50,000 | VIDEO

'Hang everyone!': Trump's supporters call for violent retribution after his landmark conviction

'I am a very innocent man': Trump as Republicans rally behind him after hush money conviction

Indian peacekeeper posthumously awarded with prestigious UN medal for supreme sacrifice | VIDEO

Trump found guilty in hush money case, becomes first former US president to be convicted of felony

• Celebrities

Maharaja Trailer Out: Vijay Sethupathi seen in fierce avatar in 50th film along with Anurag Kashyap

'Balakrishna Garu and I...', Anjali defends actor-politician's actions at Gangs of Godavari event

Bade Acche Lagte Hain completes 13 years, Ektaa Kapoor shares Ram Kapoor, Sakshi Tanwar's video

TVF's Kota Factory 3: First glimpse of Jeetu Bhaiya is here, know when new season will be released

• Live Scores
• Other Sports

Benched throughout IPL 2024, RCB all-rounder stars in T20 Blast opener for Surrey

Exclusive: Preparing myself for lower order role where I might play for India - Nitish Kumar Reddy

India TV Sports Wrap on May 31: Today's top 10 trending news stories

New mobile number series introduced by the Centre for service and transactional voice calls

TikTok denies claims of developing US-exclusive algorithm amid ban concerns

WhatsApp introduces AI Imagine feature for photo generation: Details

Google confirms authenticity of nearly 2,500 leaked search documents

Your smartphone battery is draining fast? Here are the reasons to check and how to fix it?

Donald Trump convicted in historic criminal trial: Can he still run for US president? | EXPLAINED

Why did Supreme Court abolish first EVM-based election in India? What was SC's reasoning | READ

'All Eyes on Rafah': What does it mean and why millions are sharing the viral pic I EXPLAINED

Why is India developing new research station in Antarctica? EXPLAINED

What are AI agents and how do they pose a risk to privacy? | Explained

Horoscope Today, May 31: Scorpios may go for a business trip; know about other zodiac signs

Horoscope Today, May 30: Profit in online business for Capricorns; know about other zodiac signs

Horoscope Today, May 29: Libra to get profit in business; know about other zodiac signs

Horoscope Today, May 28: Sudden financial gain for Scorpios; know about other zodiac signs

Horoscope Today, May 27: Leo to buy new house; know about other zodiac signs

Markets rebound in early trade after five days of decline

'India's Juggernaut': Reliance, Tata named among TIME's 'World's Most Influential Companies'

S&P upgrades India's ratings: What led to this upgrade and what are different types of ratings?

Market closing bell: Sensex drops 617 points, Nifty below 22,500; Banks outperform

S&P upgrades outlook on India's sovereign rating to 'positive' based on robust economic expansion

World No Tobacco Day 2024: Do you want to quit smoking? 5 things to do when you get cravings

World No Tobacco Day : 11 things that happen to your body when you quit smoking cigarettes

Superfood Rosehip: Know THESE 5 benefits of Hipberry

World No Tobacco Day 2024: Date, theme, history, significance and more

Nicotine replacement therapy can help smokers quit, cut withdrawal symptoms by 70 percent: Study

Kanaklata Barua: The Forgotten Teen Freedom Fighter | #IndianWomenInHistory

India’s freedom struggle majorly speaks about the supreme sacrifices by men. When men were arrested during the struggle, a large number of women came out and took part in the movement. Indian history, to a great extent, spoke of the contribution of women in the mainstream such as Aruna Asaf Ali, Sarojini Naidu, Sucheta Kriplani and many more. However, a very few know about the sacrifice made by Kanaklata Baruah who attained martyrdom in her teens.

I first read about Birbala Kanaklata Barua when I was in school. Only a small paragraph was dedicated to her in our book on Assam history. Not much about her was known. After searching about her on the internet, it is disheartened to learn that there is only limited information about her. Lost in the pages of Assamese history, she is remembered as the youngest freedom fighter from Assam.

Born to Krishna Kanta Barua and Korneshwari Barua on 22 nd December, 1924 at Barangabari village of Gohpur sub-division of Sonitpur district, Kanaklata Barua was the youngest freedom fighter from Assam. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Quit India movement, seventeen-year-old Kanaklata joined the movement. She wanted to join the Azad Hind Fauz, however, being a minor, she was not allowed to join and her dream remained unfulfilled.

Even before turning 18, she was subsequently made the leader of the women cadres of Mrityu Bahini.

She developed a sense of responsibility at the tender age of five when her mother passed away. After the death of the mother, her father remarried but he also died when she was thirteen. She dropped out of school after reaching the third standard to take up responsibilities of household and look after her siblings.

Freedom Struggle In Assam

After the horrifying massacre of 1919 in Jallianwala Bagh, the spirit of freedom movement spread nationwide and in 1921, the freedom movement took a new turn. Non-cooperation movement started throughout the country to persuade the British to grant Swaraj.

Also read: Kasturba Gandhi: The Lesser Known Freedom Fighter | #IndianWomenInHistory

This national outcry spread like a wildfire igniting the hearts of the people with patriotism and the sparks reached Assam too. The movement led to non-cooperation with the British that began in all fields, boycotting all social, political, economic and educational institutions. The movement was withdrawn after the Chauri Chaura incident.

In 1942, the activities of the freedom movement reached a climax and Gandhi launched “Quit India Movement with the call “Do or Die”. The patriotic waves of this national upsurge were felt in Assam too and there were widespread protests against the British rule.

In Assam, the movement against the British started in a peaceful manner but all the Congress leaders of Assam were arrested and the atrocities of the British on the people increased. This led the Congress to organize a suicide squad which indulged in subversive activities like derailing and burning trains, attacking army outpost and snapping communication channels.

The then president of the local Congress committee, Kushal Konwar was an ardent believer of non-violence proposed by Gandhi. He was falsely accused by the British for derailing a train which killed many British soldiers. He was hanged which led the revolutionists of Gohpur subdivision to remove the British flag and unfurl the Indian National Flag at all prominent places.

Role Of Kanaklata In India’s Freedom Struggle

Rejection by Azad Hind Fauz did not deter Kanaklata from joining India’s freedom movement .She went ahead and joined Mrityu Bahini- a death/suicide squad. She was below 18 years when she joined Mrityu Bahini. She was granted membership because of her zeal of serving the country. She was subsequently made the leader of the women cadres of Mrityu Bahini.

After the martyrdom of Kushal Konwar, the revolutionary camp of Gohpur division of undivided Darrang district decided to unfurl the National Flag at the local police station on 20 th September, 1942 under the leadership of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala. On the other hand, Rebati Mahan Som, the officer in-charge of the police station was already prepared for such action by the freedom fighters.

Kanaklata, with the National flag in her hand, led the procession with the members of Mrityu Bahini. They were warned by the police not to proceed further or face grave consequences.  When the officer threatened her that they would start firing if she moves forward, she told him to do his duty and she would carry on with hers.

Her story may not find many historians to narrate but through the valour and courage she displayed in her teens, she remains an inspiration for many.

Undeterred by the warning, the procession continued to move forward and police started firing at them. As a leader, Kanaklata was holding the flag, she was shot and still holding the flag making sure that the flag does not fall on the ground till Mukunda Kakoti, another member from the group took it from her.

While both Kanaklata and Mukunda succumbed to the police firing, their supreme sacrifice did not go in vain as the Tricolour was eventually unfurled at the police station, adding more fuel to the freedom movement.

This valiant act of Mrityu Bahini only strengthened India’s resolve to dethrone and further weaken England’s grip on the country before eventually the country gained independence on the 15 th of August, 1947.

As a mark of respect to her heroics in the Freedom Struggle, the Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS of the Indian Coast Guard, commissioned in 1997 was named after Kanaklata Barua. Her story may not find many historians to narrate but through the valour and courage she displayed in her teens, she remains an inspiration for many.

Also read: Velu Nachiyar: The Tamil Queen Who Fought Away the British | #IndianWomenInHistory

Her story was retold in director Chandra Mudoi’s film, Epaah Phulil Epaah Xoril . The Hindi version of the movie, titled Purab Ki Awaz , was also released to reach a wider audience.

1 The Assam Tribune 2. Young Bites 3. Assam Info 4. Shodhganga

Indrani is a post graduate in sociology, who believes in substantive equality. She is an avid reader and a traveler. She is currently working as a Research Associate in a Satark Nagrik Sangathan, a right’s based NGO. You can follow her on Twitter .

Acharya Prashant has mentioned Kanaklata in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDvZkzJIpkc&t=1024s

Comments are closed.

Related Posts

Sunayani Devi: Modernist Who Popularised Folk Art In Indian Painting | #IndianWomenInHistory

By Insha Qayoom Shah

Muddupalani: The Defiant Muse’s Feministic Erotic Verse | #IndianWomenInHistory

By Sharbari Ghosh

Sanchiya Honnamma: A Voice Unearthed | #IndianWomenInHistory

By Iti Dewangan

• Current Affairs
• Previous Paper
• Study Materials

Assam – Freedom Fighters – Men and Women

Famous Assam Personalities – Freedom Fighters

The participation of Assam in India’s struggle for freedom was at par with any other part of the country. Many eminent persons from the State joined hands with the leaders of the Indian National Congress and participated in important movements that were carried on from time to time. Many young men and women fell victim to the bullets of the police and the army. One recalls the names of Kanaklata Barua, Mukunda Kakoty, Bhogeswari Phukanani, Teleswari Baruah, Kushal Konwar, Jyoti prasad agarwala and , Gopinath Bordaloi others.

During the last few phrases of freedom struggle our brave ladies took part in the quest. The following list comprises of the the male and female freedom fighters of Assam, the names we are not supposed to forget

Assamese Freedom Fighters - Male - Female

The present generation can take a leaf out of their life and emulate his patriotism and spirit of selfsacrifice.

Embarking on a transformative journey through six chapters, we traverse India's landscape, exploring pioneering startups and their revolutionary...

• Sustainability
• Agriculture
• Brand Campaigns
• Watch inspiring videos
• Advertise With Us
• Press Coverage

Follow Us On

Download App

10 Unsung Freedom Fighters From The Northeast India Should Celebrate

The contributions of personalities from the Northeast are often left out when we speak about Independence Day. In our own way, let us right this oversight this time.

A s India celebrates its 74th Independence Day, the country will pay homage to the many men and women who sacrificed their lives and paved the way forward. In documenting the struggle against the British, however, the contribution of freedom fighters from the northeast hasn’t found its due place in popular discourse.

In a bid to address this injustice, we have compiled a list of 10 legendary figures from the northeast you should learn about to better understand the scope of India’s freedom struggle.

Kanaklata Barua

Born on 22 December 1924, in Borangabari village of the undivided Darrang district, Assam, Kanaklata Barua made a name for herself during the Quit India Movement, when she joined the Mrityu Bahini, a suicide squad, when she was only 17. She had earlier applied to join the Azad Hind Fauj, but was rejected because she was a minor.

On 20 September 1942, the revolutionary camp of Gohpur division of undivided Darrang district decided to hoist and unfurl the national flag at a local police station, and it was Barua who led a procession of unarmed villagers for the task.

When Rebati Mahan Som, the officer in-charge of the police station, warned the procession of deadly consequences if they went ahead with their plan, Barua refused to slow down. Consequently, the police opened fire and Barua was shot dead holding the flag, which was subsequently picked up by her compatriot Mukunda Kakoti, who was also killed.

Paona Brajabashi

One of the most revered figures of the Anglo-Manipur War in 1891 was Major Paona Brajabashi, a soldier of the Kangleipak kingdom (Kingdom of Manipur) under Maharaja Kulachandra.

Battling the British undermanned and under-armed in the Battle of Khongjom, Paona valiantly led his soldiers in one of the fiercest battles in Indian history on 23 April 1891.

Engaged in a bloody clash, the Manipuri soldiers, including Paona, fought until the last man by some accounts. Before he was killed, however, he was given a choice.

“A Manipuri British Army Officer asked Paona Brajabashi to switch sides and join the British army. The British insisted that he could switch sides in exchange for a plum post. However, Paona reportedly replied that death was more welcome than treason. Paona took off the cloth wrapped around his headgear and asked the British Officer to behead him,” says Kakchingtabam Hemchandra Sharma , Secretary of Association for Paona Memorial Arts and Rural Development Services.

Bir Tikendrajit Singh

“Bir Tikendrajit Singh, the crown prince of Manipur, who laid down his life along with his General Thangal for protecting the territorial integrity of the state against British imperialist design, has gone down in the annals of history as a hero of supreme sacrifice and extraordinary valour,” says local academic Prof K Nayan Chanda Singha .

Relations between the Manipur Kingdom and the British were peaceful until the death of Maharaja Chandrakiri in 1890 when a power struggle for the throne ignited a civil war.

A series of coups, exiles and appeals for help eventually led to the British getting directly involved in Manipur once again. A party of British officials and 400 Gurkhas arrived in Imphal to arrest the prince in revolt, Tikendrajit, and oust the current man on the throne – Maharaja Kulachandra Singh.

When the Maharaja refused to abdicate or hand over the prince, the British tried to conduct a sudden midnight raid and capture Tikendrajit in 1891. But their plan was quickly foiled by Manipuri soldiers. Angered, King Kulachandra ordered the beheading of the five British officers on March 24, 1891. It was this incident that triggered what was later called the Anglo-Manipur war of 1891.

“To save their motherland, the Manipuris fought very bravely under the direction of Tikendrajit. But it was all in vain against the superior mite and arms of the British. On 27th April, 1891 the British occupied Manipur. Tikendrajit was arrested and after a farcical trial by a general court-martial, he was publicly hanged on 13th August 1891,” notes the archives of the Manipur government.

Rani Gaidinliu

“We are free people, the white men should not rule over us,” said a 13-year-old Rani Gaidinliu of the Rongmei Naga tribe in 1927, while issuing a clarion call to all ethnic Naga tribes from remote hills of the northeastern region.

The same year, she joined the Heraka religious reform movement begun by her cousin Haipou Jadonang, which sought to standardise the traditional Naga belief systems against the growing influence of Christianity and Vaishnavism.

Under her guidance, the movement later turned into a political movement seeking to kick the British out from the region. She urged the people not to pay taxes, not work for the British and even went underground to lead many attacks on the colonial administration.

She was arrested in 1932 at the age of 16, and sentenced to life imprisonment. Jawaharlal Nehru met her at Shillong Jail in 1937, and gave her the title of Rani. Released in 1947 after India’s independence, she continued to work for the upliftment of her people.

Haipou Jadonang

A Rongmei Naga leader from present-day Manipur, he was a spiritual leader, social reformist, and political leader who sought to emancipate the Naga people from the clutches of British colonial rule during the early decades of the 20th century.

Jadonang was seen as a spiritual figure early in life, garnering the attention of neighbouring villages, especially folks from the Zeliangrong tribal community — an important indigenous Naga communities living in the tri-junction of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland — under which the Rongmei Nagas fell. Aside from the Heraka movement, he started building an army, which he called ‘Riphen’. Comprising 500 men and women at its zenith, the army was well-versed in military tactics, weaponry and reconnaissance missions.

It was also organised in civilian matters, assisting with farming, livestock grazing, and firewood collection, among other activities. Jadonang composed songs singing praises of the struggle against the British, which his disciple Rani Gaidinliu imparted to his followers.

With weapons, personnel and an innate understanding of the local terrain, Jadonang and his men were prepared. On 19 February 1931, however, he was arrested by British officials on charges of sedition and later hanged on false murder charges. He was only 26.

U Tirot Sing Syiemlieh

Born in 1802, U Tirot Sing Syiemlieh was a native chief of Nongkhlaw, a territory in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, who led the Khasis in their fight against the British during the 1829-1833 Anglo-Khasi War. After securing the Brahmaputra Valley and Surma Valley (in Assam and partly in Bangladesh), the British sought permission from Tirot to construct a road cutting through the hills inhabited by the Khasis.

The British, represented by their political agent David Scott, told Tirot that if permission was granted, he would be given control of the duars (alluvial floodplains of Assam) and was promised favourable terms of trade. However, the British reneged on their promise, and on 4 April 1929, his forces attacked the British garrison stationed at Nongkhlaw in which two officers were killed. The British retaliated with their superior modern firearms.

Tirot and his men battled the British for four years engaging in guerilla warfare. In 1833, while he was hiding out in the hills after sustaining a bullet injury, he was betrayed by one of his men and soon captured by the British forces. He was deported to Dhaka, where he died in captivity on 17 July 1835.

Born sometime during the last decade of the 19th century in Daring village, Basar Sub-Division of the present West Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, Moje Riba was involved in the cane business with traders across the Brahmaputra in Dibrugarh, Assam, before his involvement in the freedom struggle.

It was in Dibrugarh when he first heard about the freedom struggle against the British. He soon joined the Indian National Congress, joining forces with other legends of the freedom struggle like Gopinath Bordoloi and Lalit Hazarika. He was affectionately known as Aboh Nyiji, which means ‘old father of all’.

“After joining INC, Moje Riba became the first INC President from Arunachal Pradesh. He led the marches and his supporters in the path of the country’s freedom. He has contributed in this freedom struggle in different ways. For his sacrifices and contributions in the India’s movement, he was conferred with Tamra Patra by the then PM of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi. It happened on the red letter day of the silver jubilee year of India’s Independence Day i.e. on 15th August, 1972,” says this report in The Sentinel . He passed away in 1982.

Gopinath Bordoloi

Born on 6 June 1890, Gopinath Bordoloi not only challenged the British, but also ensured that at the time of Independence, Assam remained part of India, and eventually became the first Chief Minister of undivided Assam.

A follower of Mahatma Gandhi, he joined the Indian National Congress in 1922, and began his political activism during the Non-Cooperation Movement. Despite his immense contribution to the freedom struggle, particularly through the 1930s and the Quit India Movement, it was in 1947 when he truly came to the fore.

With the introduction of the Mountbatten Plan in 1947, Bordoloi battled leaders of the Muslim League to ensure Assam remained in India. Following Independence, he played a central role in the rehabilitation of millions of refugees who had escaped bitter communal violence in the newly created East Pakistan. He was soon given the honorific title of ‘Lokapriya’ for his services, but he passed away a few years after Independence on 5 August 1950.

U Kiang Nangbah

A freedom fighter from Meghalaya, he led an uprising against the British during the 1860s. Although very little is known about his early life, historians claim that he was born before the British had annexed the Jaintia hills in 1835. “U Kiang Nangbah lived in a locality we now called Tpep-pale and Kiang Nangbah’s family’s hut must be on the hill top across the valley between the two hills where Yawmusiang and Tpep-pale stand,” notes HH Mohrmen for Shillong Times .

When the colonial government sought to impose taxes and interfere with traditional customs, the tribes of the Jaintia Hills began harbouring an anti-British sentiment. All hell broke loose in 1860 with the imposition of house tax on the tribes inhabiting the Jaintia hills. That’s when they joined forces under the leadership of Nangbah. His forces soon attacked a British police station and set fire to all its weapons.

What followed was a series of guerilla attacks which paralysed the colonial administration. In response, the British launched a full-scale military operation against Nangbah and his men. The British captured him in December 1862 after one of his men had tipped off the enemy. After a mock trial, he was hanged three days later.

Pa Togan Sangma

Also known as Togan Sangma or Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma, he was a 19th century Garo (A-chik) warrior and leader from Garo hills, Meghalaya, who died battling British forces on 12 December, 1872.

Born in the village of Samanda near Williamnagar, East Garo Hills, he was known for his muscular body frame and physical combat capabilities.

“In 1872, British soldiers entered the Garo hills and set up a camp near Chisobibra village. Pa Togan Sangma and other warriors launched an attack against the British forces, only to face a barrage of bullets. Being ill-equipped, the warriors suffered grave losses, and Pa Togan Sangma died on the spot in his quest to save his motherland and his people,” notes this report from the Telegraph .

There are other important freedom fighters from the Northeast who valiantly took on the British, who have not been mentioned here like Kushal Konwar, Shoorvir Pasaltha Khuangcher, Trilochan Pokhrel, Matmur Jamoh, Bhogeswari and Krishna Nath Sharma. These are names that have made it into the annals of regional history. It’s time they received national attention too.

(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected] , or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter .

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let’s ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?

Sounds Interesting? Share it now!

This story made me

Tell Us More

Essay on Freedom Fighters for Students and Children

500+ words essay on freedom fighters.

Freedom fighters were people who sacrificed their lives selflessly for the freedom of their country. Every country has its fair share of freedom fighters . People look up to them in terms of patriotism and love for one’s country. They are considered the epitome of patriotic people.

Freedom fighters made sacrifices which one cannot even imagine of doing for their loved ones, leave alone the country. The amount of pain, hardships, and opposite they have endured cannot be put into words. The generations after them will always be indebted to them for their selfless sacrifices and hard work .

Importance of Freedom Fighters

One cannot emphasize enough on the importance of freedom fighters. After all, they are the ones because of whom we celebrate Independence Day . No matter how small a role they played, they are very much significant today as they were in those times. Moreover, they revolted against the colonizers so as to stand up for the country and its people.

Furthermore, most of the freedom fighters even went to war to safeguard the freedom of their people. It did not matter that they had no training; they did it for the pure intention of making their country free. Most of the freedom fighters sacrificed their lives in the war for independence.

Most importantly, freedom fighters inspired and motivated others to fight injustice. They are the pillars behind the freedom movement. They made people aware of their rights and their power. It is all because of the freedom fighters that we prospered into a free country free from any kind of colonizers or injustice.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

My Favourite Freedom Fighters

Secondly, Rani Lakshmi Bai was a great freedom fighter. I have learned so many things from this empowering woman. She fought for the country despite so many hardships. A mother never gave up her country because of her child, instead took him to the battlefield to fight against injustice. Moreover, she was so inspiring in numerous ways.

Next, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose comes in my list. He led the Indian National Army to show the power of India to the British. His famous line remains to be ‘give me your blood and I will give you freedom.’

Finally, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was also one of the greatest leaders. Despite being from a rich family, he gave up the easy life and fought for India’s freedom. He was imprisoned a number of times but that did not stop him from fighting against injustice. He was a great inspiration to many.

In short, freedom fighters are what made our country what it is today. However, we see nowadays people are fighting for everything they stood against. We must come together to not let communal hatred come between and live up to the Indian dream of these freedom fighters. Only then will we honor their sacrifices and memory.

FAQ on Freedom Fighters

Q.1 Why were freedom fighters important?

A.1 Freedom fighters made our country independent. They gave up their lives so we could have a bright future free from colonization.

Q.2 Name some of the Indian freedom fighters.

A.2 Some of the famous India freedom fighters were Mahatma Gandhi, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Essay on Freedom Fighters

Freedom fighters are people who fought to free their country from an oppressor. They often face hardships in the process of securing the freedom of their country and people. Because of the freedom fighters who fought for Indian independence, we celebrate Independence Day on August 15 every year. People honour them for their love and sacrifice made for their country.

Significance of Freedom Fighters

It is important to understand the contributions of freedom fighters because they fight for the rights and independence of people who face constant repression. They take risks to help people who do not have a voice or representation in their country. They work towards building an independent nation without borders and any separation between people.

Freedom fighters are often put in danger because they speak up against authorities, fight for democracy, gender equality, etc., but that doesn’t stop them from making a difference.

Freedom Fighters of India

In this essay, we will learn more about the brave people in India who fought for our country’s freedom. It helps kids to understand the history and struggle for India’s independence. Here is a  list of brave freedom fighters of India.

• Mahatma Gandhi : The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was India’s renowned political and spiritual leader during the Indian independence movement. Through the non-violent Civil Disobedience Movement, he led India to independence and inspired many civil rights and freedom movements across the world.
• Subhas Chandra Bose : Subhas Chandra Bose was a Bengali Indian nationalist leader of the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. When World War II began, he escaped to Nazi Germany and made broadcasts rallying Indians to overthrow the British. He later took the leadership of the Indian National Army. His army cut off the British army’s supply lines and forced it to retreat.
• Tantya Tope : Tantya Tope was a fearsome leader of the 1857 Indian mutiny against British colonial rule. Tantya Tope served as an administrator for the East India Company and gradually lost faith in the rightness of British rule.

For more essays, worksheets and other activities, visit BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Essay on Freedom Fighters

When does india celebrate independence day.

India celebrates Independence Day on August 15 of every year.

What are the achievements of Mahatma Gandhi?

Mahatma Gandhi, who was the prominent political leader of India during the Indian independence movement, led the country to independence through his nonviolent protests. He also inspired movements for civil rights and independence across the world.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

The Deadly Prelude to South Africa’s First Free Elections

The vote in 1994 was a time of hope — but in the weeks before, the country came close to the abyss. A photographer remembers what he witnessed.

Young men in Bekkersdal, a Black township west of Johannesburg, dragging the body of a comrade killed in street battles in February 1994. Credit...

Supported by

• Share full article

Photographs and Text by Joao Silva

The photographer, who is based in South Africa, where he grew up, spent the first years of his career documenting the end of apartheid. He has been working for The New York Times since 1997. He took these pictures in 1994, for The Associated Press.

• Published May 27, 2024 Updated May 29, 2024

Thirty years ago, Black South Africans voted for the first time as the country celebrated the monumental birth of a democracy. As I write this, South Africa is bathed in warm winter sunlight and South Africans are free.

That day, April 27, 1994, changed the lives of everyone in the country. I was there. But I can only vaguely remember it.

I do, however, vividly remember the cost in human lives that led to that victorious day, as what amounted to a proxy war fueled by elements of the apartheid state pitted ethnic groups against one another. Those who hoped the bloodshed would derail democratic negotiations conveniently called it Black-on-Black violence.

Four years passed between Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and that first real election. In that time, as the apartheid government slowly settled the terms of its dissolution with political leaders it had long sought to suppress, 14,000 people died violently.

Many South Africans have perhaps chosen to forget. Younger ones may simply not know. But here is what I saw in the months before the vote.

Whole neighborhoods were abandoned as people fled their homes. Nameless corpses littered the empty streets for hours before the morgue wagons would collect them, on display on unpaved roads as a warning for all to see.

Nine days before the elections, the country was burning. It was a last push between warring factions. The Inkatha Freedom Party — a powerful Zulu political and cultural movement — was preparing to boycott the vote, saying the new settlement gave too little power to territories like KwaZulu, where it had long ruled. The bodies piled up.

On that day, April 18, 1994, I found myself in Khumalo Street in Thokoza, a Black township east of Johannesburg.

To my left lay Ken Oosterbroek, mortally wounded, while to my right, Greg Marinovich clutched at his chest, holding on for dear life. Friends and fellow photographers who had dedicated their careers to documenting the violent, dying throes of apartheid lay dead and wounded.

From 1990 to 1994, close to 700 people died in Thokoza, and hundreds in that very street. It was one among many. Today, a memorial on Khumalo Street bears the names of the dead, Ken’s included.

When I visited the monument in late 2016, it was serving as shelter to homeless people, who slept next to the inscribed marble wall. It has since been rehabilitated by former members of the Self-Defense Units, residents — predominantly supporters of Mr. Mandela’s African National Congress — who defended their communities against Inkatha Freedom Party supporters.

Macdonald Mabizela, 48, who was then a teenage fighter and is now a caretaker, explained how they had chased away the vagrants, cleaned up the memorial and rebuilt part of the perimeter wall that had collapsed after someone drove into it.

Nelson Mandela addressed the nation that night, calling for calm and for an end to the bloodshed — a presidential act before becoming president. Shortly afterward, the Inkatha Freedom Party announced that it would be participating in the election. The ballots had been printed without a slot for the party. Decals were quickly added. It was stark evidence of how close South Africa had come to a civil war.

South Africans voted, and it was a peaceful day, that much I remember. I documented it, and what should have been a life-changing experience was lost on me. I had just buried a friend, and another was recovering from three gunshot wounds. I voted in Katlehong, a mere six-minute drive from where Ken was killed, shipped my film back to The Associated Press’s office and went to sit at Greg’s side. Two days of voting went by in a blur, with me barely present.

South Africans will vote again this week, in a national election less predictable than any since 1994. It is important to remember the past at times such as these and to honor those who paid the ultimate price as political figures negotiated their way to power and democracy.

Because of an editing error, a picture caption with an earlier version of this article misstated the location of one photograph. Mmabatho was the capital of the homeland of Bophuthatswana, not the other way around.

How we handle corrections

Joao Silva is a Times photographer based in South Africa. More about Joao Silva

Advertisement