Quick viewing(Text Mode)

View Entire Book

View Entire Book

Orissa Review

1700s and occupied vast tracts the British Empire to strengthen of Indian soil for 347 years their grip over Indians and to whereas the Portuguese and effect broad reforms within Saluting the French had kept their colonial .The triggering of August influence on some parts of the the Indian rebellion of 1857 was country. British East India a period of uprising in India 15,1947 Company generated more than against the British Rule and it ten percent of England’s was India’s first National War revenue per annum to Britain of Independence. It brought ž Mayadhar Nayak by slaughtering the vibrant about signs of valour and economy of India. Against this bravery about the sacrifice troubled backdrop, the British made by the freedom fighters August 15, 1947 is a glorious rise to power was slow, but of Indian heroes with accounts and memorable day for all remarkably steady because of of unimaginable horror and Indians, the day when the long the competition of the French destruction. The uprising was suppressed nation got with the British in acquiring the result of creation of cultural utterance. It was the day when Indian territory. and ethnic differences between India got her independence the British Officers and Indian After the Battle of soldiers.The policy of divide from the mighty British Empire. Plassey, the British Army under The day reminds us about the and rule and attack on the the leadership of Robert Clive culture triggered widespread end of the British Colonial defeated the Nawab of Bengal Authority from India and the resentment among the Indian and the British East India rulers like Mughals and ex- end of the widespread Company was established. movements that continued to Peshwas.The war of 1752 That was the initial entry of brought about a turning point in roll the nation’s economy.The in India.The Battle day brought new light and ray the history of modern India. The of Buxur encouraged the East British embarked upon a series of new hopes for India. When India Company to gain and the world was asleep, India of reforms to pacify and strengthen administrative rights integrate the Indian elite and woke up to life and freedom.A over , Bengal and Orissa new nation was born on that rulers. The Rani of Jhansi joined in 1765. A series of Acts were the rebellion to protect her own day bringing the end of the proclaimed by the British colonial rule, suppressed interest. Following the Uprising, Parliament to strengthen the agitations, movements, etc. the British Crown in Parliament administrative control of the formally took over the First, the Portuguese newly conquered provinces of responsibility of ruling India came to India in the 16th India,like the Regulating Act of from the British East India century followed by the East 1773, the Indian Act of 1784, Company and at the end,the India Company in the guise of the Charter Act of 1813. Then, Moghul Dynasty came to an traders in Bengal. The British the English language was end and Queen Victoria took East India Company came to introduced as the medium of the reign of India with the title India in the middle and late instruction in India in 1835 by of impress of India in 1877.

August - 2010 1 Orissa Review

What was happening in the Bengal took the lead to start the the first Non-cooperation Indian society all this while was first organised militant movement in 1920. The difficult to overlook. A cultural movements and it later took movement in the form of protest revolution under the leadership political turn giving birth to involved surrendering all titles, of Raja Ram Mohan Ray had with honorary offices and nominated been taking place even before prominent moderate leaders posts in local bodies. All sorts the event of Uprising of 1857. seeking only their basic rights of government functions and Sati was banned, the Arya to appear for civil services ceremonies were boycotted Samaj came forward to examinations and more rights, showing feeling of strong propagate a new and refined economic in nature, for the nationalism. But the British tried religion, education for women people of the soil of the nation. to suppress it with iron hand. was encouraged and a new Leaders like Lal Bal Pal and The concept and breed of intellectuals taking Shri Aurobindo adopted more magnitude of the Non their root mostly from Bengal, radical approach for getting Cooperation Movement took the mantle of showing political independence from the surprised every political leader their presence in Indian British Raj. Congress under the in India. Gandhiji’s approach of freedom movement. This new leadership of Mahatma Non Cooperation had touched breed of Indians was a power came to the forefront to adopt every man on the street. People to reckon with. After the the policies of non violence. came out voluntarily to support Uprising, India was poised at Subash Chandra Bose Gandhi and his movement. the dawn of a new era of adopted the policy of violence political awareness. with military approach to The government Dadabhai Naoroji was engineer the independence machinery did not actually the first Indian to become a movement. A proper mix of break down, but came under member of the House of non-violence engineered by visible strain and stress. Commons of the British Empire and violence Gandhiji with magical by successfully contesting an launched by Netaji shaked the application of his usual election. The concept of strong foundation of innovative skill, mobilized the “ is my birth right” was unshakable British Empire. public in support of freedom coined by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Leaders like Swami movement and the country and which thrilled and inspired the Sahajanand Saraswati the Congress rallied behind hearts of millions of advocated for economic him. The right moment had Indians.Like Netaji,Tilak freedom of the peasants and arrived to launch the Quit India advocated the policy of labour classes along with Movement. The unnerving part extremism, non-violence and political freedom as British East was that the launching of abandonment of British goods India Company generated more another supported by Bipin Chandra than ten percent of England’s Movement could coincide with Pal and Lala Rajpat Rai. revenue for onward transfer to the Japanese advances from the However, the Congress Party Britain. The Indian National far-east towards India. It was of 1906 did not support the Congress under the leadership an open rebellion championed acts of violence and disorder. of Mahatma Gandhi launched by Gandhi and adopted by the

2 August - 2010 Orissa Review masses with voluntary willing shocked the country. It also 1922. Suddenly, the future of spirit to court risks for the shook the moderates out of Swaraj, or self-rule within a freedom that was to be their stupor and brought year seemed uncertain. achieved. Gandhiji out in the open. Gandhi came under The British adopted In 1920, under the criticism from several quarters inhuman and repressive leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, for dissociating himself from the policies in Punjab. On April 12, the Indian National Congress Non-Cooperation Movement. 1919, General REH Dyer who launched the first movement of The man of the masses took the had taken over the troops in protest – the Non-Cooperation masses along when he made his Punjab the day before, Movement. It involved exit and this was not to be the prohibited all meetings and surrendering all titles, honorary only time when differences of gatherings. So when a group of offices and nominated posts in opinion cropped up in the unarmed people congregated local bodies. Government Congress about Gandhi’s at the Jallianawala Bagh, a functions and Darbars were to actions and each time, in the walled park with only a single be boycotted. Parents were end, people invariably gave in narrow entrance, on April 13, requested to withdraw their to the Mahatma. Gandhi had 1919 to celebrate the Sikh children from government won over the heart of an entire festival of Baisakhi, General schools and colleges. Indians nation. Dyer ordered fire on the stayed way from the British In 1927 the British innocent people. What courts and army, and were to government set up a followed was to blight the stand for elections to Committee headed by Sir John pages of Indian History and its government and legislative Simon to review the state of peoples’ minds for a very long bodies. or non- affairs in India. However, the time to come. A peaceful violence was to be observed Committee that came to be congregation had been strictly. known as the Simon transformed into an unmitigated Commission did not include blood bath. The oppressive mood of the British angered the Indian even a single Indian. The Later, during the court masses to an unbearable extent. Congress took umbrage to the martial, General Dyer coldly Unfortunately, at a time when omission done by the observed that he had fired only the movement was showing Commission. 1600 rounds of ammunition on signs of success, a mob of 3000 At this time, young the crowd as that was all he people killed 25 policemen and radicals like had. He added that he would one officer in Chauri Chaura. and Subhash Chandra Bose have fired more had he so Similar incidents had taken were insisting on making total deemed fit. It indicated the place earlier on November 17, independence as the goal of the inhuman feeling of General 1921, in Bombay and on Congress. At midnight, on Dyer to Indians and its freedom January 13, 1922, in Madras. December 31, 1929, struggle. On February 7, Gandhi Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the The brutality of the suspended the movement. He Tricolour on the banks of the Jallianawalla Bagh massacre was arrested on March 13, river Ravi in Punjab and the

August - 2010 3 Orissa Review

Congress called for Purna All over India, the Disobedience Movement had Swaraj, or Complete mood was upbeat, the been completely withdrawn. atmosphere was tense and the Independence. January 26, During World War II, people gathered on the streets 1930, was declared as the Congress decided that India to see what Mahatma Gandhi Independence Day. From should co-operate with Britain was teling. Louis Fischer wrote February 14 to 16, 1930, the on the understanding that about the Civil Disobedience: Congress Working Committee complete independence would “The British beat the Indians met at Gandhi’s famous Ashram be granted to India after that. with batons and rifle butts. The in Sabarmati and requested him The British, however were Indians neither cringed nor to launch the Civil unwilling to discuss the issue of complained nor retreated. That Disobedience Movement ‘at a independence during wartime. made England powerless and time and place of his choice.’ The Congress had the doubt India invincible.” On February 27, the and wonder about the intentions plan for the agitation was made When the first Round of the government. Meanwhile, public. The entire nation was in Table Conference was held in the divide between Jinnah’s ferment. Everyone, including the from November 12, Muslim League and the British, was curious to see what 1930 to January 19, 1931, not Congress had grown sharper. the Mahatma would do next. a single member of the In early 1940, Jinnah declared Congress attended it. The On March 12, 1930, Pakistan as the goal of the British now appealed to the League. accompanied by 78 colleagues Congress to work with them. of the , Lord Irwin also declared that After the fall of France Mahatma Gandhi embarked on Mahatma Gandhi and the other in 1940, Gandhi declared, “We a 60-mile march to the sea members of the Congress do not seek independence out coast of Dandi. He defied the Working Committee would of Britain’s ruin.” The British new salt taxes imposed by the soon be freed to consider the reply to this was an offer to government that would directly matter ‘freely and fearlessly.’ discuss an Indian Constituent effect each and every Indian. The Muslim League under the Assembly, as well as Dominion To begin with, the government leadership of Muhammad Ali Status `after the war’. The offer thought it better to ignore the Jinnah demanded separate was spurned. Gandhi with his event. However, soon the entire share in administration in India. usual innovative skill had the country was abuzz with hartals, It demanded control of foreign country and Congress rallying protests, agitations, affairs and defence, and the behind him. The right moment processions. The rising tide of matter of minorities. The talk had arrived to engineer the Quit discontent had to be checked. with his Highness, the Aga India Movement. The Gandhi was arrested on May Khan and Dr Bhimrao Ramji unnerving part was that the 5, 1930. took the Ambedkar, ended in a launch of another Civil relay to lead the movement. complete deadlock. Gandhi Disobedience Movement When Tyabji was arrested, returned to India on December could coincide with the , the nightingale 28, 1931 empty-handed. By Japanese advances from the of India, replaced him. May 1934, the Civil far-east towards India. At the

4 August - 2010 Orissa Review call of Gandhi to launch open became an independent princely states, steering efforts rebellion, the country was nation.After partition,violent by his “iron fist in a velvet willing to court risks for the clashes took place between the glove” policies, exemplified by freedom that was to be won. Hindus and the Muslims the use of military force to The movement was resulting in death of many integrate princely states like launched on August 8, 1942 in innocent people. Gandhiji, the Junagarh, Hyderabad, Jammu Bombay. Gandhi declared: “I Father of the Nation, did not and Kashmir into India. The want freedom immediately, this join in the celebrations that drafting of the Constitution was very night, before dawn, if it can followed. Communal finalised and completed by the disturbance shook the two Constituent Assembly with be had. You may take it from th me that I am not going to strike countries with blood bath. He much precision on 26 was elsewhere working in riot November, 1949 and India a bargain with the Viceroy for th ministers and the like… Here torn areas helping the people became a Republic on 26 is the Mantra, a short one, that and praying for peace in the January 1950 with Dr. I give you… Do or die. We subcontinent. He was very sad as the first shall either free India or die in and disillusioned seeing the President of India.With the iron the attempt.” From 1942 riots. He decided to dismember policy of Sardar Vallabhbhai onwards it was quite clear that his mind from active politics. Patel, Goa Pandicherry and the count down to an Since day of the formation of Sikkim were annexed with the independent India had begun. Pakistan, Gandhiji was seen Indian Republic. India adopted with suspicion for siding with the its democratic principle with the In 1946, Lord Muslims and surrounding conduction of its first general Mountbatten arrived in Delhi Pakistan from India easily. A election in 1952. amid a buzz of political activity. Hindu fundamentalist called After World War II, the British The Indian Indepen- Nathu Ram Godse shot seemed keen to wash their dence was obtained through the Mahatma Gandhi on 30th hands off India and at the last application of proper mix of January 1950. India lost the Mountbatten was entrusted non-violence coined by with the responsibility of Mahatma who thought to form Gandhiji and violence adopted transferring power to the a nation with the dream of by Netaji in cooperation with Indians, safeguarding British Rajya. other militant leaders. interests and prestige for future Mountbatten was Since independence, a interaction with Independent invited to continue as Governor lot has been achieved by us,a India and Pakistan. On 3 June General of India on request of lot more needs to be done in 1947, Lord Mountbatten,the Prime Minister Nehru and the competitive world.We need last British Governor-General Deputy Prime Minister Sardar to learn from our past and of India announced the partition . In June move boldly into the future.We of India and Pakistan.Pakistan 1948, Chakravarti Rajgopala- have achieved many milestones, became independent on 14th chari took over the Governor but not enough to eradicate August 1947 by becoming a General of India from poverty, illiteracy, sickness, separate Nation.On August 15th Mountbatten. Patel took on the terrorism, crime, unemploy- of 1947 at midnight,India responsibility of unifying 565 ment, vested interests, political

August - 2010 5 Orissa Review pulls, presence of gap between which he secured 4th rank. sentenced to a year’s the rich and the poor, etc. Our Later it was abandoned by him imprisonment. achievements are being as he was reluctant to work Upon his release from globally recognised with rise of under the British Government. jail, Subhas was elected and GDP growth to 9.4% in recent Thus he resigned and returned took charge as Mayor of years and is projected to grow to India on the call of Calcutta Corporation.Subhash at 8 to 9 percent over the next . Chandra Bose and five to ten years.India has He believed that only Gandhiji,both fought for started to infuse self- military power could wipe out freedom struggle by steering confidence to turn itself to the British Rule from India. But their ideas.However, the two become a developed nation by the concept of non violence was never saw eye to eye on their 2020.We have to turn opposed by Gandhiji since it views of freedom and the ourselves as a military and directly conflicted with his movement itself.According to economic power, hand in hand. policy of non violence The Subhas, Gandhiji had done We will see an independent, British Empire perceived blunder to the freedom innovative, resourceful vibrant Subhas as a potential threat and movement by agreeing to take India in the future. took urgent steps to arrest him part in the Second Round Table Role of Subhash Chandra without any charge on October Conference. Subhas viewed Bose for Indian Freedom 25, 1924. He was sent to freedom as an absolute Struggle. Alipore Jail, Calcutta and in necessity, unlike the freedom Subhash Chandra January 25, 1925 transferred to which Gandhiji was negotiating” Bose possessed revolutionary Mandalay, Burma. He was with the British. Subhas was mind towards Indian freedom released from Mandalay in arrested again while returning struggle. He was born on May, 1927 due to his ill from Bombay to Calcutta, and January 23, 1897 at Cuttack, health.After his return to imprisoned in several jails Orissa. His father was Rai Calcutta, Subhas was elected outside West Bengal in fear of Bahadur Janakinath Bose, a President of the Bengal an uprising. His health once prominent lawyer of Cuttack, Congress Committee on again deteriorated and the and mother was Prabhavati October 27, 1927. medical facilities diagnosed him Bose. Later, he was named as He believed in with tuberculosis. It was Netaji by the world. He communal harmony and recommended that he be sent completed his early studies at worked towards Hindu- to Switzerland for treatment. the European Protestant Muslim unity on the basis of Netaji was imprisoned Collegiate School in Cuttack, respect of each community’s eleven times over a span of 20 He came to Calcutta to study rights. In January 1930 he was years either in India or in at Presidency College in 1913. arrested for launching a Rangoon. He travelled Upon completing his procession against the extensively in India and Europe graduation, he left India for imprisonment of before starting his political England to appear at the Indian revolutionaries. He refused to opposition to Gandhiji.In Civil Service Examination in accept conditional bail and was Germany,he instituted the

6 August - 2010 Orissa Review

Special Bureau for India for support from Britain’s enemies have opposed the tragedy of broadcasting on the German and engineered a war against partition launched by Jinnah sponsored Radio. Britain. The INA did not band saved lakhs of people to He founded “Free India succeed to capture the British die due to communal riot. Centre” in Berlin and created India but shook the British Netaji the India Legion consisting of foundation in India.His vision of was a mass leader with shining about 4500 soldiers who were free India came true on 15th examples of sacrifice. His the Indian Prisonors of war.He August 1947. On 18th August, revolutionary ideas, genuine formed INA in 1941 and set up 1945, Netaji Subhas Chandra leadership, foresight, love for Provisional Government of Bose, died in air crash while free India will encourage the Free India in exile.His great flying to Manchuria to ask for Indians for all the time to come. words-”Give me blood,I will Soviet Russia’s help after the He was an embodiment of give you freedom” spoke of his surrender of Japan in the world shining examples of courage pattriotism. war II.According to British and self-sacrifice. He will be He had the foresight Prime Minister, Clement Attlee, remembered as a champion of and vision to not only think of a the INA under the leadership the champions in the memories viable liberation struggle, but of Netaji had shook the strong of Indians. also to plan for the country’s foundation of British Empire in economic development in the India and made their post-independence time. He administration impossible to formed Forward Bloc to fight sustain. Had Netaji survived the against the British Empire in air tragedy, we should have India. Since he had a lot of seen a different India, more stronger and united, free from differences with Gandhiji and Mayadhar Nayak, a Ex-DGM, the then Congress, he decided poverty, illiteracy, communa- NABARD, Metro City Apartment, to leave India in 1941. He took lism, regionalism, etc. He would Flat.20C3, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar.

August - 2010 7 Orissa Review

superiority were some of the causes of upheaval; tyranny, colonialism and imperialism are Mission of the no mean contributors though. History is replete with stronger Mahatma and more powerful nations’ policy of expansionism and hegemonism. The token cases Parikhit Mishra as of now are the Chinese disenfranchisement of Tibetans and illegal occupation Indian territory, and occupation of Iraq Gandhiji’s name is synonymous by USA. with ahimsa or non-violence Here begins the In Gandhiji’s time which was a means like his inquisitiveness, the search, disquietude of oppression other related practices to realize where self becomes unimpor- prevailed elsewhere. Two truth, the resolve of his life. But tant, selfless and noble cause what was truth ? It was more world wars were fought and takes precedence. Seeker’s India was under British rule for than what is usually defined, in wisdom shapes ideals, paves short, in a single word ‘God’. over two centuries. Gandhiji the path he would try to was not an anarchist in true Truth is strength of weak, traverse. The motto was truth, deprived, dispossessed, sense of the term. He had an ‘Truth, the word often uttered ennobling mission of his life for exploited and voiceless but rarely realized. Gandhiji multitude. He wrote,” I simply justice, freedom, equality and aimed at its realization. Gandhiji human dignity which he was set want to tell the story of my aimed at its relation, the fruit or numerous experiments with to realize in quest of truth goodness of which would be through non-violence. It was a truth, and as my life consists of the property of mankind, not of nothing but those experiments. novel experiment which him. That was the great man’s yielded, at long last, spectacular It is true that the story will take thinking and practice who made result in South Africa and India the shape of an autobiography”. non-violence familiar all over in dealing with white imperialist. How should one look the world which carried He was hailed as an apostle of for truth or its realization ? He universal conviction. What did peace and non-violence. was straight, unambiguous and preclude its march ahead ? uncritical about the qualification Why it couldn’t bring conflicts Gandhiji’s experiment of the seeker. “The seeker after to an end, reduce tension, with truth commenced right truth should be humbler than social friction, territorial dispute from his childhood when he was dust. The world crushes the and war among nations ? Ego forthright to make amends to dust under its feet, but the of leading individuals elected what he felt was a human vice. seeker after truth should be so democratically or who grabbed He made peace with himself humble himself that even the power by force, nations with only after he got himself purged. dust could crush him,” he mighty military powers and He quit smoking, stealing, observed. wealth and stupid view of racial drinking, meat eating and laying

8 August - 2010 Orissa Review as he took them as immoral and but his stay spanned twenty any civil right. Gandhiji felt it against the tenets of his chosen years. was too much. principles while restraining Young Gandhiji’s life Gandhiji read Tolstoy, himself from the desire at a was not that smooth in South Thoreau and Ruskin, founded testing time in a den of vice. His Africa. His better sense saved and confession was forthcoming of him at an infamous house in found synthesis of religions after wrong-doing. Zanzibar. It was third incident going through various religious He set sail to England in his life untouched by sin. It books. On his visit to India he in September, 1888, stayed his first visit to the Durban court met active Indian leaders. In three years, passed the law he was ordered by the 1901 he was allotted only five exam, called to the bar on 11 Magistrate to dispense with his minutes to speak in Indian June 1891 and the following turban but he brushed aside and National Conference in day his return sail to home walked out. His unpleasant Calcutta and got his resolution began. In England he put to test experiences were piling up. At on Indian grievance in South his resolve, gained socio- Maritzburg when refused to Africa passed. Here he cleaned move into other compartment political, legal, cultural, religious toilets without distaste. His although he held a first class and nonetheless intellectual heart sank at the sight of animal ticket the constable pushed him experience. He stood strong on sacrifice in the Kali temple. He out. On his way to Pretoria he his vow, his Indianness was called back to South was harassed, his ears were unaffected and was worth the Africa. His ship was not boxed, he was manhandled and pledge taken before the Jain permitted to move at the forced to sit on the footboard. Durban port as it was alleged Monk Becharji Swami. Lure of The colour Prejudice let loose. wine, woman and meat that he had indulged in He filed a protest but preferred unremitted condemnation of couldn’t detract him even when not to proceed against the setbacks he faced were grave Natal whites while in India, and assailant. In Johannesburg the to overpopulate Natal with and challenging at times in his other day he was pushed and life. His exposure and study in Indians he had brought two kicked on the footpath shiploads of them. The ships England conceivably expanded unwarrantedly near president his insights. were allowed to enter the Kruger’s house by a guard on harbour after twenty three days On his return to India duty but Gandhiji forgave him spent on the sea. As he landed, as he apologized. as a barrister he couldn’t make some youths recognized him, much stride in his profession at Since 1860 Indian shouted him down and and Bombay (now migrant labours worked in attacked him with stones, Mumbai), but his destiny mines, sugar and banana firms brick-bats and rotten eggs. His beckoned to South Africa under the white masters. They turban was snatched, he was where he reached in April 1893 were largely Tamils and bludgeoned, kicked. He fainted to render legal help in Dada Gujuratis called samis and but could not escape till brave Abdulla & Co’s dawdling case. coolies. Gandhiji was also Mrs Alexander the wife of the He had a year’s assignment for regarded as a coolie barrister. Police Superintendent shielded 105 with first class return fare, The Indian migrants didn’t avail and came to his rescue. He was

August - 2010 9 Orissa Review then escorted out by the police expectation of his brother. As Ashram at Ahmedabad which but the outcry against him did a nobler pledge he offered was later shifted to Sabarmati not cease. He refused to himself entirely to the service of during plague with free access prosecute the assailants which mankind. He adopted these to untouchables. helped restore calm. The spirit ideals in the greater cause of He lent leadership to of ahimsa was upheld. realization of truth. In doing so the simmering grievances of Gandhiji opposed the he could get the corrupt white indigo planters of Champaran anti-Indian bills aimed at officers arrested although they and Kheda and to the mill affecting Indian traders were acquitted by the white workers strike. He launched adversely and imposing jury. In this matter he availed on 6th April 1919 restriction on the Indian the cooperation of Indians and against Rowlatt Bill designed to immigrants. He simplified his Chinese. While practicing non- prune the civil liberties of life, gave shelter to a leper, violence, he maintained, it was Indians. Satyagraha was not dressed his wounds. He had necessary to observe celibacy, only non-violent weapon, to the inner urge to serve as a nurse stick to the principle of non- him it was a process of self- in a hospital, but could not possession and endear human purification. virtues. His views found place owing to paucity of time and a On 13th April General different way of life. The lofty in which included dietary practices of Dyer ordered firing on the desire remained undiminished unarmed Baisakhi gathering at with him. , nature cure, health and hygiene, for Jallianwala Bag, where more In South Africa he was greater achievements of than 379 people laid down their a man in the making of a spiritual disciple and peace lives, condemned all over India, Mahatma. Here also he took a which showed the way for not in Britain. Gandhiji led the vow of Brahmacharya, a atonement. In the process Khilafat Committee in launching practice imbued by Raichand Satyagraha, his innovation, was non-cooperation movement as bhai. He viewed self-control as born in 1906. The non-violent they accepted non-violence as the best form of birth control. resistance meant a restrained, weapon of the struggle. The Not only this, he did all collective fight with truth force goal of Congress Committee domestic chores by himself or power of truth. was fixated on achievement of setting example of self- Swaraj through peaceful dependence, not bothering He likened himself to means. Legal luminaries like others. Gita became integral legendary characters of King Motial Nehru,Vallabhbhai part of his moral and religious Harischandra, a devoted son to Petel, C.R Das, C. Rajgopalchari guide. He drew spiritual and his blind parents Sravan boycott the law courts. mental strength out of it and Kumar, and a true devotee of Imported clothes were boycott. then practiced aparigraha or Lord Krishna the valiant Arjun. Charkha and became shunning the desire for wealth Gandhiji returned to the symbol of the movement. In or acquiring more then the India in 1914 and toured far and 1922 as the crowd turned minimum basic needs. This wide: a non-political journey. violent at Chauri Chaura (UP) freed himself from meeting the He founded Satyagraha 22 policemen, were killed.

10 August - 2010 Orissa Review

Gandhiji decided to end the strong moral ground. Indian In the recent history the movement. independence through peaceful US civil rights leader Martin The civil disobedience means was an eye-opener to Luther King Jr adopted the movement of 1932-34 and Quit the world community. Ghana Gandhian Principle of non- India Movement of 1942 were got freedom in 1952 under the violence, launched his watershed. Promotion of leadership of Kwame Nkrumah movement against racial Hindu-Muslim unity and Khadi who had adopted Gandhiji’s segregation, and got success in and removal of untouchability method of non-violence the passage of the Civil Rights were uppermost in Gandhiji’s resistance. Richard B Gregg in Act of 1964 and was awarded mind. These were incorporated his book ‘ The power of Non- Nobel Prize for peace. Like the in the Congress constitution. violence' wrote the principles of Mahamta he was assassinated. Non-violent resistance had who reposed The Mahatma’s been conceived and applied by faith in non-violence, the mission was long, arduous and numerous seers and courageous Gandhian ideology in the challenging. He stood firm on people in many different beginning of his struggle against the pedestal of non-violence countries. Among them were apartheid, languished in jail for while seeking truth. He was Lao-tzu, Buddha, the Jain 27 years. His efforts brought conscious of the global scenario Tirthankaras, Jesus, St. Francis apartheid into an end. He was and was conversant with world elected as the president of SA history. The world suffered of Assisi, George Fox, Henry, David Thoreau, … and received Nobel Prize for from violent wars, racial peace. discrimination, oppression of But Gandhiji is the outstanding the weak by strong. He saw rise person in modern times who Gandhian Philosophy and fall of Adolf Hitler, Benito worked out the theory and emphasizes on liberty, equality, Mussolini and rise of Joseph applied it to mass movements peace, non-violence a world, Stalin with repressive politics, in organized corporate fashion free from oppression, persecution of Jews and by actual successful campaigns discrimination-racial economic. devastation wrought by the use in numerous difficult situations. Man must limit his want and of nuclear weapon. He had It seems probable that this befriend nature so that the studied the pulse of the Indian method will be used mother earth which meets all people in South Africa and in increasingly in coming years, needs must survive unharmed. India. Poverty, illiteracy, especially since total war is now George Woodcock in ignorance, economic back- at stalemate because of nuclear his book ‘Gandhi’ observed. wardness were appalling and hydrogen bombs.' “Practically (which helped him complicated by centuries of This statement was forge original techniques of repressive foreign rule. Thus, he prophetic but no one for sure revolutionary action) and lack chose non-violence as the best knew when a nuclear war of prejudice (which brought means to achieve Indian would flare up and hasten him a following and a breadth Independence. dooms-day and destruction of of acceptance unprecedented Mahatma’s endeared our beloved habitat, the good in India with its divisions of policy of non-violence stood on earth. caste and language and religion)

August - 2010 11 Orissa Review combined in Gandhi with an as he was dispassionate carried it out with the greatest exceptional insight into the towards power and pelf what energy and devotion. The power of symbolic actions to ordinary mortal long. mortal influence which he has move men’s mind, and with-as exercised upon thinking people He deliberated his Nehru remarked-a curious through the civilized world may inner thoughts in Hind Swaraj knack for doing the right thing be far more durable than would and said, “But real right is at the psychological moment.” appear likely in our present age, derived from the discharge of with its exaggerations of brutal Woodcock wrote duties.” He also said, “Anarchy force ... Generations to come, further in the same breathe, “To in freedom is better than it may be , will scarce believe tramp- as he did in 1930 a disciplined foreign rule.” He that such a one as this ever in couple of hundred miles could have been eliminated flesh and blood walked upon through the summer dust of earlier in South Africa or India this earth.” Indian country roads, with a by the forces opposed to him lonely beach as his destination and his policies but providence References: and there to pick up a fleck of saved him. It was unbelievably 1. An Autobiography by M.K. forbidden salt and defy an a quirk of fate that this apostle Gandhi unreasonable law: it was a of peace and non-violence fell 2. The Power of Non-Violence simple, poetic act, but it united to assassin’s bullet plunging the by Richard B. Gregg the Indian people more than whole nation and world into 3. Gandhi by George Woodcock any act by any man before and grief. it hastened the end of an 4. Hind Swaraj The world renowned empire.” 5. Einstein’s My Views physicist Albert Einstein gave The mahatma, a out his own feeling on the disciplined soul, had the vision, Mahatma and his immortal dream and resolve guided by deeds. “Gandhi is unique in truth and non-violence and political history. He has invented unarmed tough could bring an entirely new and human hope for the Indians removing technique for liberation struggle Parikhit Mishra lives at Rajendra the British rule was Messianic of an oppressed people and Nagar, Cuttack -753010.

12 August - 2010 Orissa Review

On 26th January, The Role of 1930 the nation took the Independence Day pledge to Acharya carry out Congress instructions for establishing ‘’ Harihar in or Complete Independence . In February, the Congress Civil Working Committee met at Sabaramati Ashrama and Disobedience authorized Gandhi to fashion out a programme of the Civil Movement Disobedience Movement and prepare a course of action. Dr. Trinath Hota Shortly after the Congress Working committee meeting, India politically to serfdom and Gandhi decided to launch the had sapped the foundation of The resolution of Indian movement by breaking the salt our culture. He proposed to the National Congress in its general laws of the Government. This Viceroy for negotiations for the session at Lahore endorsing is known as the ‘Salt redressal of the grievances of Purna Swaraj or complete Satyagraha’. Under the existing the Indian people, failing which independence held out a direct salt laws, the British he would launch the threat to the British government Government did not permit Satyagraha. The Viceroy and it was feared that the Indians to produce salt and refused for any talk with resolution might lead a instead forced them to use the Gandhi outright and pointed out secessionist movement and Government-supplied salt. that Gandhi was planning for an cause wide spread violence. Gandhi decided to break the agitation which was certain to The Viceroy, Lord Irwin, was salt laws as an act of ‘Civil turn violent and hence, advised by the Secretary of Disobedience’. dangerous to public peace. State to observe restraint and Before the Salt Seeing no encouragement in have dialogue with responsible Satyagraha had begun, Gandhi the reply of the Viceroy, Gandhi leaders of the Congress. But thought of informing the finally decided to go ahead with before any dialogue could take Viceroy about his programme his Satyagraha with the place, Gandhi decided to start of action. He wanted to impress following observations- “On the Civil Disobedience the Govt. that he was all for the bended knees I asked for Movement. In a meeting with Non-violent ways to achieve bread and I have received a Rabindranath Tagore at ‘Purna Swaraj’. Writing to the stone instead. India is one vast Sabaramati Ashrama, he told Viceroy, he accused the British prison house. I repudiate this that he was furiously thinking rule of progressive exploitation law (Salt Law) and regard it as for a planned agitation in by a ruinous and expensive my sacred duty to break the accordance with the Lahore military and Civil Admini- mournful monotony of the Resolution. stration, which had reduced compulsory peace, that is

August - 2010 13 Orissa Review chocking the heart of the nation which was nearest marketing as the leader of the Satyagrahis. for want of free vent.” place. Being attracted by the leadership of Harihar a lot of The Civil Disobedience 2. There was no facility of women Satyagrahis also joined Movement began with Gandhi communication from Inchudi to Salt Movement with vigour and breaking the Salt Laws with 78 Balasore. The road was muddy. zeal. On the ways the of his followers at Dandi on the So any vehicle or police van Satyagrahis were greeted by sea shore of Gujrat. On 12th would not reach that place the villagers who came in March, 1930 he started the soon. So it would be thousands. Acharya Harihar historic ‘Dandi March’ from the troublesome for English with his followers was reciting Sabarmati Ashrama and Officers to oppose the Salt the patriotic song composed covered the distance of 241 Law breakers. by Viplavi Poet Birakishore miles by 5th April, 1930. On 3. Another cause was Das- the way he was greeted by that a lot of villages are adjacent “asare aji asa asa thousands of people who had to Inchudi. By which a number come from their villages and daria dakhala kari jiba kie asa of workers can join Salt sara bharatare hahakara towns to have a glimpse of him. Movement. It would be easier ame pakei debure pakei debu”. The people of Orissa should for huge gathering. feel great that a young man of (Oh, our friends come and join twenty years old named Gandhii had declared us. We will go to take the th Motibas Das of Balasore went to break the Salt Law on 6 possession of ocean. It will from Swaraj Mandir to join in April, 1930 in all provinces. create havoc in the whole ‘Dandi March’. On 6th April, According to this proclaimation country.) 1930 Gandhi reached Dandi Gopabandhu Choudhury and They reached the coast and picking of a handful Acharya Harihar were chosen Permit building in Balasore on of salt, he defied the by Central Committee to lead 12th April, 1930 early morning. Government Salt laws. His Civil Disobedience Movement. This Permit building belonged action was hailed by many As decided Gopa Babu and to Gouridatta Marwadi. The congress leaders who were Acharya Harihar with 21 Satyagrahis were using that present there and by all Indians. Satyagrahis started from building as a resting place. In Swaraj Ashrama, Cuttack at the evening of 12th April, 1930 Being ordered by 6.30 a.m. towards Inchudi, 10 Acharya Mahashaya with his National Congress Committee miles from Balasore. As the followers prayed to God. After the Utkal Congress Committee tradition the Satyagrahis were sometimes they started their decided to break the Salt Law. greeted with dhupa, dipa and historical journey from Permit So they decided the place sandal paste and they were building towards Inchudhi. On ‘Inchudi’ as the fittest place for garlanded by Smt. Rama Devi, the way the young and old Salt Movement with following Malati Devi, Kokila Devi, ladies were waiting with causes: Kiranabala Sen etc. Gopabanhu candles. From Balasore to 1. The salt prepared from Choudhury was arrested just at Inchudi the way was lighted the coastal areas, Inchudi can the beginning of their historical with candles. No body felt that be sold in Balasore market journey. Acharya Harihar led it was a night. They greeted

14 August - 2010 Orissa Review

Acharya Harihar as well as his early in the morning. That was as prescribed in Salt Act. But followers with all offerings and the day of Mahavisuva we are doing this Civil their bodies were covered with Sankranti . The Oriyas observe Disobedience Movement flower garlands. The high that day as the beginning of the knowingly after conveying to honour given to Harihar was a year. Acharya Harihar finished you all properly. So this is not matter of jealousy on the part his prayer. Just at 8 a.m., a matter of astonishment. Our of kings. Such an honour to Acharya Harihar the leader of aim and objective is to break Acharya Harihar bestowed by Satyagrahis broke the Salt Law this Salt Act by disobedience”. all types of people by collecting salt from the place Thereafter the police irrespective of caste, colour, Tundara, just before Inchudi. forcibly took away the salt from creed and sex was the first and From the place of Badi and their hand. Still then Acharya last of its kind in history of Gula the surface of the river Harihar with followers Orissa. The slogans of Rama Dhobagandi eastern side of repeated the same thing, then Devi, Malati Devi, Kokila Devi, Inchudi, the Satyagrahis the Police arrested Acharya Janhabi Devi, Subhadra collected the salt and kept on Mahatab, Kiranabala Sen etc. Harihar with four Satyagrahis. the floor of Paschima Thereafter another four started dragged women to accompany Thakurani. Then Acharya them. to break the law. Although Harihar with twelve Satyagrahis there was strong resistance Being informed the proceeded towards Inchudi to from the police, the Civil police force was present there. break the salt law. At that time Disobedience of salt Their presence was a trouble the Superintendent of Balasore movement continued. The to the Satyagrahis. The District, Police Inspector, the women Satyagrahis made a Satyagrahis made a secret plan. Sub-Inspector and the plan. To oppose the tyranny of th On the 12 night of April, Choukidars about twenty the Police, the women 1930 they were assembled police officers were present at Satyagrahis made a circle into near Paschima Thakurani at Inchudi. Many people from which the police dared not to Inchudi. Their secret decision urban and rural areas were enter. There they started to heat was that Baikunthanath Das assembled to see the first the salt water and prepared salt would act as a goddess. disobedience movement at in their pot. The pleasure out Accordingly Baikunthanath Inchudi. In the meantime the of this work was beyond Das became Kalisi and told in leader Acharya Harihar first description. Only the eye a loud voice, “who has made collected the handful of salt witness could describe the joy my temple impure ? from the ocean. After seeing this of the Satyagrahis. Some I will eat them.” After hearing the Inspector of Police told, collected the salt by their these words the coward “you have no right to collect salt handkerchief and went to sell policemen left that place. This from the ocean. Why are you in the Balasore town. The plan made it easier for the taking law in your hand by going Satyagrahis batch by batch Satyagrahis to break the Salt against the Salt Act” ? To collected salt. The Police also Laws. answer this leader Acharya arrested them.On 14th April, They reached the bank Harihar told, “ we know that 1930, the Satyagrahis from of Inchudi on 13th April, 1930 we have no right to collect salt different parts of Orissa joined

August - 2010 15 Orissa Review to break the Salt Law. On 15th April, the villagers accompanied Sadhu Lauhastambha Vahini from Satyagrahis sold the salt on Charan. The Police was able to Cuttack, Patitapavana Vahini lotus leaf in front of Balasore arrest only five Satyagrahis from Sambalpur and Ganjam Collectorate Office. The including Sadhu Charan. They Vahini from Ganjam, Police tried to pollute the salt. were imprisoned for four Sambalpur Vahini’ from Still then the Satyagrahis not months with fine of Rs. 50/-. Sambalpur and Gujurati Vahini only sold the salt but also they They were sent to Cuttack Jail. were united at Inchudi to break sold lotus leaves. About eleven Thereafter the Magistrate the Salt Law. Satyagrahis were arrested. ordered to send them to the school of reformation at The case against The Leadership of Hajaribag. But on the request Acharya Harihar and other Acharya Harihar influenced of mother Parvati Bewa and Satyagrahis was tried. The another important Satyagrahi other Satyagrahis Sadhu leader Acharya Mahashaya and Sri Surendranath Das. Charan was set free. In fact the Surendra Babu surprised the the Satyagrahi advocate patriotism of the fourteen year people of Orissa. The Police Gokulananda Dey were old boy, Sadhu Charan could tried to arrest him. After sentenced to six months not be forgotten. collecting salt he kept it in a big imprisonment . Babu Gunanidhi In Cuttack District, pot in his village, Bhimpur, near Mohanty and Chakrapani Rout Kujanga was an important Inchudi. After taking meal he were imprisoned for three centre of Salt Satyagraha. In was ready to go and sell the salt months. Babu Niranjan Sahu, June, 1930, Rani Bhagyavati, in Balasore town. On 14th Gokulananda Mohanty and Dasarathi Mohanty were Patamahadei of Kujanga along April at 10 a.m. police had the with five hundred women Gherao to arrest Surendra sentenced to one month th Satyagrahis violated the Salt Babu. He made an interesting imprisonment each. On 17 April, 1930 Acharya Harihar Law. In Puri District the salt plan. He told his wife Gouri to agitation was led by Pandit give him all the ornaments and with others were sent to Cuttack jail from Balasore. Nilakantha Das. In Ganjam a costly Saree. He put on the District leadership was ornaments with Saree and Many women led by provided by Viswanath Das, came out with a big pot of salt Rama Devi and Malati Devi Niranjan Patnaik and other to sell in Balasore town. But continued their Satyagraha up Congress leaders. Thus the after covering fourteen miles he to 20th April, 1930. The Police whole coastal Orissa was was caught by the police at the patrolling at Inchudi and influenced by the campaign. In police station, Motiganj. He nearby places was going on. a broader Indian context the was arrested and taken to On 11th May, 1930 a heart Salt Satyagraha of Orissa Police station. All the ornaments touching incident occurred. A perhaps occupies the place were robbed by the police fourteen year old village boy next only to Gujrat. The officers and he was fined from Atihlabad named Sadhu leadership of Utkal Gandhi, Rs.50/- and set free. But after Charan Mohapatra violated the Acharya Harihar played a role some days he was again Salt Law and collected salt. to fructify the cherished desire arrested. Being encouraged five hundred of Mahatma Gandhi. In Orissa

16 August - 2010 Orissa Review the Civil Disobedience 1930. It would be a tribute to Orissa), Behera, K.S.; Movement was wide spread. Acharya Harihar on the Information & Public Relations The village people came occasion of celebration of Deptt., Govt of Orissa, Bhubaneswar. forward to join the movement. Independence Day if the Another special feature of Civil people of Orissa remember his 5. History of Freedom Movement in India and National Disobedience Movement was memorable leadership in Civil Integration, Das, BM, Kar, P, the participation of women and Disobedience Movement. Subudhi, U K, 1987, (pp,75-83). teenagers called Banar Sena. References : 6. ‘Reflections on the National Thereafter Acharya Movement in Orissa’, Orissa 1. ‘Bhala manisa Hua, Das State Archives, 1997. Harihar Das was sent to Chintamani; Baman Das, Hajaribag Jail from Cuttack Acharya Harihar Sisu Bhawan, 7. ‘Struggle for Freedom & Jail. Being a prisoner he was Sakhigopal, Puri, 1981. Orissa’, Martyrs Memorial- cum-Freedom Fighters Home, given to weave sataranji in the 2. ‘Dasavarsara Orissa’ (pp,81- Unit-9, Bhubaneswar. Jail. He was spinning with much 90) Mahatab, Hareskushna; pleasure. He was given the Prajatantra Bhawan, Cuttack. responsibility to impart the 3. ‘ A study of History of Orissa’ moral teaching from the Srimad (1985, pp,125-26), Pradhan, Dr. Trinath Hota is a Lecturer in and the A.C. Sanskrit, Acharya Harihar Upanisad. After six months he 4. ‘Orissa Review’, Vol-LIV No.- Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar, IVR-4, Unit-VI, Bhubaneswar- was set free from Hajaribag I, August, 1997, (Highlights of the Freedom Struggle in 751001 Jail in the month of September,

His Excellency the Governor Sri Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare planting a sapling in the Raj Bhavan garden on the occasion of Vana Mahotsav Week on 6.7.2010.

August - 2010 17 Orissa Review

They faced bullets, suffered Samiti. It had the primary Participation imprisonment and bore membership of a few prominent hardship along with their male ladies from the elite class of Women of comrades to win independence. involved exclusively in the It was the national liberation literary activities of women. Ganjam movement and mainly the effort This association gave of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father recognition to women’s talent District in the of the Nation which led to the and creativity. At this point of emancipation of Indian women time the Congress party, largely Freedom in the 20th Century. because of Gandhi, made Movement of As no detailed study inroads into the public mind of relating to the role of women in the State. In 1921, the first India nationalist struggle has been Utkal Pradesh Congress conducted, it will be worthwhile Committee was founded under the Presidentship of Pandit Dr Dasarathi Bhuyan to undertake a comprehensive study covering political Gopabandhu Das with forty awareness and role of women thousand members. During his The nationalist movement in Orissa. tour of Orissa, in March 1921, towards the close of the 19th Gandhi addressed various century provided the necessity Under the circum- public meetings in the process; impetus and pull to draw an stances, it is useful to see he awakened the women of increasing number of women women’s political involvement Orissa who dared to defy into the political mainstream. An in the national freedom struggle convention. These women left atmosphere for such a in a historical perspective. A their houses in large numbers in breakthrough was created by thorough highlight into Orissa’s order to participate in the the activities of the social political culture would explain freedom struggle. Into the reforms and nationalists, who the extent of women’s role and Gandhian spell, fell a large raised demand for education participation in the struggle for number of women activities. and literacy among women. As independence. They participated in various the struggle for independence The emergence of activities of the freedom gained a mass character, women into political limelight struggle, such as, Satyagraha, growing participation of coincided with the non- spinning, cottage industries and women became necessary. cooperation movement of other related programmes Since then, political 1921. Labanya Mayee Devi under the aegis of the National consciousness among women daughter of famous writer and Congress. This resurgence of has shown an incessant advocate Gopal Chandra women not only influenced increase in both extent and Praharaj and wife of a individual men and women but depth. In India’s fight against distinguished Advocate also the whole family and this the British Raj women came Lokanath Bahadur of Puri eventually created an forward in their thousands to founded a women’s association atmosphere for a new social sacrifice anything they could. at Puri named Mahila Bandhu order. In the year 1929, Orissa

18 August - 2010 Orissa Review was the last state to enfranchise lady. She studied her primary She took part in the women. This belated act served education at Brahmapur and freedom movement by to accelerate women’s after that she joined the participating “boycott Foreign emancipation. Theosophical Society at Kasi. Goods” and picketing before The emergence of the She completed her graduation the liquor shops. For her women from South Orissa in at Dayacician College at activities she was first arrested th the struggle for India’s freedom Calcutta. She studied Medicine on 18 January, 1932 and she was a sensational episode. at Vellore Medical College but was sentenced one year Their burning patriotism, her ill health could not support rigorous imprisonment with a supreme valour and gifted to be a doctor. Therefore she fine of Rs. 700/- by Chhatrapur organizational abilities are discontinued her studies and Court. Later on she was sifted written in the letters of gold in returned to Brahmapur. She got to Vellore jail for one and half the history of Indian Freedom married to Adruti Venkateswar year. She took active part in the Movement. Rao of Rajmundry. As ill luck of 1942. would have it, her husband met She was a prominent activist in It is important to note the Khadi Movement. She that even the scheduled caste a premature death within a year of marriage. Due to early distributed free of cost and scheduled tribe women to the poor people. She was an participated in the freedom demise of her husband she returned back to her parental active member of the Congress movement. In the hills of during 1930-40. She was the abode at Brahmpur plunged Ganjam district yet some tribal Vice-President of Ganjam into the freedom movement by women raised their voices by District Congress Committee the call of Mahatma Gandhi. jumping into the freedom and President of Brahmapur struggle. History hardly Giri family was hub of Town Congress. She was also recorded their great sacrifice. freedom fighters particular in an active member of the State However, this would not Brahmapur and Ganjam District Congress Committee. Her minimize the magnitude of their in general. National leaders like activities during the Quit India sacrifices for the independence Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Movement are remarkable. of their motherland. A profile of Nehru, Babu Rajendra Prasad, She was the President of Ryots women freedom fighters of Meeraben during their visit to Mahasabha of Ganjam district. undivided Ganjam district have the district used to stay at the She presided over at the Ryots been discussed below. residence of Giri. As a family Mahasabha of Ganjam district Adruti Laxmibai member Laxmibai got ample held at Kullada in 1935. India Adruti Laxmibai, sister opportunity to serve these got her Independence when she of V.V.Giri former President of leaders. She had a fair was in Cuttack jail. India was born at Brahmapur knowledge of classical music. She was elected to the on 12th October, 1899. Her She sung the prayer song of Orissa Assembly without any father was Varahagiri Venkat “Jay Gandhibad Mangalam” at contest from the Brahmapur Jogesh, a leading advocate of the time of Gandhi’s visit. Their Assembly Constituency in 1937 Brahmapur and mother Smt indelible impact on Laxmibai first general election and Varahagiri Sovama was a pious made her a true freedom fighter. continued as MLA constantly

August - 2010 19 Orissa Review till 1953. Only two women leader, a freedom fighter, a secretary of the Congress cell members were elected to the social worker, reformer and a of Ganajam District. Assembly in 1937 and she was state leader. She remains as a In order to invigorate the only lady member from role model for every Indian the freedom movement, a South Orissa. She became the woman. meeting was called at Deputy Speaker of Orissa Hemalata Devi Legislative Assembly and later Kabisuryanagar in 1935. The became the Speaker of the Hemalata Devi was meeting was presided over by Orissa Legislative Assembly born in the family of Kapil Das Biswanath Das. Gouri Shankar from 29.5.1946 to 20.2.1952. and Smt. Laxmi Das of and Hemalata took active part Khallikote in Ganjam District in that meeting and gave She attended the on 8 August 1911. She plunged enthralled speech to make the Deputy Speaker’s national into the freedom movement freedom movement dynamism. Conference held in Kerala and when she was reading in class For their speech against the in that conference she British they were arrested and inspected the education policy seventh. She was greatly intensely. For the empower- influenced by a prominent imprisoned at the Brahmapur ment of women she introduced freedom fighter Sri Gouri jail and later on sifted to the free education to the girls in the Shankar Samant of Khallikote. Vellore jail. During the jail Orissa. For her sincere Sri Gouri Shankar Samant was period health condition of Gouri endeavour the strength of girl a Kshatryia by caste and Shankar deteriorated severely. students in the schools of Orissa Hemalata was a Brahmin. They were freed after 18 significantly improved. She was Ignoring the parochial caste months in that jail. Soon after an active member of Orissa system Hemalata married to their release the ill-health Gouri wing of “Central Welfare Gourishankar at Brahmapur in Shankar died. Notwithstanding Society”. She was also the 1934. Prominent freedom her husband's premature death President of the “Kasturaba fighters of Ganjam, Sri Dibakar Hemalata decided not to Memorial Fund” of Orissa Patnaik, Umacharan Patnaik, distance from the freedom Branch. She served as an Banamali Maharana were movement. She was in contact adviser for the “Government present in her marriage with the prominent freedom Girls High School Committee” ceremony. After marriage fighters of the state. She had a Gourishankar and Hemalata in Orissa. She was a member cordial relationship with the stayed at the residence of Rama in the State Social Welfare illustrious Raj Parivar of Devi and Malati Devi and Board and extended her Khallikote who were contributed their might for the services in various fields of committed for the formation of cause of freedom movement. welfare activities. She visited Orissa province. Hemalata Ganjam, and Phulbani Influenced by the activities of took part in the movement for districts and took efforts for the notable freedom fighter the amalgamation of Oriya development of poor students. Harekrushna Mahatab, tracts into Orissa. The great She used to help the girls staying Hemalata had taken training at soul of the district died on 21 in the Jaya Mangalam Ashram. Puri Azad Sevashram. Gouri A. Laxmibai was an ideal Shanakr was appointed as the October 1998 at the age of 87.

20 August - 2010 Orissa Review

Smt. Sobhabati Panda India Movement. During this Orissa who believed in the Smt. Sobhabati Panda period he came very close to natural equality of women with was a dynamic and the ideology of Gandhi. She man. Influenced by illustrious revolutionary genius of Ganjam. took active role in the political women freedom fighters of She was a woman of courage. procession, demonstration, and Orissa.like Rama Devi, Sarala She was born in 1913 in an provoked the people to Devi, Malati Devi and Kuntala established Brahmin family of disobey the British rule and Kumari Sabat, she was a Digapahandi. Gandhi’s very regulations. She was again champion of women liberty. first visit to Brahmapur in arrested and released. She sought liberty for women March 1921 gave a Smt. Champa Devi not only in political sphere but tremendous impetus to also in other sphere. As a true Champa Devi was Freedom Movement in Orissa. freedom fighter she organized born in 1904 in village Dura in Sobhabati Panda along with her the women against the British the Suburban area of husband Antaryami Panda for the liberation of motherland. Brahmapur. She was an attended the first public meeting During the Quit India outstanding freedom fighter of of Gandhi in Brahmapur in Movement in 1942 she the district. She was a sufferer 1921. Gandhi’s speech had delivered an impressive speech of child marriage. The indelible impact on her mind. at Russelkonda criticizing the Very soon she affianced herself conservative Hindu society British. For her speech in the freedom movement and considered marriage as a explosive speech against the joined in Alaka Ashram of sacramental bond between the British she was arrested and Gopabandhu Choudhury at husband and the wife. It is a sent to Russelkonda jail for 6 Jagatsinghpur. She took active bond once for all and not to be months. broken at any costs. Wife is the part in the Hindustani Seva Dal Smt. Kundalata Devi training. During the Salt life-partner of the husband not Satyagraha in 1931, she could only in the temporal world but Another female organize the nearby village also in the heaven and in the protagonist of the Indian women and proceeded next birth. Therefore when the Freedom Struggle was towards Huma along with 1000 husband died, the wife had to Kundalata Devi. She was the women. They prepared Salt at live an ascetic life devoting wife of great freedom fighter of Huma violating the Salt Law herself to the soul of her the district, Sri Banchhanidi imposed by the British deceased husband. Soon after Patnaik of Gobara village of government. For the violation her marriage her husband died Ghumusar.She married to of Salt law she was arrested and she became a widow at the Banchhanidhi Patnaik in 1925. and imprisoned for 6 months. midst of her adolescence. After two years of her marriage After her release she dedicated Suffered by conjugal life she Gandhi visited to Gobara in herself to Charakha and determined to follow the life of 1927 and his address to a Harijan Movement and other a social activist. She was very mammoth gathering produced constructive programmes of much influenced by Sribatcha unprecedented enthusiasm in Mahatma Gandhi. In 1942 she Panda-an architect of Arya the mind of Kundalata Devi. took a leading role in the Quit Samaj, a social reformer of The Pradesh Congress

August - 2010 21 Orissa Review

Committee enrolled 39000 died broken hearted on 13th great impetus to the women folk members and collected nearly January 1948 when she heard of the district. 21000 rupees. Smt. Kundalata the news of assassination of Smt. Kishoremani Devi Devi was the only women Mahatma Gandhi. freedom fighter of district who Kishoremani Devi was Smt. Sitadevi Khadanga donated all her ornaments to an extraordinary woman the Tilaka Swaraj Fund at a Born in 1902 at Aska, freedom fighter of Ganjam meeting at Gobara. During the Sitadevi Khadanga was district. She was the wife of a Salt Satyagraha, she was in another female freedom fighter notable freedom fighter Sri charge of Udyoga Mandir at of the district. She was the Niranajan Patnaik of Aska. Brahmapur, who motivated the daughter of Harihar Panda of Influenced by her husband's women activists of the district Aska. Sri Panda was a time- nationalist activities she plunged by travelling from village to honoured Lawyer of the district into the freedom movement. village. She also dynamically and the famous leader of Oriya Gandhiji paid second visit to took part in the Quit India movement. She had not Brahmapur on 24th December Movement of 1942 and received any formal ecucation 1927 and addressed meetings participated in Seva Dal from any institution. She was at Chatrapur, Badakhemundi, Training centre. For her inspired by her husband Sri Samantarapur, Patpur, nationalistic activities she was Banchanidhi Khadanga. She Russelkonda, Gobara, Boirani, arrested and put behind the was a multifaceted personality. Purusotampur, Polasra, Kodla, bars several times. She was a poet, essayist, story and Khallikote. He emphasized Smt. Surjyamma writer, novelist, biographer, the use of Khadi , Charakha translator and dramatist. She and advised the people to give Smt Surjyamma was had penned a number of novels up foreign goods. The call of wife of prominent freedom in Oriya such as Posyaputra Gandhiji and the inspiration of fighter master Soneya of (adopted Son), Pratyabartan her husband provided a new Brahmapur. She has an (come back), Agraj (Elder turn to her life. She was very honourable place in the names Brother), She had also written much influenced by Gandhi and of the Orissan Freedom a number of dramas like joined in the Salt Satyagraha on fighters. She associated herself th in different activities of freedom Sahodar (Brother), Mandir 7 May 1930. She was active movement like the Civil Prabesh (Temple Entry), Naree in motivating hundreds of village Disobedience Movement, (Woman), Naistik (Orthodox), women of the district to take Harijan Movement, and Quit Nispati (Decision), Prachina, part in the Salt Satyagraha at India Movement. She took Pantha (Old Method), Huma. Along with hundreds of active part in picketing before Basudhara Pida (Agony of the women she collected the Salt the liquor shops and motivated Motherland), and Matruhina at Huma and violated the Salt people to boycott the foreign (Motherless). She was an Law. She was always in the goods. For her anti British active member of Ganjam vanguard of women freedom activities, she was arrested Disrtict Board and Congress fighters. She was the forefront twice and sent to jail for years Party. Her joining in the of women satyagrahis together. It is believed that she freedom movement gave a picketed before the liquor

22 August - 2010 Orissa Review shops and boycotted the in vain. Then the British sent Devi joined in that movement. foreign goods. Buckster to capture Hiramani. She was a famous woman The first attempt of Major freedom fighter. Smt. Hiramani Bisoyi Buckster was futile. Hiramani’s Role of women freedom Hiramani Bisoyi was bold fight against the British fighters of Ganjam in Social the wife of Krushna Chandra concerned them furiously. After Reconstruction Bisoyi who was the protector an elongated fight with the of Gumma fort of Parlakhmundi British, finally she was shot During Gandhi’s estate. In 1766 when the dead by Russell. Hearted by programme in 1934, Ganjam district was given to the her death Mr Russell intoned “I women were called upon to British East India Company, have never seen such type of fight the evils of liquor, boycott the British sent Mr Kits Ford revolutionary woman. For her foreign clothes and discard to take the administration of bravery, sincerity, soberness untouchability. Gandhi’s Ganjam. But the King of she was positioned in my heart constructive programme had in Parlakhemundi, Sri Narayan as an extraordinary woman. its objectives, the training and Gajapati and the Bisoyis started She was illustrious for her education of women in the military operation against the activities as a freedom fighter fundamentals of organized British. Narayan Gajapati was in Ganjam.” activity and propaganda. Moreover, the participation defeated by the British Colonel Smt. Krushna Priya Devi Pitch but the Bisoyis of enabled men to organize social Parlakhemundi did not pay Mahuri Queen Smt. reform on a local plane. The allegiance to the British. In Krushna Priya Devi was programme included several 1978 onwards Krushna another notable freedom fighter social reform activities. of the district. She participated Chandra Bisoyi and his wife Inspired by Gandhi’s in the pre-protest movement of Hiaramani Bisoyi, in different teachings, some women 1872. She was wife of forests strategies, attacked the freedom fighters participated in deceased king Harihar Dev. British. The couple attacked the development of khadi and and imprisoned the British Her brother’s son Sri Gopi Martha and Sura Singh Martha village industries. They incessantly for a period of organized boycotting of foreign twenty years. Unfortunately, were fought against the British in support of her sister. Not clothes and picketing before spouse Krushna Chandra met only in Brahmpur town, but liquor shops. Some women a sudden death. Despite the sad also in whole district of Ganjam made an extensive tour by foot demise of her husband, there was a staunch fight against all over the district to inspire the Hiramani shouldered the the British by her leadership. women community, awaken responsibility of Guma Fort. their consciousness against She ceaselessly attacked the Smt. Apurba Devi bondage, and finally draw into British soldiers; and caused Smt. Apurba Devi was the fray of the freedom struggle. terror in them. As a result the the wife of Sri Ballav Nayak, Conclusion British Magistrate became of village Padmapur Nuagaon worried and sent George near Kodala. There was a non- The nature and Russell to incarcerate her. But paying tax movement by the background of women’s the costly effort of Russell went Khalikote Raja and Apurba participation in the Nationalist

August - 2010 23 Orissa Review

Movement in Orissa during 20th man-power could actually do constructive work during the century largely tallied with the both. Thus this contributed to non-cooperation campaign and women’s movement at the the fact that women’s these were widespread during nationalist level. Four participation was restricted to subsequent campaign. characteristics reflecting the the middle and upper classes. Gandhi’s ideology and circumstances of origin can be From the beginning, techniques inspired women to identified: (i) male directions, women’s participation was participate in public activities (ii) a concept of comple- oriented towards elite and broke down opposition to mentary sex roles, (iii) absence representation and not towards their entry into social service of a radical onslaught on mass mobilization. Gandhi’s and nationalists’ movement. participation bases of Indian ideology was very respectful to Indeed, his campaigns served culture; and (iv) orientation women and supportive to their as a training ground for many towards elite representation uplift, but this was strictly in prominent women leaders. and not mass mobilization. terms of complementary sex References: Women’s participation roles. Gandhi argued that was initiated by men and women should confine their 1. F. G. Bailey, Politics and Social operated under the leadership economic role to home Change, Orissa in 1959, Beckerly, 1961, p, 176. of man. Though there were industries. Gandhi’s activities disputes over this issue, it was did provide the impetus for the 2. Kishori Mohan Patra, Orissa generally the supportive participation of Oriya women Legislature and Freedom Struggle 1912-47, New Delhi, attitudes of men of the elite that in the nationalist movement, but ICHR, 1979, p, 132. helped women to form the legacy of male direction associations. remained, with Gandhi’s 3. Asha, Oriya Weekly, 7 April, 1930. attempt mass mobilization, no There was trend of doubt it increased the number 4. Utkal Dipika, Dated, 26 April complementary sex role in of women available for 1930. regard to women’s participation in the movement. 5. Orissa Review, Vol.XLIII, No.6, participation in the Nationalist The potential contribution of January 1987. Struggle in Orissa and the women in mobilizing support 6. Mardaraj, A Souvenir to Mark national level as well. The ideas was also important. They could the Celebration of 109th Birth of women competing with men convince their family members Anniversary of Rajbahadur in the economic sphere or of Ramchandra Mardraj Deo & and others to support Gandhian men co-operating with women Mardraj Mahotsav-2009, Campaign and communicate in the domestic sphere was Khallikote, Ganjam. the religious values essential for absent in addition, the obligation 7. Orissa Review, October 1997. Satyagraha. Thus thousands of on women’s movement women left the seclusion of their 8. Aska, Souvenir, 2008 participants to serve first their home and joined the nationalist 9. Centenary Souvenir 1984-1986, family and then the community movement. A few women Upendra Bhanja High School, meant that only middle class formed associations for Bhanjanagar, p, 7. women with sufficient time and

Dr. Dasarathi Bhuyan is the Head, Department of Political Science, Bellaguntha Science College, Bellaguntha, Ganjam-761119, E-mail: [email protected].

24 August - 2010 Orissa Review

Kuntala Kumari Sabat : A True Patriotic Litterateur and Reflection of Her Literary Works on Gandhian Movement

Dr. Janmejay Choudhury

Kuntala Kumari Sabat was colonial treatment of the Bengali and and born on 8th February, 1909, at anatomy of an enslaved nation contributed to a number of non- Jagadalpur in Bastar region. better than her own degree. Oriya journals and edited a Her parents were Daniel and Kailash Rao was her number of Hindi journals at Monica. Shortly after her birth, literary teacher who guided her Delhi. During her stay at Delhi, her parents went to Burma with literary activities. Kuntala she presided over the 'All India family. So Kuntala Kumari Kumari enrolled herself as a Arya Mahila Sammilani' at passed her early childhood at member of 'Nava Vidhan', the Bareli. During this time also she Burma with her parents and 'Brahmo Society'. She got was invited by the Allahabad imbibed the spirit of wide applause when poems, University and Benaras Hindu University to deliver lectures. fearlessness. Then she returned 'Anjali' came out. She won She was the president of the to Khurda with her mother approbation from almost all the students federation at Aligarh. Monica after her father got literary figures of Orissa. A She was made the chair-person remarried at Burma. So leading cultural association of of a reputed social organisation Kuntala Kumari stayed at women conferred on her the founded by Harbilash Sarada Khurda with her mother for a title 'Utkal Bharati'. Gopal for the introduction of widow short period. She completed Chandra Praharaj and Pallikabi marriage and abolition of child her early school education at Nanda Kishore Bal loved her marriage. While at Delhi she Ravenshaw Girl's School and and adopted her as their took steps to encourage, higher study at Medical School, daughter. Kuntala Kumari publish and project Oriya Cuttack. Kuntala Kumari joined a maternity welfare literature. At Delhi, Kuntala composed beautiful poems centre, which was newly Kumari was also associated during her school days. She opened at Cuttack in 1925. with eminent writers like came out successfully from the Later she left for Delhi on 1st Maitheli Saran Gupta, medical school and became July 1928. The same year she Yeasshpal Jee Jain, S.H. popular as a lady doctor with got married to Krishna Prasad. Batsayan and a host of Hindi 1 her sincerity and simplicity. New phase of life began, yet writers. 'Hindi Pracharini Although a lady physician by she did not leave her writings. Sabha' conferred on her the title profession, she knew the She had written in English, of 'Bharat Kavinetri.'

August - 2010 25 Orissa Review

She upheld the essence darkened British rule. She was She composed the inaugural of struggle brighter and sharper imbibed with the true spirit of a song of 'Utkal Sammilani', than any volue in public life. colonial poet's vision to awaken chaired by Acharya P.C. Roy Every page of her life was a public consciousness like in 1924. the poems in the profound ambiguity of social Bankim's immortal Bengali anthology 'Archana' echoes the standing. Her love for Orissa song. The Oriya youths voice of poor and lowly, the and her glorious past finds plunged headlong into the non- depressed and the mentioned in her poems. A cooperation movement being marginalized. Her poetic disciple of Gandhi she claimed addicted to her war songs. It longing for brave new world is independence as the birth right ignited the sparks in them expressed in most of her of Indian people. She took up spontaneously, so to say poems. Some of her poems the task of awakening the rapidly. Although Kuntala published in 'Sphulinga', women. She encouraged them Kumari had a brief span of life inspired the youth of Orissa and to join the National Movement time of thirty eight years, her infused dynamism in them. The under Gandhian leadership. creations outlived her to volume 'Ahwan' captures the She writes - pioneer the cause of rooting out spirit of Gandhi's clarion call to 'Senapati Aaji Deichhanti Daka British misrule in India. She people to join the struggle for Utha bharatara Biraputrajaka, composed beautiful numerous freedom. In her poems Apurba Asahayoga Ranagune patriotic poems and songs. Her 'Sphulinga' she wants to inspire Arte Antakasi para Janejane, first collection of poems came his fellowmen to get lessons Bharatara Jete Viragunamani out in 1922. Then it was from the past history and to get Chaliasu Senapati Dakasuni.'3 followed by 'Uchhwas' - 1924, out of the present set up and During the non- 'Archana' - 1927, 'Sphulinga' - dullness. Her poems in Ahwan cooperation movement she 1929, 'Ahwan' - 1930, 'Prem created tremendous sensation. gave a clarion call to the people Chintamani' - 1930, 'Oriyanka Her fame as a patriot and poet of Orissa to fight for freedom. Kandana' - 1937, 'Garjat spread over the country. She She was the voice of modern Krishaka' - 1939.4 Her live for had a transterrestrial longing for Orissa. In a real sense she was man, nature and nation is an ideal world, a golden era a visionary and a rebel. She reflected in her poems. She had ruled by love, justice and expressed her concern for the a deep hatred for superstitions beauty. The yearning for liberty suffering mankind and wanted to and conventions, raised her is always marked in her poems free mankind from exploitation. voice against high and mighty. like 'Garjat Krishaka'. She No doubt, Kuntala She always tried to protest expressed the poetic anguish Kumari had a lot of patriotic against injustice and over a cause of the elitish fervour in her. She had derived inequalities. She renounced the exploitation on the toiling mass. a special pride in herself by heartless religious dogmas and The entire gamut of Kuntala portraying Gandhi, Nehru and practices. She comprehends Kumari's poetic works oscillate the spinning wheel in her lucid the image of glorious past of between her love for her land poems. This instilled a lot of Orissa. At times it carries the and people and the love for confidence to visualise a free romantic strain of love for God. The poetic identification India through the veil of the liberty, equality and fraternity. with the sufferings of common

26 August - 2010 Orissa Review men presents two fold note at Krishaka (Feudatory Farmer). all over Orissa attended. This one moment she protests and The following stanza provides meeting was also attended by revolts and at the next, she enough stimulus to adorn the more than a thousand women. discovers the mystical design in spirit of mankind. In her speech as the chairman everything and everywhere. In Oh ! my compatriot !! of the Reception Committee nature, and all its creation see The man is not born Jahnabi Devi refuted the could she the face of God. Her to die of reminiscence universally accepted view of poetry, in some degree, reveals or to sink in somewhere women's inability to stand on It is never a human fate their own.8 In this session a all the romantic traits : "Love of That gets terminated through a nature, love of beauty, happiness living central executive committee, imagination, love of past and a After being condemned to named "All Orissa Women's wearied sadness." No doubt the fretful glooms of failure Association" was set up. Here she has enriched the Oriya in a deprived morbid prison of sincere efforts were made to ever - disciplined humiliating; work out a programme for the literature by her pen. Her Thus great Earth is commitment to explore the never a decaying caravan improvement of condition of possibilities of a free world with or a lady nurturing death. women of Orissa. faith in love, beauty, truth, Her poetry was a great In an essay entitled goodness and wisdom. Her leap towards strengthening the "Kabi O Lekhakara Udeshya", noble sentiments and her debilitation of Oriya race she raised the status of a poet feelings for the sublime have against the mighty Britishers. It by declaring that she is not given her poems a universal is definitely a great voice to heal limited to any time and clime. A appeal. Her writings were true creative artist moves high regularly published in the up the wounded psyche of several Oriyas condemned to above such human limitations : 'Samaj' and 'Sahakar' under "The poet or the writer is the title 'Delhi letters'. She a bonded earth under 'British 6 nature's representative. He is expresses the socio-political life Raj'. She was a rebel no doubt and simultaneously a visionary. not confined to any particular of pre-independent India and nation or time. He belongs to makes a zealous attempts to She stirred the conscience of the people through her writings. all the nations, to all time and reform the tradition ridden all humanity.9 Her death on 23rd society. In the novel, 'Na-tundi', Her poems kindled a new spirit August 1938 was a great loss She expresses real thing of the in the hearts of the people and for the people of Orissa. Her land. 'Raghu Arakhit' is one of inspired them to fight brief life was a saga of relentless her most outstanding works. It relentlessly against the struggle against evil and narrates the social character Britishers. darkness. She was a talented regarding marriage, where a One of the session of woman poet from Orissa, compensation was given to the Utkal Sammilani was held at second to none in her bold bride's family.5 Balasore on 2nd August 1931 utterances for the cause of Kuntala Kuamri's with Kuntala Kumari in chair. Indian freedom. Although she voice was more reflected in her Jahnabi Devi was the 7 spent major part of her short poetry anthologies AHWAN chairperson of the reception. life outside the state, she had (the call) and Gadajata Nearly twelve hundred people enough inclination to intercede

August - 2010 27 Orissa Review the causes of its Gods and References : 6. OAS, Role of women of Orissa Goddesses, aquatic land- in the Freedom Struggle, 1998, 1. Contribution of Khurdha to Bhubaneswar, pp.3,4. scapes, rural surroundings, and the Freedom Struggle, the people irrespective of rich published by Dept of History, 7. Sasmita Tripathy -Role of P.N. (Auto) College, Khurda women in History of Modern and poor alike. Therefore, time Orissa, 1900-1947, Cuttack, and tide has not thrown her into under the Assistance of UGC, 2007, p.64. 1998, p.75. the limbo of oblivion. Her ideas 8. Orissa State Archives, Our and concern for common man 2. Mahapatra Chakradhar - Kuntala Kumari Jivan Charita documentary Heritage Vol.II, got reflected in her works. Her (O). 1991, Bhubaneswar, p.36. life and creatives made her a 3. Ahwana. 9. Mansingh, Mayadhara - Kabi legendary personality in her life O Lekhakara Udeshya. Kabi O time itself. She championed the 4. Mishra, Narendra Nath - Kabita (O), Cuttack, 1973. cause of a world-free from evil Adhunika Oriya Kabyadhara (Navajagarana Yuga), Viswa and injustice. Her passion for Bharati Gabeshana Prakashana justice, equality, liberty and Samiti, Santiniketan, West fraternity was astounding. Bengal, 1978, p.277. Throughout her life she fought 5. Das, Kunja Bihari - Kuntala Dr. Janmejay Choudhury is a against injustice and Kumari Granthavali (ed-first), Lecturer in History in Sri Jagannath exploitation. Cuttack, 1968. p.3. College, Kaipadar, Khurda. On The Path of Swaraj Pandit Gopabandhu Das Translation - Dr. Ramakant Rout Countrymen, Companion, Kins and by non violence is urge and others are Are you frightened at my getting shall reserve a place in the stage. behind the bar ? Jail is its initial effect It was apprehended before hand Death may come as ultimate. then, why do you feel so sad ? Knowing well I have entered to the war Timidity is the coward’s character I never mind for honour or dishonour. A hero kills or dies himself either. Let my body mingle to country’s soil In hero’s horoscope no retreat is there Let march along it one and all. For sake of life he dies never. Let my flesh and bones pile I know this war of peace is on all holes and ditches of Swaraj fill. There’s no need of bomb, bullet or gun. At all on emolation of my life Neither muscle nor money is needed to the Freedom path any man persuaded if, No carriage, horse or elephant required. His Providence’s blissful desire This spiritual battle is there Let be fulfilled – it is my ultimate desire. to curb the beastly power. He who, leaving aside wealth, home or relation Dr. Ramakant Rout lives at Plot No. 1175/3203, Has adressed himself with arm of non cooperation Laxmisagar Uparasahi, Bhubaneswar - 751006

28 August - 2010 Orissa Review

honoured. Countless ordinary Indians have made sacrifices Laxmi Panda : for our freedom. Our Independence was won due to The Forgotten the efforts of this silent army that trudged difficult paths and Soldier of a endured hardships, without a thought for praise or reward. Lost Army As our glorious nation celebrates its 63rd Anil Dhir Independence Anniversary, them are found scattered all very few of these foot soldiers over the country. Laxmi When you go home, tell exist. Nearly all of that Panda’s parents too formed a them of us and say, generation have died out. The part of this workers army. for your tomorrow, we gave living are old, ailing, distressed, our today¶. lonely, and very, very Laxmi Rath was born disillusioned. sometime in 1930. She was This is the thoughtful born in a camp near Rangoon epitaph that is inscribed on the Such is the story of where her parents were plaque at the Indian National Laxmi Indira Panda. She was engaged in the Railways being Army’ Memorial at Moirang among the countless Indians laid in Burma. She had early near Manipur’s capital Imphal. who fought for the country’s memories of the exploitation of It was in Moirang that the flag freedom. Laxmi Panda was one the workers by the Gora of the of the youngest members of Sahibs, and clearly recalled that was first hoisted on Indian soil Netaji Subash Chandra Bose’s she too was engaged in the job on April 14, 1944. Indian National Army and the of cutting grass of the horses of only Oriya woman to have As Indians, many of us the white supervisors. enlisted. fail to realise the impact of what When the Japanese these freedom fighters did for Post the Great Famine overran parts of Burma in us nearly 65 years ago. The of Orissa, the British were 1942, British air bombard- freedom that we take for taking a lot of indentured ments became a daily routine. granted today has been given labourers from Ganjam to the Her father was employed by the to us by people who are no rubber plantations and railways local unit of Subash Bose's longer alive to tell us how they being made in Burma. Huge Indian National Army, and both lived each day during those contingents of labourers would her parents were killed in a tough and trying times. We he shipped out from the British air raid. The young should remember not only Gopalpur port and taken to Laxmi Rath and her even those freedom fighters who are Rangoon. From the period of younger brother were well known, but also those who 1880 to 1925, nearly 60,000 orphaned. The siblings were died in the freedom struggle such workers were sent to mute witnesses of the death of without having their names Burma. Even today remnants of their parents.

August - 2010 29 Orissa Review

The determination to avenge the death of her parents made her go to the nearby I.N.A.Camp where she begged for enrollment in the rank and file. The frail Laxmi was hardly fourteen years of age, and was refused by the Camp commanders. However she stayed put outside the Camp gates, and when Subash Bose came for inspection she blocked his way. She was personally taken aside to him, and her determination melted the hearts of the I.N.A. leaders. personally gave her a new name railways flatcars, the trenches “Indira”, to avoid confusing her and dugouts, the bombing She was taken in the with the far more famous sorties and the Japanese Rani Jhansi Regiment under (Captain Lakshmi compatriots who fought Captain Lakshmi Sehgal. Sehgal). Netaji told her that in alongside her. She was injured Initially she was given soft jobs the I.N.A she would be by shrapnel, the scars of which of housekeeping and cooking, henceforth known as Indira, she still carried till her death. but the young Laxmi soon and this name struck. proved her mettle and won the Laxmi Panda recalled hearts of her superiors. She I met Captain Lakshmi how Netaji had instructed her trained in swordsmanship, Sehgal at Kanpur in June 2008. regiment to break into groups shooting and espionage. As she At the age of ninety three, she of 150 to move out of Rangoon was well versant with the recollected this incident. when the INA was retreating. Burmese Language, she was I showed her Laxmi Panda’s Laxmi was in the second group often sent across enemy lines photographs, nostalgia brought that was led by Janaki Thevar for recce and collection of tears in her eyes. She vividly and had a rough retreat, their intelligence. When I met her in recollected Indira being the train was bombed and the 2007, she recollected working youngest soldier in her women had to walk to with the famous Janaki Thevar, regiment.) Bangkok-it took 26 days of Gown, Shah Nawaz Khan, night marches braving bombs Sehgal and Dhillon. Six months of intensive and machine guns firing at them. Unfortunately, her brother soon arms training in Burma shaped Food was scarce, they ate went missing and was never Laxmi into battle readiness for roots and boiled leaves. Many found. the onward march to the battlefront on the India-Burma a time they went hungry for Laxmi Panda border. She recollects the war days, even eating the flesh of recollected that Netaji time incidents of travelling by the pack horses that had died.

30 August - 2010 Orissa Review

Laxmi was right by the Laxmi went back to who let the frail young girl go side of Netaji up till the time he Burma, but she found that she free from Chittagong harbour, gave the call for disbandment was an alien there. Finding no did her a grave injustice. Had of the I.N.A. She recollects one of her kin there, the young she been arrested, she would seeing Netaji at Singapore on girl made her way hack to have been given a pension of the 12th August 1945 : “I never Orissa, the home of her at least Rs.15000/- per month, saw him again. A week later, I parents, a place that she had enough to meet her medical heard that he had died in a never seen, but only heard of. needs and keeping her no good plane crash,” she said in an Most of the journey from son’s extended family emotion ridden voice, and yes, Burma was on foot, however maintained. she never believed that Netaji she remembers coming to died as reported. Berhampur and with the help of I got references about a few I.N.A veterans got her from the Netaji Research After the surrender of accommodation and work. She Bureau at Calcutta while I was Singapore, the arrested married another I.N.A veteran doing a research on the I.NA. members of the Indian National Khageswar Panda in 1951. Her during June 2007. The name of Army were classed as white’, husband got a job as a driver Laxmi Indira Panda had ‘black’, or ‘grey’ according to in Hirakud, where the big dam cropped up in many places, and the perceived innocence or was being built, and the next a few local I.N.A veterans from culpability of their motives. few ears were spent happily. Calcutta too had told me about Laxmi Panda had been Her troubles began after her her exploits in Burma. All I classified as white, meaning that husband died in 1976. Left all could gather was that she was she was a hardcore war alone with an alcoholic son, she a brave Oriya lady, who had criminal. Even the British Secret had to work as a domestic fought alongside Netaji and Service agents were baffled by servant, a day labourer and a Lakshmi Sehgal in Burma and this petite teenaged girl who had store attendant, working for a had survived to come back. I wielded .303 Lee Enfield rifles. pittance to eke out a living. was curious and eager to meet They let her go free; even the her, as she was the only Oriya British would not arrest The Government of lady to serve in the I.N.A. persons who were less than 16 Orissa recognized Laxmi years of age. Laxmi then sailed Panda as a freedom fighter. This It took me a full six back to India in a tramp recognition entitled her to a months to locate her. I went to steamer. At Chittagong harbour meagre pension of Rs.1000/- places afar as Berhampur, the British secret police once every month. However Hinjilicut, Phulbani, Angul and again arrested all the I.N.A freedom fighter status had been Paralakhemundi before I found soldiers, and Laxmi had vivid denied to her at the Centre her at Jeypore in Koraput. She memories of throwing all her despite several INA veterans, was living in a small hut in a slum papers, medals and her I.N.A including Captain Lakshmi along with her son and his uniform overboard. She too Sehgal corroborating her role. family. The one room broken was arrested again, but seeing The fact that she had never down shanty in Nakarchi Street her frail health and young age been to jail was a lacunae. The was home for a family of ten. they let her go. British Secret Service agents, She had languished in this slum

August - 2010 31 Orissa Review for years, stricken with poverty Mansingh, the Army Chief, I had got information and ill health, but even this little many Ministers, but nothing that a huge stock of documents comfort has been snatched had been done. were with a person who shall away from her. Her alcoholic remain unnamed at Port Blair son had thrown her out, and this I got word of this and in the Andaman. I went there proud icon was spending her rushed to Jeypore and with and got hold of details, even her days (and nights) at different great difficulty convinced that I gun number. The name of her places, thanks to a few kind would take her battle to the compatriots, her pay details hearted benevolent persons. powers that be at Delhi. I were all there. I made copies brought her back with me to of the same. The Collector of Bhubaneswar and kept her with Koraput had allotted her a me. Her health improved and I even got letters and small piece of land to build her she was happy to meet all the affidavits from other INA home, but this is little solace. At people to flock to see her. veterans, including one from the age of eighty years, Laxmi I knew that it would be very Lakshmi Sehgal at Kanpur. I Panda certainly could not build difficult to present her case as travelled to Imphal, Kanpur, her home. She had to undergo she did not have any documents Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, an eye operation and kept very to prove her involvement in the Chennai and Port Blair for poor health. INA. All she had was sheaves gathering all the information. I of petitions, letters and used to bring back the details For forty years this and when I showed them to newspapers cuttings which had proud lady had been writing Lakshmi Panda, she would be highlighted her plight. and petitioning to the union so excited, at times weeping of government to accord her I took it upon myself to the old days. When I told her rightful pension and give her the see that she got her due. I began the names of her fellow fighters, recognition that was due to her. my task from tile Netaji she recollected so much more. Research Bureau at Kolkata; When I first met her in Within six months I had the people there were not very June 2007, she was a cynical a six inch thick dossier, cooperative. In the next six and frustrated person, who had photographs, testimonials, given up all hope. It took me a months I travelled all over the copies of written and printed dozen visits to Jeypore before country gathering every bit of documents. All along, Lakshmi I could convince her that her evidence that I could on the Panda was staying with me, fight could and would be INA and the role of Lakshmi and for the first time she got a continued. She told me that Panda in the Rani Jhansi ray of hope that she would get Giridhar Gamango, when he Regiment. Surprisingly I hit pay her due from the nation. was the Chief Minister, sent her dirt at the National Archives at to Delhi for two weeks, but New Delhi and at the INA I wrote to the even his approach had been in Museum at Salimgarh Fort in President of India, telling her of vain. She showed me letters Delhi. I could even get the plight of this poor lady. I that were written by eminent photographs of Lakshmi Panda wrote of Netaji and the clarion persons including Lalit in her uniform. call of “Delhi Chalo” that he had

32 August - 2010 Orissa Review given to his fighters. The dream would have five minutes with contribution, albeit very late. of unfurling the tricolour at the her Excellency. We were She may have died unsung, but ramparts of the Red Fort was ushered into the room where her determination and fight, what had driven his army to Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil which lasted a good seventy fight in the inhospitable jungle received her. The five minutes years should be remembered conditions of Burma. Laxmi passed into an hour, the by each and every son of the Panda too wanted to go to President of India listened to soil. Delhi to honour the allegiance her tale and was moved to and promise that she had made tears. The empathy was visible. More than 600 soldiers to Netaji. Her “Chalo Delhi” She repeatedly asked Laxmi in the ranks and file of the INA would have been a good 63 Panda what her desire was, if were Oriyas. Many of them years late, but she hoped to she had any wants or if there gave up their lives in the Burma make this her last stand. I sent was anything that the front. Most of them were from the complete dossier to the Government could do for her. South Orissa, having gone as President’s Office. It took only “Just give me my due” was all indentured labourers in the a week for the President’s Laxmi Panda said. The plantations and railways in Office to acknowledge and she President of India offered her Malaysia, Burma and called me and Lakshmi Panda a purse of Rs.1/- lakh, which Singapore. There should be a to Delhi. Laxmi Panda refused to fitting memorial to these brave Oriyas. Their stories should be Laxmi Panda met the accept. On my insistence she told. President of India at the took a token amount of Rasthrapati Bhavan on 12th Rs.10,000/-. It is time, that a fitting August 2008. I had the commemorative memorial is set privilege of accompanying her. The President kept her promise. Laxmi Panda was up in the State. Inscribed on the The frail fighter refused the offer pillar should be the names of all of a wheel chair even though the conferred the Rashtriya Swatantra Sainik Samman on the so far identified patriots who carpeted corridors seemed like lost their lives and liberties miles. The passage was lined the 25th of October 2008. fighting for the motherland. This with many framed paintings and However she did not live long is the least that the present photos of our national heroes, enough after that. Just two generation could do in memory and Laxmi Panda stopped in weeks later she breathed her of those brave men and front of all the heroes whom she last and her only glory was that women. recognised and gave a crisp she died as a martyr. INA salute. Laxmi Panda was Anil Dhir lives at 112, Vaishno Villa, The ADC to the given a State funeral. The Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar-751007. President had told us that we Nation recognised her E-mail : [email protected]

August - 2010 33 Orissa Review

cooperation movement, supporting the active male members.2

Women’s Role in the Freedom Meantime, the birth and growth of a number of Movement in South Orissa women’s associations and organization in Orissa created Dr. (Mrs.) Bina Kumari Sarma a favourable atmosphere for women’s general awakening It is a well known fact that from lower strata, caste and and emancipation.3 In 1924, South Orissa played a creed also participated in large the first session of Utkal significant role in the freedom numbers. Women’s Conference was movement of India. People organized at Berhampur which belonging to the cross section Since Gandhi’s first was the first of its kind in the of the society participated in the visit to Orissa in March, 1921 initiative of the women of South movement extending their on the event of the non- Orissa. The conference was whole-hearted support to the cooperation movement there attended by women belonging national issue. In this movement was great resurgence among to different class, caste and the services, sufferings and the local women. The sect. The occasion created sacrifices rendered by women programme of non- great excitement among the in particular forms an interesting cooperation of Gandhi had women.4 Thereafter the Oriya and important study of history. negative and positive aspects. women continued to organize The negative aspect of the many public gatherings and During the first quarter programme consisted of conferences. of the 20th century after the visit boycott of British goods, of Mahatma Gandhi to Orissa legislative councils, offices, The visit of Utkal in 1921 a great awakening educational institutions.1 The Bharati Kuntala Kumari Sabat, took place among the women positive aspect included the the celebrated Oriya poetess, in Orissa. Their entry into promotion of Swadeshi, in 1926 to Berhampur and politics after 1921 is one of the removal of untouchability, different other adjoining areas most amazing events of the prohibition, national education provided further impetus to the contemporary Orissa history. In etc. When the movement was women on South Orissa. She this struggle for freedom launched in Orissa, a very few addressed separately women’s unmindful of all hardships they women participated mainly in gatherings at Surala and faced the police atrocities and the programme of Charkha and Berhampur narrating them the went to jails willingly. In their Khadi. On that occasion in greatness of their ancient culture participation they showed not Berhampur several brave and tradition including the story only unusual courage but also women of Giri family including of Karubaki.5 Thus her visit wonderful organizing capacity. the mother of V.V. Giri, was a great event as it had a Moreover in this struggle not Subhadrama played their great impact on the women of only elite women but women selfless role in the non- South Orissa. It gave a new fillip

34 August - 2010 Orissa Review and inspiration to women’s women leaders in that team.6 Devi helped Sarala Devi by liberation movement. The other prominent women donating all her golden Satyagrahis were A. Laxmi Bai, ornaments at Gobra meeting for In 1927 during the T. Arahalu. Baralaxmi and her the national cause. She moved second visit to Orissa, Gandhiji two daughters. During the time to different places of Ganjam addressed a mammoth of Salt Satyagraha Smt. J.V. with Sobhabati Panda and gathering at the Barracks Narayanna led massive Purnabasi Devi to popularize ground, Berhampur, inspiring women’s processions singing the Congress ideals.11 Similarly the people to reinvigorate their patriotic songs and addressed Kishorimoni Devi set up Pragati efforts for the freedom of the public meetings against the Ashram’ at Berhampur for the country by joining the Civil Government. As a result she purpose of providing training Disobedience Movement. This was arrested along with the and orientation to the young address in fact created a great above mentioned ladies. Satyagrahis. She led stir among the women to go Satyagraha processions and ahead on the path of freedom During the time of the addressed public meetings and struggle braving all the obstacles Civil Disobedience Movement rallies in support of the universal and hurdles that they may the Salt Satyagraha in Ganjam demand for national confront. took the shape of a mass independence. She played a upsurge due to the effective There is no denying that leadership of Niranjan Pattnaik significant role in spreading the the freedom movement became and Smt. Malati Devi, Sarala message of the freedom a mass movement due to the Devi and Kishorimoni Devi (the movement all over Orissa. active participation of women. wife of Niranjan Pattnaik) who In the middle of June The non-violent peaceful did extensive tours to the 1930 some women Satyagrahis Satyagraha movement of interiors of the district enrolling threatened to picket liquor Gandhi attracted women of volunteers and collecting shops in Berhampur town under South Orissa as elsewhere in 7 money for the Congress fund. the leadership of Smt. J.V. India from the beginning. They in fact drilled the ideals of Narayanna. But when she was Satyagraha into the minds of the In the district of arrested the proposed rural mass, particularly among Ganjam under the auspices of women’s picketing was the women folk of Ganjam.8 the UPCC a batch of fifteen stopped time being. But on Telugu Satyagrahis from In the mass Civil 20th June a procession Berhampur led by Ramalingam Disobedience Movement consisting of volunteers and Pantulu, Chairman, Berhampur organized at Ganjam in May women went round the town Municipality started on 20th 1930 at least one thousand singing patriotic songs and a April 1930 to manufacture salt women participated. Among meeting was held. Thereafter at Kotabambali. Some women them most prominent were another women’s procession volunteers from Parlakhemundi Kundalata Devi and was taken around the town with and Chicacole joined with them. Kishorimoni Devi who were Giri’s mother Subhadramma, Smt. P. Taramma and arrested and imprisoned for her daughter-in-law Saraswati, Suryamma were the main disobeying civil law, Kundalata and two daughters, Laxmi Bai

August - 2010 35 Orissa Review and Sarajoni at its forefront to opportunity to prove their good number of provocative prohibit the sale of toddy in the ability in organizing mass books which were meant to town. All of them were political movements. infuse nationalistic spirit among arrested for joining the Civil the masses. She mainly wrote In Ganjam, the Quit Disobedience Movement. This on the theme of liberation India Movement took the usual type of involvement and propagating the message of form of burning and destruction participation of women in the Gandhi. Her important of Government offices. Though freedom movement in South contributions in the field of Berhampur was the centre of Orissa was a unique Oriya literature are Nari, activity in the district, yet the phenomenon. Posyaputra, Naistik, Nispatti, movement spread to remote Prachinpanth’.15 When the call for corners. In the 1942 movement individual Satyagraha by P. Taramma took an active part In the Koraput district Gandhiji was given in 1940, in Paralakhemundi and was of South Orissa even the women gave a quick response. imprisoned for two years and innocent hill tribes who had no The Provincial Committee six months. Suryamma joined idea of politics also joined the nominated 48 persons for her hands with her husband Quit India Movement. Among offering Satyagraha in the first during the hartal at Berhampur the tribals Bauri Sahu and his batch. Very few women were and was imprisoned in the daughter Sani Sahu played an 14 allowed to participate in the Berhampur jail. Champa important role at Kajendni. Devi was sentenced to six individual Satyagraha because Santi moved from place to months rigorous imprisonment during this period the Pradesh place and gave important news in the Bhanjanagar Sub-jail for 16 Congress Committee opened to the revolutionaries secretly. picketing and organizing hartals four departments namely At that time in Koraput the in different places. Sobhabati Propaganda, Harijan, Minorities innocent tribal people were Panda (from Digapahandi) who and Charkha. When these oppressed, beaten mercilessly had received her training from departments started the Oriya and tortured in many ways by Alaka Ashram was also put women completely devoted the police and other civil behind the bar during the time themselves to this work. officials.17 Therefore, some of Quit India Movement in brave women along with some However, for individual South Orissa. Satyagraha among the four male leaders rose to the women, Laxmi Bai and During this time when occasion and took arms to fight Champa Devi from South the women activists were busy against the British, the name of Orissa were chosen by in launching the Quit India some brave women worth Gandhiji. P. Taramma also Movement and courting mentioning are Smt. Mesti joined the individual Satyagraha imprisonment, the emergence Kastani, Subarna, Satank, and courted arrest.12 of some women litterateurs was Aryati, Kumari Jhara, Smt. important. Among those ladies Jamuna. Smt. Jani, Kumari The Quit India the name of Sita Devi Tandra and Kuari Draupadi. Movement of 1942 provided Khadanga is worth mentioning. These ladies worked for the women with another At that time, she produced a freedom of the country and

36 August - 2010 Orissa Review dedicated their lives for the district carried on guerrilla Through Vedic way of offering Congress movement.18 warfare against the British. She Mantra and Homa they were kept the Government in made touchables. She stayed It is heartening to note constant trouble and tension for there with Harijans and took here in this context that in the sometime. But along with her care of them. She read tribal areas of Ganjam and son she was captured and killed Ramayana and Mahabharata Koraput women had first raised by the English troops in 1916.20 and did Samkirtan with them at their voice for freedom and had her residence.21 started a standard of rebellion At the direction of against the foreign Government Mahatma Gandhi the women of The peasant movement as early as the first part of the South Orissa not only also made rapid progress in 19th century i.e., much before participated in political activities Ganjam and the adjoining areas the Congress launched the and movements but also under the leadership of Laxmi freedom movement in India. remained deeply involved in the Bai (MLA) and Hemalata The chief of the Gumma constructive programme. Such Samanta and T. Arahulu. They division of the Parlakhemundi works included eradication of established contacts with the region (Ganjam district) untouchability, prohibition, Ganjam ryots and toured Krishna Chandra Bisoyee and social reforms, promotion of different areas, addressed big his wife Hiramani Bisoyee Khadi etc. The group of women gatherings of ryots and collected carried on war against the who dedicated themselves to lady members for the British for long 20 years. When the constructive work in South movement. Gradually a large Krishna Chandra died a Orissa were A. Laxmi Bai, number joined the movement martyr’s death fighting against Champa Devi, Kishorimani and offered their membership. the British, the war was Devi etc. These ladies received They included Uma Devi, continued by his brave and preliminary training and Ahalya Devi, Manakya Dei, intelligent wife Hiramani. She education for constructive Bishnu Priya Devi, Sumana led the guerrilla war of another works in the Alaka Ashram and Devi, T Annapurna, Tarini Dei. 10 years with greater in Hindustan Seva Ashram. Sulakhyana Devi, Padmavati determination. The Government Devi, Sita Devi and V. had to mobilize all their The Harijan movement Kumudini Devi.22 resources to capture her. of Gandhian constructive Though after a prolonged fight programme became very Women played an she lost her war, yet she won widespread and popular in important role not only in an honoured place in the annals South Orissa under the improving the condition of of freedom history.19 leadership of Champa Devi and Harijans or peasants, but also Jayamangala Rath. made their best efforts for the Similarly, Bangara Jayamangala Rath married a uplift of their own community. Devi, the Koya Princess of Harijan lady, who later on For the all round development Malkangiri, in the Koraput became active worker of of women they set up several district fought with the British Patitapaban Sangh. Champa socio-cultural and educational troops in 1860. Khar Parvati, Devi at her Ashram of Ichapur institutes and societies at a Bonda woman in the same kept a number of Harijan ladies. different places. One such

August - 2010 37 Orissa Review association was the Utkal nationalist movement including 16. Revealed from personal Women’s Conference organized the constructive programme. interview with Mr. Biswanath by the women of South Orissa. Pattnaik (freedom fighter of Koraput district). As has already been mentioned References : a couple of ladies including 17. Who’s who Freedom Workers 1. Puri, B.N., The Indian in Orissa, Vol.1, p.v. Rasamani Devi and Swarnalata Freedom Struggle: A survey, 18. Padhi, N.C., Mukti Devi met at Swaraj Ashram, pp. 84-85. Andolanaku Koraputara Berhampur and founded the 2. Personal Diary of G. Abadan (Oriya), p.10 Utkal Women’s Conference Sivakanthamma (freedom 19. Ayengar, N.S. subichar which held its first session on fighter from Giri family). 23 20. Misra Kasinath, Itihasare 30th June l924, presided over 3. Mohanty Nivedita, Oriya by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Adibasi Mahila (Oriya), Nationalism, pp. 81-83. pp.48-49. Ray of Bengal. The main aim 4. Utkal Dipika. 12 July 1924. th of the conference was to 21. Nabeen, 11 June, 1940. discuss and deal with various 5. Asha, 30 December 1926. 22. Pradhan, Nanda Kishore, problems related to women. 6. Das Maguni (ed) Ganjam 1937 Ra Badakhemundi Swadhinata Sangrami, Jiban Taluka Swadhinata Annapurna Devi Smaranika (Oriya) pp.40-45. Sangramara Itihas (Oriya), pp.60-62. moved from place to place and 7. Home, Pol. Progs. File No.5- organized meetings for 12, 1932. 23. Utkal Dipika, 10 May 1924. women’s liberation. She 8. Asha, 7 April, 1930. 24. Nayak, Khetrabasi, Narikabi organized a number of primary Annapurna (Oriya), p.46. 9. Samantra Trinath, Congress O schools in villages for the 25. Utkal Prasang, August 1971 Khallikote Mondal (1185- development of female 1985)(Oriya), pp.76-77. education.24 She established at 10. Pattnaik Banchanidhi, Mo Nari Sadan Berhampur with the Katha (Oriya), p.162. help of Parsuram Patro.25 11. Samaj, 25th November, 1990. On the whole, it is 12. Nabeen, 19th December, 1940. gratifying to note that women 13. Das Maguni (ed) op.cit. p.40. played a very significant role in 14. Ibid. the freedom movement of South Dr. (Mrs.) Bina Kumari Sarma, Orissa. They participated in all 15. Bhuyan, K.C. Oriya Lekhak Professor of History, Berhampur aspects and phases of the Parichay (Oriya), p.15. University, Bhanja Bihar – 760007.

38 August - 2010 Orissa Review

worked in the Non- the oppressive king, he was cooperation movement with the arrested and sent to jail at Political Congress members, continued Bolangir on 9th February 1920. for Peasant congregation during The Non-Cooperation Civil-Disobedience Movement Movements of and revolted actively in the Quit Movement and Bhagirathi Bhagirathi India Movement. Pattnaik EARLY LIFE: Gaya Congress: Pattnaik in the Bhagirathi Pattnaik Bhagirathi Pattnaik was born on 9th November, being influenced with the spirit context of 1884. His father was Jadunath of patriotism and nationalism Pattnaik who was an Amin voiced against the tyrannical Gandhian during the Sambalpur land and unjust rule of the king. Thus settlement and mother was he was sent to jail. After his Ideology Kurmari Bani. He spent his release from Bolangir jail on early childhood in the peaceful 07.12.1920, he brought a Mahendra Kumar Dash atmosphere of Barpali and took Charkha and started spinning admission at the Zilla School, Khadar. He trained his son Sambalpur for higher Prafulla and wife Jambubati in education. He left school when this regard. At that time The history of freedom he was in 9th class due to the Gandhiji had started his non- movement in Orissa is the accidental death of his father in cooperation movement from 1 expression of forces that 1903 at Attabira.1 August 1920 and Sambalpur took an active part in this constitutes an integral part of all Bhagirathi Pattnaik movement. The movement was India struggle. The soil of joined as an Oriya Teacher at spread out in Sambalpur district Sambalpur has produced so Simagaon Dhanwantiri near under the leadership of many heroes who scarificed Raipur in 1904. At that time Chandra Sekhar Behera. themselves in the service of the Sambalpur District was under Students left schools, colleges motherland against the Madhya Pradesh. But he to join the strike. It was on 20th tyrannical rule of the British suddenly resigned from the June 1921 a grand meeting was Government during the post. Next Bhagirathi Pattnaik held at Sunaripada of Barpali freedom movement in joined the Patna King Prithviraj where Bhagirathi played a great Sambalpur. Sambalpur forms Sing Deo as a Nazir and role in enrolling the names of the streams of militant promoted to the position of the people in the movement. nationalism in the Indian war of Munsi and lastly to the personal People were kin to register their Independence where the name secretary of the King. He spent names as the members of the of Bhagirathi Pattnaik is written nine years like a deaf, dumb and congress.2 in golden letters. blind man in the empire of Bhagirathi Pattnaik as tyranny and suppression. When But due to the Chauri the follower of Gandhi has he started raising voice against Chaura incident Gandhiji

August - 2010 39 Orissa Review stopped the movement and When Gandhiji was Committee. Gopabandhu took active interest on weaving arrested on 11.1.1923 after observing the situation rushed Khadi, removal of Gaya Congress, Bhagirathi to Bhagirathi and said : untouchability. Pattnaik along with his friends “Bhagirathi Babu. I was really observed ‘Hartal’ in Sambalpur in dark, hence I will lapses the Bhagirathi Pattnaik town on 18th January 1923. matter let our family dispute went village to village for confined to our home, what is Inspite of his poor economic preparing people for the Gaya the need of making a public family condition Bhagirathi Congress. The preparatory show of it ?” His affectionate Pattnaik wanted to participate meeting was held at word melted his heart. He in the Kakinada Congress held Balibandha, Sambalpur from withdrew the resolution copies on 28.12.1923. He joined 23rd October 1922 to 25th from Nehru and others. Kakinada Congress with the October 1922. Gandhiji visited Sambalpur on Congress representative ticket 23rd December 1928. He was Bhagirathi Pattnaik no.2447.4 Bhagirathi met accompanied by Kasturba was selected to the Orissa Muhammad Ali the president of Gandhi and Dev Das during his provincial congress from the Kakinada Congress visit. Bhagirathi organized a Sambalpur. Among others meeting and Motilal Nehru. meeting in the memory of Lala Nrusingha Guru, Kunjabehari While returning to Sambalpur Lajpat Rai who was beaten by Meher and Ladabhai Thoria, Bhagirathi came in close an English Officer and Mahavir Sing had joined the contact with the Berhampur ultimately died in November Gaya Congress.3 They started congress committee and 1928. Protesting against the their journey from Jharsuguda reached Puri to join a meeting Britishers Bhagirathi Pattnaik on 21st December 1922. The with Ramdas Babaji and on that day gave a Khaddar congress meeting was held from Nrusingha Pattnaik. The Dhoti and a coat to his son meeting was intended to free 26th December 1922 to 31st Prafulla. December 1922. After Gandhiji from Jail. He attending the conference they announced the message of Declaration of Purna returned to home with a new Kakinada Congress at Swaraj and Bhagirathi spirit of Gandhian ideology of Bhubaneswar, Khordha, Pattnaik (Salt Campaign) prevention of untouchability, Kantilo, Baud, Sonepur, In the Lahore Session spinning charakha and Kumbhari and Barpali. of 1929 “Purna Swaraj” was prevention of intoxication etc. The 39th Session of the passed and congress decided Accordingly, Khadi centers Indian National Congress was to observe the Purna Swaraj were opened in Bargarh, held at Belgaon in 1924. Day on 26th January 1930 Barpali and Attabira. Bhagirathi Jawaharlal Nehru issued special throughout India. Bhagirathi was accompanied in this regard delegates card for Bhagirathi made all arrangements to by Chintamani Pujari, Pattnaik. Bhagirathi Pattnaik celebrate Independence Day at Laxminarayan Mishra, distributed the cyclostyled Sambalpur. District Magistrate Achyutananda Purohit and copies regarding the negligence Bharat Chandra Nayak was others. of the Pradesh Congress present to observe the situation.

40 August - 2010 Orissa Review

Bhgirathi read out the resolution After release from jail active part in the election paper passed by the Congress. they began to serve the earth campaign. Sambalpur played an quake destitute. Prafulla Quit India Movement and worked in the relief camps of important role during the Salt Bhagirathi Pattnaik Satyagraha movement of 1930. Mungher, Saharse, Panchgahhia Bhagirathi organized a public and Bangoan. Bhagirathi Bhagirathi Pattnaik meeting at Bargarh with Pattnaik met Jawaharlal Nehru took active part in the Quit India Chaturbhuja and Premsankar who came to supervise the relief Movement. The historic “Quit to discuss the matter. On 19th work. On 3rd April 1934 they India” resolution was passed on March, Laxminarayan, spent a night with Mahatma 14th July 1942. It renewed the Bhagirathi, Dayananda Gandhi, Bhagbati Devi and demand that British Rule in Chintamani, Sudhansu Sekhar, Jamunalal Bajaj in one camp. India must end immediately. Nrusingha Guru and Durga Gandhi visited Orissa Bhagirathi organized the Guru were charge sheeted and in May 1934 for an intensive peoples at Sambalpur with his ordered to appear before the study of the problem of son Prafulla. Prafulla Pattnaik court. untouchables and the method also collected funds from Deoghur and Dhunka for the It was during the 2nd of solution. He reached Jharsuguda on 5th May 1934 August Revolution. On l7th phase of the Satyagraha on 8th April 1943 Jambubati Pattnaik July, 1932 when Bhagirathi at 5 a.m. along with died due to heart fail when Pattnaik along with his Laxminarayan Sahu, Raj Bhagirathi and Prafulla were in revolutionary workers was Kumar Bose, Thakkar Bana 6 jail. Ayodhya Prasad Mishra a arrested. Gandhiji started and some of his associates. famous congress leader lit up individual Satyagraha where he Gandhiji also visited the Harijan the pyre. pleaded “All those who are Bustee of Sambalpur on the able and are willing to offer same day. Bhagirathi discussed It was on 10th individual Satyagraha on their various problems with Gandhiji February 1943, Gandhiji own responsibility without and informed him about their undertook a long fast for 21 expectation of any help from the success in closing the wine days against the atrocities and Congress organizations are shops at different places. illegal collection of money by expected to do so”.5 Government of India the government. A feeling of high tension spread all over the Bhagirathi Pattnaik Act was passed in 1935. The district. Even illiterate labourers along with his wife Jambubati Congress decided to work in the interior villages knew the Pattnaik and son Prafulla within the framework of this deteriorating condition of Pattnaik started individual civil- new Act because it accorded Gandhiji’s health and disobedience movement. It new status to the provinces. The expressed keen anxiety was on 22nd September 1933, Act came into force in 1937 regarding the effect of his fast.7 Bhagirathi Pattnaik along with and the Congress decided to his family members were take part in the election for Bhagirathi Pattnaik arrested while picketing at legislative assemblies at eleven presided over a meeting at Bargarh. provinces. Bhagirathi took Dharmasala, Sambalpur. This

August - 2010 41 Orissa Review meeting was organized against worked from non-cooperation and corruption in 1976. This the anti-people policies of the movement to the Independence was the last political movement interim government. He of India. Bhagirathi’s for 92 years old Bhagirathi supported the student’s contribution in the peasant Pattnaik. It was on 9th July movement openly at Sambalpur congregations, individual 1980 his great soul vanished on 24th November 1945 as a Satyagraha, revolution against with the Supreme Soul leaving protest against the firing and the British Government and his his unforgettable deeds, for lathi charge on the students in stand against untouchability is whom the soil of Sambalpur has Calcutta and he organized the remarkable and historical. He been glorified. students at Bargarh and Barpali. also raised his voice for equal References: The Independence Day was opportunities to all irrespective observed on 26th Jan. 1946 at 1. Diary of Bhagirathi Pattnaik of caste, creed etc. He realised in Archieves of S.U. some centres of the district.9 that true democracy could not 2. “Seva” Dated 25.06.1921, But the Independence be achieved without education. Cuttack. Day was celebrated throughout He emphasized upon the village Panchayats to resolve the 3. H.K. Mahatab (ed.) “History India with great joy and of Freedom Movement in enthusiasm on 15th August disputes of the villagers. Orissa" Cuttack, 1954. Bhagirathi as an ardent follower 1947. Mr. Garnath Gartia 4. “Mukti Pathara Yatri” Oriya, presided over the of Gandhiji entered into the p. I 7. Jagannath temple at Barpali independence celebration 5. D.G. Tendulkar, “Mahatma” meeting at Barpali. with the untouchables. Vol.3, New Delhi. 1969, P.209. Bhagirathi took active part in Conclusion 6. ‘Utkala Sevaka” Dt.10.5.1934, the Bhoodan Movement in p.83. The contributions of 1957. In this movement they 7. Deputy Commissioner Office, Bhagirathi Pattnaik and his got a village “Panimora’ as Confidential File No.4, family in the freedom struggle Gramdan. He identified himself Sambalpur. are priceless and immeasurable. with the communist party of 8. Deputy Commissioner Office, His role was not only confined India with Red Flag during the Confidential File No.10, to Sambalpur but also to last part of his life. He also Sambalpur, OSA. different parts of India, participated actively in the 9. Deputy Commissioner Office, Bhagirathi Pattnaik as a communist movement against Confidential File No.8, follower of Gandhiji actively the price rise, unemployment Sambalpur.

Mahendra Kumar Dash is a Doctoral Scholar, Dept. of Political Science and Pub. Admn., Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, e-mail : Mahendradash @gmail.com.

42 August - 2010 Orissa Review

to the rebel leader Buxi production from the agricultural Jagabandhu and several other land. They arbitrarily collected leaders. But he died in 1823. more from the peasants to Nayagarh He was succeeded by his son ensure their commissions. They Brajabandhu Singh Mandhatta. forced the peasants and the Uprisings The people were thoroughly rural labourers to work without dissatisfied with this new ruler wages in their lands during the due to his oppressive measures sowing of paddy trans- Arun Kumar Sahoo and mal-administration which plantation and harvesting. ultimately led to a popular rising Besides this it was observed during the period from 1849 to that the poor labourers had to Nayagarh was one of the most 1852. carry the luggages of disturbed tributary mahals of The Raja generally government officers on tours Orissa during the British Rule. demanded exorbitant rates and and to work on Bethi for the It is one of the Feudatory a number of illegal cesses from construction of public roads States of Orissa situated to the the ryots. There was no limit to and ponds. In short each and west of Khurdha. It was one his demands. The militia class every section of the society in of the smaller States of Orissa. who held Jagirs for their the state was aggrieved and All in all, it was a beautiful State, services to Raja had to pay rent disappointed. Thus this rich in the bounties of nature. for their holdings. Besides this, discontentment which was During the times of British the simmering discontent of the deposited from a long period Occupation of Orissa people was caused by the needed only one strike of Nayagarh was under Raja prevailing practice of feudal matchbox. And it happened Binayak Shingh Mandhatta. A levies, like Begar, Bethi, when Raja discontinued the treaty engagement was Magan and Rasad. The system of giving commission to concluded with Raja, who was Sarbakaras, Sardars or the Paikas, Sarbakaras, Dalais, granted a Quabool Nama, and Lakhrajdars and Bebarta, all of Dalabeheras and the Ryots. agreed to pay his annual tribute them were both autocratic and They came forward, joined of Rs.5,17,914-16-2/- oppressive. They would hands with militia as well as with regularly. But his subsequent declare a defaulting tax payer peasants, the khandhs class relationship with the Britishers “Palataka” in order to auction who obviously constituted a was not remain cordial, when his properties and grab it very formidable body in the he objected to the illegally. They were the estate and started opposing the establishment of Police Thanas intermediaries between the actions of Raja who became in his estate. Besides this he Durbars and the Ryots, who universally unpopular among was also suspected of having received commissions in his subjects. been involved in Ghumusar proportion to the amount of In 1843 the peasants Risings, and violating the treaty rent and revenue which they complained before A.J.M engagements. Apart from this used to collect without paying Mills, the Commissioner of the next charge against him was any attention to the weather Cuttack against the Raja. But that he protected, gave shelter conditions and quantity of at the initial stage British policy

August - 2010 43 Orissa Review was not to interfere in the Jagir. Same was the case of appointed Ram Prasad Roi as internal affairs of that tributary Hari Gajendra Singh, who lost Tahasildar of Nayagarh. mahal. Early in 1846, the Jagir his Jagir in Nayagarh. The But this settlement charge against him was his holder Bhagirathi Mangaraj proved ineffective. Previously involvement in the intrigues was dispossessed by the Raja. the Ryots used to complain against Ruler. His cattle, crops and the against their oppressive ruler, belongings were forcibly taken Besides these two, but then they started away. He started depredations many others who had lost their complaining against the against this illegal act of Raja, Jagirs were Udhab Samantaray, corruption of the British being supported by a large Sibram Routray, Biku Officers as well as against the number of followers of Pattanaik, Hari Routray, Loki oppression of the Amalas. But Nayagarh, Athagarh, Bahubalendra, Raghunath their complaint produced no Khallikote, Banapur and Dora, Balaram Dora, Jaladhar favourable results for them. Ghumushar in March 1846. Baliara Singh and Bhagaban Ramachandra Rai, the When the Ruler found himself Bahubalendra. Imbibed with Tahasildar continued in his incapable of controlling the strong ideas to do something office at Nayagarh, assessed situation, sought help from and to fight against the the Khanabari lands of the British Authorities. The British oppression and mal- Paikas, which was unusual in Authorities in Ganjam rendered administration, about 5,000 tributary mahals. It created assistance to Mills to suppress Paikas, Dalabeheras, Dalais further discontentment among the rebellious activities of combined their efforts to resist the Paikas. Nayagarh seemed Bhagirathi Mangaraj and the oppressive rule of the Raja. to be in a state of utter punished 45 persons with When the Ruler felt that the confusion. There was various terms of imprisonment. situation is going out of his disaffection also among the In 1849 the ryots who control, he sought for British Kandhas of Nayagarh. The were thoroughly dissatisfied intervention. Kandhas held their lands free with the autocratic measures of When a large number of rent on the condition that the chief first appealed to F of aggrieved people come to they would pay Bhetis or Goldsburg, Commissioner and the office of the superintendent Nazranas and do Bethi for the Superintendent of tributary to put forth their grievances Raja. In 1849 the Raja forced mahals, Cuttack then to against Raja, the the Kandhas to pay a tax in Government of Bengal for superintendent was bound to cash for their lands, ploughs and redressal of their grievances. As depute the Deputy Collector of houses they held. The Ryots, their complaints were not Cuttack, Babu Ram Prasad Rai the militia class and the tribal heard, the ryots restored to to Nayagarh to settle the population, particularly the open revolts under the matter. Babu Ram Prasad Rai Kandhas were sufferers due to leadership of Kamal Lochan immediately issued the order to the imposition of such Paikray and Hari Gajendra place the state under British oppressive measures. Singh. Kamal Lochan, son of attachment, suppressed the Consequently the growing the late Dewan Barju Paikray, rising, the Ryots were either discontentment burst in to open was deposed by Raja from his fined or imprisoned. Then they revolt in 1894.

44 August - 2010 Orissa Review

The leaders Hari village Baharijhola, the granary January about 300 insurgents Gajendra Singh, Kamal Paikray house of Nayagarh Royal destroyed the village Sunamui. and Udhab Samantaray came family. By the end of 1850, all Then they threatened to attack forward and decided to take the hill tribes of Nayagarh, a nearby village, Koral, where bold step. From jail they wrote Ghumushar and Daspalla the detachment of the Paik letters to the Ryots inducing extended their support to the companies had been posted. them to withhold payment of rebel leaders. Gradually the insurgents rents and to assemble in The British authorities became more and more daring Khurdha in huge numbers to took immediate steps and the and violent. The Kandhas of start a united move against the superintendent himself moved Gunighar under the direction of authorities. Accordingly in towards Nayagarh on 17th Chakra Bisoi joined Kamal November 1849, the ryots of December 1850, with an escort Lochan Paikray, the rebel several villages stopped of two companies of the 30th leader of Nayagarh. It forged payment of rents to the Regiment MN I. By that time, the unity between the two rebel government, which became a Kamal Paikray, along with his leaders, Chakra Bisoi and matter of concern for the followers had fled to the Kamal Lochan Paikray. This authorities. Magistrate of Puri inaccessible jungles bordering strengthened his strength was sent to tackle the situation, Daspalla. Apprehending tremendously. He proposed to who at the request of Raja dangers to the lives of Raja destroy the villages, which recommended the names of Family he left one company at helped the Raja vigourously. four ring leaders of the Nayagarh for the protection of Altogether 132 villages were movement. They were Kamal Raja and his Garah, returned to burnt. Many of the granaries of Paikray , Udhab Samantaray , Cuttack on 1st Jan 1851. Raja were burnt. The insurgents even acquired arms and Shibram Routray and Hari The insurgents usually ammunition from the person in Gajendra Singh for exterminate resorted to looting, murder and charge of the Raja's Barud from the estate. This increased arson. Anybody or any party further dissatisfaction among hostile to the insurgents were Khana. All the passes to and the people, who as a reaction either murdered or threatened from Nayagarh were blocked to this killed Bhutia Subudhi, to be murdered. The main by stone barricades. Their chief servants of Raja, Sardar attack of the insurgents was on depredations were mainly of Sunamui. The Paiks, the granaries of the Raja located confined to “the less open parts Kandhas, and other tribes at different villages of the estate. of the country where they could joined the insurgence of On 19th January 1851 Rebels secure a safe retreat into the Nayagarh. A mass revolt plundered the houses of jungles.” Thus the revolt had occurred in the estate. The Narayan Samantaray and taken a serious turn by the end Kondhs of Boudh and Dama Samantray, the two of February 1851. In fact the Ghumsar came forward to help supporters of Raja of village Paikas left the burnt villages the rebels of Nayagarh, Ghumsar. Thereafter a series of without helping the inhabitants. assembled on a hill called outrages were committed by Gradually the spirit of discontent Goonamuttee. They decided to the insurgents in different extended beyond Nayagarh, start a serious revolt from the villages of Nayagarh. On 25th particularly to Ranapur,

August - 2010 45 Orissa Review

Khandapara and Daspalla. Gouldsbury directed for a considerable period. The Gouldsbury concluded that the W.Ainslie, Assistant impact of the risings in disturbances in Nayagarh have Superintendent of Tributary Nayagarh was felt in the now assumed the form of a Mahals, Cuttack, to move from neighbouring estate of Daspalla popular insurrection...” Boudh to Nayagarh and take and Ranapur. Such risings were The Raja himself was over the charge of civil suppressed ruthlessly by the incapable either of managing or administration there on 17th British government as in of protecting his territory. Due Feb. 1851, Gouldsbury himself Nayagarh. However it had far to the gravity of the situation, proceeded to Nayagarh to reaching consequences in after a careful review, supervise the matter. Then moulding the minds of men in Gouldsbury suggested to the Captain Findley started his all the feudatory states of Government of Bengal for marathon campaign to trouble- Orissa. taking over the entire spots such as Itamati, Koral, References : management of the estate. He Mahipur and Gunighar. There also proposed that the Raja he dispersed the insurgents and 1. Banarjee R.D: History of Orissa, Vol-II,Calcutta-1931. should be granted a sufficient established police out-posts for amount for his support from the future protection of the areas. 2. Das M.N:Indian National surplus revenues of his estate. But when Gouldsbury arrived Congress versus the British, Delhi-1978. Further he recommended that on 21 Feb 1851, the unsettled until all the leaders of the state of affairs came to an end. 3. Hunter W.W: History of insurrection were captured, the He arrested all the family Orissa, 2 Vol, London-1972. estate would remain under members of Kamal Lochan 4. Mahatab H.K: History of military occupation. As the Paikray and captured Damu freedom movement in Orissa, capture of the rebel leaders was Dakua, one of the leaders and Cuttack-1957. a matter of great importance many of his followers. 5. Mishra P.K: Political Unrest in Gouldsbury offered suitable Gouldsbury gave a call to the Orissa in the 19th Century, reward for their apprehension insurgents to surrender to put Calcutta-1983. which was as follows:- forth their grievances and to 6. Pattnaik N.R:Hidden treasure Kamal Lochan Paikray- Rs.500/- help the British Government in of tribal patriotism, a Udhab Samantaray- Rs.300/- bringing peace to the estate. reflection in tribal patriots of Subram Routray Rs.300/- The open revolt was quickly Orissa, Delhi-2008. Dinabandhu Pattanaik. Rs.250/- suppressed and opposition was 7. Rath B.C:Unrest in princely Bhagaban Bahubalendra Rs.250/- driven underground but that states of Orissa, Cuttack- 1993. Basu Bisoi Rs.250/- only kept the fire smouldering

Arun Kumar Sahoo is the Member of OLA, from Nayagarh Constituency and lives at Qr.No.5R/15, Unit-1, Bhubaneswar.

46 August - 2010 Orissa Review

Mayurbhanj joined with the the momentous decision of the other states on the 14th Dec Govt. of India. In a written 1947 to merge with Orissa, the address to the Maharaja and Tribal Revolt course of subsequent agitation the Representative of the might have been different.In People, Menon explained the of 1949 in 1948, started the formation of overwhelming desire of all different groups, some claiming sections of the people except Mayurbhanj amalgamation with Orissa and the adivasis to join Orissa as the some wanting to keep the state integral part of Orissa Province independent. By September and the alike decision of the Maharaja saw that the state ministry. Dr. Kalpana Das administration had become Actually opposing the chaotic and the ministry divided merger with Orissa the tribals in this issue. Sri Satat under the leadership of When India got independence Chandra.Das went to Delhi on the 15th Aug 1947, the with Maharaja Pratap Chandra Sunaram Majhi engineered a British paramountcy in respect Bhanjdeo on the 16th Oct 1948 tribal movement in favour of of Indian States lapsed and the and the Maharaja signed there merger of Mayurbhanj with state of Mayurbhanj became an the instrument of the merger. Bihar. Formerly Sunaram’s independent unit with effect Hence the state of Mayurbhanj demand was in favour of an from that date. Soon after the merged with Orissa.The formal independent Mayurbhanj transfer of power from the handing and taking over of the opposing merger with Orissa. British hands, ‘A Mayurbhanj state by the Govt. of India took While the negotiation of State Legislative Assembly” place in Nov. 1948 when Dr Congress leader of Orissa was constituted with Sri Sarat D.V. Rege, I.C.S was proved unavailing, Sunaram felt Chandra Das as Prime Minister appointed as the Chief convinced that if Mayurbhanj of the state. Sri Das was a Commissioner of Mayurbhanj. would cease to remain a leader of the Praja Mandal separate entity, than its merger The administration of with Bihar would serve the Party which later on came to the central government in cause of the tribal population be known as Mayurbhanj State Mayurbhanj lasted only for a better. Sunaram's arguments Congress. short duration or less than 2 touched the tribals in every Sardar Patel months during which the chief nook and corner of the state summoned the Rulers of Orissa commissioner studied closely making their agitation more Feudatory states to meet him and carefully the situation popular and vigorous. Brushing at Cuttack on 14th Dec 1947. before finalizing his aside the arguments of the But the Maharaja transferred recommendation about the Adivasis as highly unreasonable full powers to his ministry on 9th future of the state. After he Menon would critically state:- Dec and took that ground on submitted the report to the State the conference (14th Dec), Ministry V.P. Menon visited “The real leader is not remained excluded from the Baripada on 16th Dec 1948 to the man who can address large merger negotiations. Had announce before the assembly public meetings but the man

August - 2010 47 Orissa Review who can do something for the with Sunaram and Ramchandra either cut off or blocked betterment of his fellowmen. and started mobilizing the tribals deployment of troops in Tasted by that standard the of Mayurbhanj in favour of different places. They guarded Adivasi leaders have failed in merger with Bihar. the road leading to Rairangpur. their duties”. In the meantime on Even students of a school were In order to ally all 18th May 1948 the states of engaged by their teacher possible fear from the minds of Saraikela and Kharswan Singray Majhi to collect the Adivasis, Menon merged with the Singhbhum advance information about any reassuringly said, “The Govt. district of Bihar. The leader of troop movement. They of India and the Orissa Govt. Bihar Krishnaballabh Sahay considered the non-tribals as will see that the lot of the played a vital role in the transfer Dikus who lived at the mercy Adivasis is improved and every of the administration of of the Adivasis in utter panic in fair chance is given to him.”He Saraikela and Kharswan to the Bamanghaty and Panchpir area. announced that Mayurbhanj government of Bihar. Actually Thousands of armed Adivasis would merge with Orissa on it was the result of a armed started holding meetings in 2nd Jan 1949. But the tribals rebellion of the Tribals and the different places, even they of Mayurbhanj at once started backstage political intrigues by came down to Baripada town opposing the decision of tribal leaders of Bihar. This and started demonstration at Government of India. “Adivasi victory of the rebels and their Police parade ground with the Mahasava”, a volunteer tribal leaders worked liked a heavy slogan” We shall merge with organization started in 1946 tonic for the Adivasis of Bihar not with Orissa”. became very popular among Mayurbhanj, who resolved to It was an unprece- the tribals of Chhotanagar area follow similar course of action dented spectacle at Baripada under the able leadership of to breakaway from Orissa. town generating panic and Jaipal Singh. Jaipal wanted to When V.P.Menon announced spreading lawlessness. create for himself a stable the final decision of Govt. of V.S.Mathews, the Collector of political base. With this intention India the tribal leaders like Mayurbhanj with the help of he started working for the L.Bhawan and Jaipal Singh, the armed military forces started upliftment of Adivasis of Bihar, brain behind Saraikela uprising drastic action against the Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and started instigating the innocent rebels. He ordered firing at Bengal. Taking advantage of tribals of Mayurbhanj. Under Kuldiha, Gunduria, Gitilata, the situation in Mayurbahnj his the leadership of Sonaram Rairangpur and several other two supporters Sunaram Sore Soren and Ram Chandra places, where the tribals were and Ram Chandra Majhi Majhi, they declared assembled in groups to hold enrolled about 15000 members Bamanghaty sub-division as meetings. Due to the use of both man and woman mostly independent unit with stenguns and rifles, there was from Bamanghaty and Panchpir headquarters at Rairangpur. heavy loss of life on the sides sub-divisions adjacent to Bihar. Armed Adivasis equiped with of the rebels. Govt. imposed In this context Jaipal Singh bows, arrows, axe and spear punitive taxes on tribals and came foward, joined hands divided into several groups, showed no linency in realizing

48 August - 2010 Orissa Review the punitive tax. The tribals welfare of tribals. Criminal’s References : leaving their home and hearths proceedings were withdrawn 1. Mayubhanj Gazette. Nilamani fled to jungles. Govt. initiated from those arrested leaders. Senapati. judicial proceedings against the After normalcy was restored, 2. Tribal Movement & Political rebels and arrested rebels Adivasi Congress was set up History in India. Dr. D.M.Praharaj. and their leaders. Since to channelize the political 3. Agrarian unrest in Feudatory Mayurbhanj was recently minded tribalsof States of Orissa. merged with Orissa and Govt. Mayurbhanj.Hence forth there Dr. Sadashiv Pradhan. of India had commited to take was no obstacle for merger of 4. Samaj-5 Deshkatha. H.K. care of the Adivasis, Mahatab Mayurbhanj and the state Mahatab, Sadhanara Pathe. visited Rairangpur, met the constituted one of the districts Dr. Kalpana Das is Reader in tribal leaders and expressed his of Orissa from 2nd January History in Ramadevi Women's sincere concern about the 1949. College, Bhubaneswar.

Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik inaugurating the renovated lounge and reception and improved facilities in Orissa Niwas, New Delhi on 14.7.2010.

August - 2010 49 Orissa Review

According to G.C. lake of Rajasthan. In the Orissa Praharaj2, Kaisar-i-Hind State Gazetteer5 this place has Role of (Silver Medal) the following been mentioned as Khadial. explanation of the word Khalia During the British period Khariar in the are found in his compiled work Kharial has been mentioned as "Purnachandra Odia Bhasa- Khariar, Thereafter, still it is Freedom kosha" (A lexicon of the Oriya being used in all purpose as language). He stated that, due "Khariar", which is within 82'/ Struggle to the condition of clay and 83' longitude and 20'/23' sticky, gravely (soil) cattle latitude. The shape of the suffer from stringhalt. It also territory is like an English letter Mohammed Yamin means a low marshy land unfit "L".6 for cultivation, slippery Brief Political History of condition of the ground owing Khariar It is a strenous task to trace the to the accumulation of water. A history of freedom struggle in small pool at the foot of a hill The present Nuapada terms of a small principality like where water is left in summer. district (formed after the Khariar. The tremor of freedom This locality was named bifurcation of Kalahandi district struggle was felt in Khariar Khaliapali and afterwards it on 1st April, 1993) comprises region. This paper seeks to the area of Khariar principality highlight the role of this region came to be known as Kharial, Kharialaya and Khadial. alias state. It was reduced to in the freedom struggle. the status of an estate in 1865 Origin of Khariar Some interpret "Khadi" A.D. by the British authority. It meaning chalk and therefore, had its capital at Komna. Then Very scanty explain the word "Khadial" information is available about the state was known as Tonnote means living place for learned state. This state was separated the origin of the name of people.3 Khariar. Very few records have from Patna in 1590 A.D. and come to my notice which are We have also traced its Raja ruled independently. placed here after careful the origin of the name Khariar Within 1751-55 A.D. the whole scrutiny. Near Badadadhi- from a report written by area fell into the hands of the baban temple, one of the oldest Sibanarayan Deo.4 He stated Maratha of Nagpur, but it temples of the area, the first that during the reign of Ratan appears to have been ceded to living settlement or housing Singh (1818-1842 A.D.) he the British Government by the restoration had been made and had shifted his capital from Treaty of 1803 A.D. with the that settlement might have been Komna to Khadial. The name Maratha.7 It can be called with some name about Khadial owes its origin to a corroborated by the records of which nothing substantial is river of Rajasthan named T. Mottle, the first European to known. In course of time Khariar which falls into visit Sambalpur (1768 A.D.) tradition believes this housing Sambhar lake, Menda, for trade in diamond clearly settlement was called Khadial, Khandel, Rupanagar reveals the political instability in "Khaliapali".1 and Aral rivers fall into Sambhar Sambalpur region due to

50 August - 2010 Orissa Review struggle between the British and Bhonsale territories because the Maratha for supremacy the Bhonsale troops had killed towards the close of the 18th the adopted son. In century." Again in 1806 A.D. consequence Pindari spread Maratha regained their into Chhatisgarh. From a supremacy. Towards the end of report written by Sibanarayana 1817 A.D. It was once more Deo,11 Pindaris had plundered reverted to British and it finally the Khariar region. It is known in 1826 A.D. ceded to East that Bhonsale Government had India Company. It appears taken Ratan Singh to Nagpur from "Aitchison's Collection of for non-payment of arrear Treaties, Engagements and Takoli and kept him there for Sanad" that Khariar was finally 14 years. It is known that ceded under Article-5 of the Majhi Priest and local leaders treaty between the East India the Central Province (C.P.) of had collected funds and had British India. Company and Raghuji gone to Nagpur for payment Bhonsale-III, dated 1st and finally released Ratan Khariar Supported the December, 1826 A.D. This Singh. After that Ratan Singh Cause of Surendra Sai was further confirmed by a became Raja in 1818 A.D. and Veer Surendra Sai, the subsequent Treaty dated 26th ruled upto 1842 A.D. Raja most illustrious Chauhan of December 1829 A.D. By article Ratan Singh died in 1842 A.D. Khinda in Sambalpur region of the Treaty. Chhatisgarh was and was succeded by his son with all his strength was striving given back to the Nagpur Sunder Singh. He was to oust the Britishers from the region. After the death of succeded by Krushna Chandra Motherland, but by the later Raghuji Bhonsale III, the British Singh Deo. part of 1858 A.D. Surendra fully lapsed the dominion status Sai found Sambalpur region of Nagpur Raja. It is said that During his period of reign from 1852 to 1867 A.D. unsafe and made his stronghold this territory was wild, rugged in the hills of Khariar. was a crucial period of revolt and mountainous covered with Manikgarh the traditional against the British for he dense forest, difficult to access, bastion of the Chauhan in this supported the cause of and of course, thinly part of country, provided 9 Surendra Sai. populated. Surendra Sai greater protection During the period of Khariar formed a part and safe mobility in 1861 A.D. Prataparudra Singh Deo of the Chhota Nagpur Division Raja Krushna Chandra Singh (1792-1818 A.D.) the capital in British record until it was Deo and the people of Khariar was at Komna. There was a transferred to the jurisdiction of region did not pay any heed to Pindari raid in this area in 1806 the superintendent of Tributary the frequent warning of the A.D. according to Raipur Mahals, Cuttack, and in 1861 British authority to drive District Gazetteer.10 The leader A.D. Khariar state was again Surendra Sai away from the of the Pindari Chittu, was transferred as a part of state. Instead, K.C. Singh Deo determined to devastate the Sambalpur and incorporated in helped Surendra Sai with men

August - 2010 51 Orissa Review and money. He gave him shelter cause of Veer Surendra Sai. members left the Sabarmati and maintained secrecy of his The injustice meted out to Ashram on foot and reached whereabouts.12 That had Surendra Sai was a climax to the sea at Dandi on 5th April invoked the British authorities one of the most gross forms of 1930. As scheduled Gandhiji and they regarded K.C. Singh political chicanery practised by broke the Salt law on 6th April Deo, the Raja of Khariar as the British (East India 1930, this had great significance dangerous.13 Company) for grabbing Indian all over India.15 Raja K.C. Singh Deo territories. In the inaccessible During this period, as did not receive proper area of Sambalpur Surendra already observed Khariar state treatment from the British. Sai waged a sustained war by was incorporated in Raipur Despite that, when the 32 Guerrilla tactics in order to district of Central Province. The Regiment of Madras Native espouse the cause of the mute first Civil dis-obedience Infantry under Captain Swiney tribal peasants who had flocked Movement of 1930, led the passed through Khariar to join under his banner without any Forest Satyagraha in Raipur 14 the Regiment at Kamptee. He fear to the British troops. district. We get this information gave them valuable logistic During this journey of heroism from Raipur District assissance without which and time of urgent necessity Gazetteer16 which narrated thus Captain Swiney would never Veer Surendra Sai got valuable : "The forest Satyagraha started have reached his destination support and assistance from in the district led the arrest of safely. Instead the Raja helped Khariar which still remains a large number of persons on the Britishers to capture some statement for posterity and has 29th April 1929. Waman Rao of the camp followers of Veer been a historic testimoney for Lakhe asked the audience to Surendra Sai. At the same time all freedom lovers. break laws and destroy the the Raja of Khariar used to help Civil Disobedience Government on 18th May Surendra Sai with men and Movement 1929. He suggested social money inspite of all this hiccup. Within the formation of boycott of bureaucracy. The Raja of Khariar never got the Indian National Congress Consequently he was Surendra Sai arrested and saw by A.O. Hume and during the convicted on 25th June 1930 that no harm was done to him. time of Lord Dufferin in 1885, and had to undergo one year Because of this fact, he was the Indian freedom struggle got simple imprisonment. On the called a dangerous Chief in new shape and energy. The same day car of the Police British correspondence. He is whole country was agog with Superintendent was stonned also regarded as mere over the Civil Di-obedience and two policemen were Zamindar in the letter of Acting Movement decided upon by the assaulted by the people. Commissioner R.N. Share of working committee of Raipur District Sambalpur district dated 23rd Congress on the Lahore Gazetteer further elaborated January 1862 A.D. session in 1929. The Civil that sporadic violence Despite the above Disobedience Movement continued unabated in the hurdle, Khariar Raja and the began on 12th March, 1930. former Khariar Zamindari. An common people supported the Mahatma Gandhi with 78 male attack was made on 30th

52 August - 2010 Orissa Review

September on the police party J.P. Singh Deo,19 a Salihagarh village in 1930 and which had gone there to make freelance archaeological protested the taxation taken by arrest. The policemen were researcher visited the site on the Government. This incident able to extricate themselves 16th April, 1996 and wrote it is popularly known as "Saliha with difficulty after resorting to in his article "Saliha and Its Agitation." It was mid of firing. Two persons were Aftereffect." He makes the Summer, the people of many wounded and other sporadic following observation. villages like Chuhuri, Kodmeri, violence occured at Nuadehi, Thelkobra, Saliha, "Once two stone Chaulshara, Patparpali, Katyanpar, Bairbhadi, temples stood there. One was Khateru and Konnadabri Karemeli, Murhela. Patparpali, of Shiva linga and other was of villages. Dumerdihi, Nilji and Sinapali, rectangular Sakti deity. The etc. and many more villages The above narration of second sculpture of a Saliha gathered and denounced the Gazetteer shows that, police shows a yogi fasten with a belt force were deployed in many against the imposition of wood (Yoga patta) practising high 21 parts of the district. The tax and pandri tax." In the austerity in sitting position. same way in Kalahandi the Khariar Zamindari was famous There is every possibility that for its teak forest and was part peasants revolted against once two small temples Shiva Durbar rule mainly because of of the same district. As freedom and Sakti stood there. At struggle was all India in nature, the Kulta immigrants from other present Konabhaira deity is districts especially Sambalpur the activities of the forest worshipped as presiding deity Satyagraha of Raipur must have who received the patronage of by the villagers of Saliha was the ruler to improve agriculture spread to the interior villages or once a site of Shiva-Sakti forest areas of Khariar. in his territories which deprived worship." the indigenous tribal of their Saliha Agitation Braja Kishor Padhi20 traditional rights and privileges. Saliha, a village is while dealing with freedom This peasant discontent situated at a distance of eight struggle in Khariar Principality surfaced in 1878 A.D.22 and in Kms towards north-east states, "The year 1930 A.D. is the same Kalahandi Kondh direction from Nuapada a landmark in the history of rebellion also took place. They sorrounded by rocky Khariar. The tyrannical rule of had nursed a deep grievances mountains. It appears to have Garhjat feudatory state evoked against the Kulta Cultivators. been located within dense a strong feeling of resentment The above resentment forest. It seems to be an ancient against the ruler and aroused of common people against the settlement, because two pieces their sympathy for oppressed ruler in real terms was directed of sculpture arts are found on masses of the States. The towards the British because the the bank of the tank. One is a imposition of taxes on the British forced and imposed the rectangular Sakti measuring 2 tenants of the states by the Raja ruler to collect wood and ft. 2 inches by 1ft. 6 inches. of Khariar created resentment Pandri taxes from the common Sakti worship in ancient and against him. The people men. So, everywhere there was early Medieval periods was Khariar state united and some short of rebellion, one of popular. organised a meeting at such was Saliha agitation.

August - 2010 53 Orissa Review

A meeting was Ramu of Saliguda, Gouda Rai Movement on 8th August 1942 organised at Saliha. More than of Saliha and many more people for which a resolution of All seven hundred people of Panaguda and Chanabeda India Congress Committee was assembled. Their ambition was villages were arrested and were passed on 7th August 1942. one. A resolution was passed taken to prison. Some died and Gandhi asked the British to in the meeting not to give taxes many more were wounded on leave India for good. Gandhiji and to revolt against imposition the spot.24 was arrested. The news of his of taxes. One Pratap Singh arrest was followed by non- All the above narration (Komdat) Supervisor of violent demonstration in the of B.K. Padhi is mostly from Nawapara investigated secretly shape of meetings, hartals and oral archives and therefore and informed the same to Raja procession throughout the most of the statements may find Artatran Deo immediately. He country. Despite the warning in excess of the real happening disliked to expose himself. So, from the Superintendent of and exaggeration. There was he dealt it diplomatically and Police of Sambalpur for no death during Saliha firing and believed that matter can be unlawful gathering, a number of Keju Das Baba and Kartik settled peacefully and reported meetings were held at Bargarh, Sabar suffered injuries in their the matter to police to control Jharsuguda, Barpali, Khariar leg on 30th September 1930. the campaign. To suppress any and in Sambalpur in defiance of And It is also found clear from untoward incident police the notice or warning.25 rushed to Saliha while meeting the Raipur District Gazetteer The Quit India was in progress. Police that, only one person was Movement in Khariar was gheraoed the campaigners all of reportedly wounded. intense and there was a sudden and warned the In the further course, widespread protest against the people to stop the meeting. The with the consent of Raja British Raj. Many Congress people dis-obeyed the order Artatran Deo, Khariar estate activists were arrested. Every and chanted slogan against the was amalgamated with Orissa attempt was made from the Government. So, to control the province on 1st April, 1936 people to lodge their protest agitation police charged lathi. In and remained in Sambalpur against the British Raj and early return people manhandled the district. The people at Khariar release of Gandhiji. There was police force and burnt the like other parts of the new widespread unrest in Khariar, lathis. Some policemen were province had regularly received wounded. Without finding any Nilji, Sinapali and many more the clarion call of the Congress remote villages and people in other alternative the police were and many of them actively compelled to fire at the crowd. large numbers courted arrest. participated in the cause of With all the above nationalist They arrested forty to fifty freedom struggle. members in the meeting. So in temper the Quit India the whole area, there was Non Co-operation Movement in Khariar was only anarchy and the situation was Movement & Indian sporadic in its success. beyond control. Leaders like, Independence At last, toil and blood Keju Das Baba of Chahari, Mahatma Gandhi of the people of India became Ramlal Deongan of Parakoda, launched the Quit India materialised with the coming of

54 August - 2010 Orissa Review

Lord Mounbatten as the new Consonant ka to Na, (Cuttack Plateau" O.H.R.J. Vol.XVI, Viceroy. He worked out 1932) p. 1957. No.4, pp.124-125. compromise plan for the 3. Deo, J.P. Singh, op.cit. pp.81- 14. Mishra, C.R., "Popular transfer of power, more suitable 82. Movement, Spirit of Freedom : An Overview of Popular to the British hidden agenda of 4. Deo Lal Sibanarayan, on 8th Movements in the Sambalpur July, 1918, vide : Khariar dividing the Nation. At that time region". West Orissa "A Darbar record and vide : there were many Muslims of study in Ethos Dr. M. Pati (ed) Mahapatra, M.M. (ed), (A Sambalpur University Khariar including late Bismrurta Pratibha Swargata Publication : 1992), p.247. Mohammed Hussain (Ustadji) Kavi Siba Prasad, (Orisa) who led a protest march from Appendix-VI Report of Lal 15. Mishra, P.K., History of Khariar Masjid (Mosque) to Sibanarayan Deo Lal Saheb, Orissa, Saha Publication the police station and submitted dated 8th July 1918. (Sambalpur : 1999-2000) p.340. a memorandum to the police in 5. Behuria, N.C. (ed), Orissa 16. Varma, K. op.cit., pp.80-82. State Gazetteer, Vol.I (Cuttack charge against the partition 17. Ibid, p.27. : 1990) p.8. formula of Lord Mountbatten. 18. Ibid, p.28. The pride and joy in the 6. Deo, J.P. Singh, Khariar - achievement of freedom on Renda Vouz of Culture, 19. Deo, J.P.S., "Saliha Firing and Khadial Jyoti, (Khariar, Jaya its After Effect", unpublished 15th August, 1947, was diluted Durga offset : 2005) p.1. type Manuscript, p.179. by the pain and sadness of 7. Deo, J.P.S., "Socio-culture 20. Padhi, B.K., Modern History partition and the consequences History of Orissa - a case of Khariar, Ph.D. Thesis of partition. Freedom was only study of Khariar estate," awarded by Sambalpur the first step with faith and hope. Glimpses of Orissa, (ed) B.S. University in 1992, India began to march forward Das, Punthi Pustak, (Kolkata unpublished typed to meet the challenges of : 1986) p.58. Manuscript, pp.170-173. freedom. 8. Motte, T., 'A narrative of a 21. Ibid. journey to the diamond mine The above narration 22. Senapati, N. (ed), Orissa at Sambalpur, reprinted in District Gazetteer, Kalahandi, shows the martial, heroic and L.S.S.O. Malley's Bengal p.60. independent character of the Orissa District Gazetteer, people of Khariar with a seat (Sambalpur : 1932) pp.44-57. 23. Ibid. of culture, knowledge and 9. Deo, J.P.S., op-cit, p.58. 24. Padhi, B.K., op-cit, pp.170- 173. wisdom from remote past. 10. Varma, Rajendra, (State 25. Mishra, C.R, Freedom References : editor) Madhya Pradesh District Gazatteer, Raipur Movement in Sambalpur (18- 1. Deo, J.P. Singh, Badadadhi (Bhopal : 1973) pp.70-71. 27) B.P. Publishing Baban (Bada Gudi) temple of Corporation (Delhi : 1986) 11. Deo, Sibanayan, op-cit. Khariar, Khadial Jyoti pp.233-234. (Khariar : Jayadurga Offset, 12. Das, Aniruddha, Life of 2006) p.81. Surendra Sai, Vidyapuri, Cuttack : 1963, p.83. 2. Praharaj, G.C., Purna Chandra Odia Bhasakosha, (A lexicon 13. Deo, J.P.S., "Archaeological Mohammed Yamin is a Research of the Oriya language), Vol.II, Remains of Sunabeda Fellow, I.C.H.R., New Delhi,

August - 2010 55 Orissa Review

Rajendra Narayan Bhanjdeo Satyabadi, Puri and Berhampur The Heros of was the king of Kanika. within a period of six days. Contradicting to his character, Several youngmen left Kanika Peasants' in one hand, the king himself their studies, government was a patron of Oriya Movement service and other jobs and movement, on the other hand professions. Most prominent to get more revenue he among them were Harekrishna Basu - Bisuni imposed 64 types of taxes on Mahatab, Nityananda common man. Though the king Kanungo, Nabakrushna thought himself as a pure Oriya, Choudhury, Nanda Kishore Dillip Kumar Behura still he liked to imitate the Das and Raj Krushna Bose. English Culture. The costly Gopabandhu Das, Bhagirathi living style of the king also cost The Britishers invaded Orissa Mohapatra and Jagabandhu dearly to the common man. Singh left their legal practice. in 1803 and the revolt against Without giving any respite the them started from October, Gopabandhu Choudhury taxes were collected forcefully resigned from his job of Deputy 1804. Under the leadership of in the presence of police force. Saheed Jayee Rajguru, the Collector. Pandit Nilakantha Paikas of Khurda rose in revolt Besides this, in 1922 Das resigned from Calcutta with a view to overthrowing the first settlement of land was University and took charge of British rule. With the help of started in Kanika. As the a National School at some opportunist local Oriyas, manager of Kanika, Indramani Sambalpur. Pandit Lingaraj the British administrator Mohanty began this settlement Mishra and Surendranath Das succeeded in capturing Jayee work, so it bore the name resigned from Govt. service. Rajguru and put him into death. 'Indramani Settlement.' On Soon after Gandhiji's departure In this way Jayee Rajguru behalf of the British from Orissa, students of became the first martyr of Government, the settlement Sambalpur Zilla school staged Orissa during the British regime. work progressed in Orissa and the first students' strike under Bihar. However, the settlement the leadership of Laxminarayan The brutal death of work created a revolutionary Mishra. Jayee Rajguru never terrorized attitude among the peasants. the revolutionaries. The These developments in revolution for freedom Before the commen- non-cooperation movement continued and its flame spread cement of Kanika Peasants' added fuel to Kanika Peasants' throughout the State. The Movement in early 1921, the Movement. Congress leader Britishers introduced Utkal Provincial Congress Gopabandhu Das rose his voice 'Feudalism' in India. They Committee was constituted against the tyranny of Kanika created thousands of land lords with Pandit Gopabandhu Das Raja. He urged the people not (Zamindars) in this country to as its founder President. Non- to pay tax, that led Kanika carry out their administration cooperation movement started uprising. The government smoothly. The Zamindars were with Gandhiji's first visit to arrested Gopabandhu Das and called as kings and their Orissa. Gandhi arrived at sent him to jail. The peasants Zamindari called princely Cutack on 23rd March, 1921 got united and revolted against states. Kanika was one of them and addressed public meetings the Kanika Raja Rajendra near Kendrapara in Orissa. Sir at Cuttack, Bhadrak, Narayan Bhanjadeo.

56 August - 2010 Orissa Review

Madhusudan Pattanaik was the not to pay tax. The peasants oppression over the people by leader of that movement. The formed 'Praja Sabha' in each the ruler. The king of Kanika British army rushed into village. The main village of immediately issued a ban order Kanika to help the King. As the 'Praja Sabha' was 'Ayatan'. on the book written by Anand situation came under control the Madhusudan Pattanaik was the Jena. He also ordered Mr. Jena king again with the help of leader. Chakradhar Behera to leave his State. The police force forced the people activated the Kanika Praja oppression over peasants to pay tax. movement with more increased day by day. One day People refused to pay enthusiasm. At last the king police force with officials came tax. The leaders of the peasant made a ban on the 'Praja to Patrapur village. They movement also advised the Sabha'. He ordered that "no declared to auction a house of peasants not to pay tax. The one can arrange a meeting in the someone. The people opposed servants of Zamindar and police periphery of his State." But the it. The Police tried to arrest forces tried to collect the taxes. peasants were very bold and in some people but other people Those refused or unable to pay a revolutionary mood. They all forcefully released them. The tax, police force beat them got united. One of the leaders situation was grim. In the next mercilessly. Besides this, the of this movement was day more police forces were king oppressed the peasants Dinabandhu Khandayat Ray. deployed to control the brutally. There were some He was native of village situation. honest and lenient Tax 'Barttanee'. Bisuni Madhual It was 3rd April, 1922. Collectors. They also refused was a peasant of the same That was a black day for Indian collect the tax. One of them was village. Bisuni acted like a freedom movement. Under the Dinabandhu Khandayat Ray. messenger and informed the leadership of Basu Sethi and He tried his level best to solve peasants regarding the Bisuni Madhual about 2000 the problems of the peasants. movement. He was also a very peasants gathered with a firm He also appealed before the healthy young man, having resolve to resist the army of Collector in this matter. mastery over martial art. So he local Zamindar from entering was very popular among the The Government the village and collecting the leaders. Basudev Sethi of taxes, but they had to pay a accused Mr. Dinabandhu Tentulikoli village was also an Khandayat Ray blaming him as heavy price for it. Basu Sethi able youngman. He was also and Bisuni Madhual were shot the mastermind behind the master in handling Lathi and peasants' movement. So he dead by the British Police on Batuli. Anand Chandra Jena the spot. Thus, the history of was deprived from his rights. wrote a book titled, "Dukhini He had lost all of his farming revolt of peasants of Kanika Kanika" which was distributed against British rulers and the land. The Government ordered among the people. The book him to leave the State. Another despot king of Kanika had a had reflected the sorrows and magic power to inspire the farmer Aswini Palei also lost his oppression story of peasants of property due to Government's common man in the later phase Kanika. Anand Jena was a of the freedom struggle of India. order. This unfortunate incidents teacher in Meghapur Village. did not discourage the Basu used to go to that village peasants. The speech of Babaji for his traditional service. He Dillip Kumar Behura lives at Ram Das in the meetings of Aul also discussed with teacher Qr.No.9/1, F Type, Unit-9 Flat, and Kanika inspired the people Anand Jena regarding the Bhoinagar, Bhubaneswar-22.

August - 2010 57 Orissa Review

Sambalpur was occupied by Bamra, Trilochana Rai of the British in 1817 from the Paharsiriguda, Abdhut Sing of Marathas. In 1827, the Bissikella, Medini Bariha of Freedom Chouhan ruler Maharaja Sai Kharmura, Jagabandhubabu (a died and Rani Mohan Kumari, discharged amala of the Rani), Movement in widow of the Chouhan ruler Biju a discharged Duffadar of was installed on the Gaddi of Sambalpur, Shickru Mohanty Jharsuguda Sambalpur. During her reign, (formerly a Namadar of the Zamindari of Jharsuguda Barkandazee), Balaram Sing, District was created in 1829, which Balbhadra Sing Deo of was assigned to one Ranjeet Lakhanpur and many Gond Sing, a near relation for leaders. Govind Sing could Dr. Byomakesh Tripathy maintenance of his family. muster the support of the total Ranjeet Singh was a son of Siva people and thus the movement Sing, grandson of Haribans for freedom in Sambalpur Singh and great grandson of began in Jharsuguda as a The district of Jharsuguda has Chatra Sai, seventh Chouhan protest against British a special niche in the history and ruler of Sambalpur. Ranjeet highhandedness. Thus before culture of Orissa since early Sing and his successor lived 30 years prior to the first war times. Findings of prehistoric with Rajas of Sambalpur and of Independence of 1857 AD, tools, rock shelters of stone age he was in the hope that he might Govind Sing raised his sword period with earliest rock succeed the Gaddi. When the to drive away the British from engravings in India at British appointed the widow Sambalpur. The resistance Vikramkhol and Ulapgarh, Rani on the throne of movement of Govind Sing could ruins of early temples, sculptural Sambalpur. Ranjeet Sing was not be successful due to strong art of medieval period etc. disappointed and that’s why the measures of the British. provide an idea of the Rani sent him to Jharsuguda as However, credit goes to him for flourishing culture in the area. Zamindar granting in his favour initiating militant nationalism in In early historical period, 13 villages by way of the area which was later on Jharsuduga area was included consolation. Subsequently sustained by Surendra Sai. in the territory of Dakshina Ranjeet Sing along with his Kosala. With the establishment The British government brothers Bhupal Sing and successfully dealt with Gobind of Chouhan rule in Western Bhawani Sing opposed the rule Orissa, Jharsuguda became a sing. Govind Sing was spared of the Rani. Consequent upon and kept in confinement. part and parcel of the Chouhan the confinement of Ranjeet Sing kingdom of Sambalpur. Ultimately the British realized in the fort of Sambalpur, his son that so long as Rani remained The year 1803 was a Govind Sing took up the case in power, there would be turning point in the history of of rebellion. Govind Sing was endless trouble and accordingly Orissa when the British supported by Krishna Rai of in 1839 Narayan Sing, the th occupied Cuttack on 14 Khariar, Thakur Ajit Sing of Zamindar of Barpali was made October, 1803. Subsequently Kodbaga, Chandra Behera of the Raja of Sambalpur. This

58 August - 2010 Orissa Review was opposed by Surendra Sai Vijayaraghava Charier adopted target was in order to achieve of Ranipur Khinda a village a resolution in favour of Swaraj to collect one crore of located hardly at a distance of adopting non-violent non- rupees for the fund and one 20 kms from Jharsuguda. cooperation movement. A good crore of enrolment of the Surendra Sai was a descendant number of delegates from Congress. In this aspect, of Aniruddha Sai, son of Orissa attended the session. Anantaram Behera was in Madhukar Sai, the fourth Non-cooperation movement charge of Jharsuguda and Chouhan Raja of Sambalpur was launched in various parts Ambika Madhav Prasad and had a claim for succession of the district including, Patnaik, Mahavir Sing and to the throne at Sambalpur in Jharsuguda, Talpatia and Janaki Das Agarwal for the absence of a direct claimant several other places. Laikera. It was with the efforts to the throne as per the Jharsuguda became an of Mahavir Sing in several traditional rule of succession. important centre and Nrusingh, panchayats, use of Charkhas With the active support of his was in charge of the centre. To was popularized. Bhagirathi uncle Balaram Sing and his six support the movement students Pattanaik also took active part brothers Udanta, Druva, Ujjala, of the zilla school, Sambalpur in the opening of a Chabila, Jujjala and Medini, called for a complete Hartal Khadarboard with its Surendra Sai successfully and in response to it, strikes headquarters at Jharsuguda. enlisted the support of the like took place at Jharsuguda and Further, at the initiation of minded Zamindars and Bargada. Trilochan Sah Deo of Chintamani Pujari, Panchapara Gauntias and organized a Ranchi, Laxmi Narayana and Bhalupatra in Laikera rebellion against the British. The Mishra, Chandrasekhar Police Station became two Zamindar of Kolabira a Panigrahi and Arun Das took important khadi centers. powerful tribal leader active role in spreading the Mohan Sing of Belpahar supported Surendra message of non-cooperation in showed a great zeal to wholeheartedly and on his the rural areas. During this time, popularize the non-cooperation taking up the rebel cause, many Mahavir Sing, a contractor of in his locality. Congress others followed. Surendra Sai Jharsuguda became a staunch members were recruited from was successful in organizing a supporter of the movement and different parts of Sambalpur rebellion during 1857-1858, in his quarter was converted into and out of a total of 4,800 the area, which became Congress office. His quarter some 2000 were recruited only forerunner for the freedom became the meeting point of all from Jharsuguda area. movement in Orissa. the Congress leaders and On 17 December, Throughout the workers. 1921, the crown prince of National Movement, the people In 1921 it was decided England was supposed to visit of Jharsuguda took active part by Indian National Congress India and the All India congress by supporting the Indian that all efforts would be made committee made no stone National Congress. The to raise funds for Tilak Swaraj unturned to have a complete Nagpur Session of the fund and to prepare Charkha hartal on the eve of his visit. Congress; held in December for augmenting the non- Mahavir Sing was arrested on 1920 under the presidentship of cooperation movement. The 14th December at Jharsuguda.

August - 2010 59 Orissa Review

In Panchapara also, the people area. Gandhiji’s clarion call for improve the social and organized by Chintamoni Pujari prohibition and removal of educational sphere. A Harijan supported the cause. On 20th untouchability had its effect in temple was constructed at January 1922, Gopabandhu the area. Meetings were Pandupathar in Jharsuguda Das arrived in Jharsuguda. organized for the upliftment of police station. Both Ambica Madhab Patnaik the untouchables at Panchpara, Laxminarayan Mishra and secretary, District Congress Turekela, Panpali and several Bodhram Dube attended the Committee of Sambalpur, other places. On 13th April opening ceremony. The Anantaram Behera, a teacher 1922, a Harijan (Ganda) of National Flag was hoisted with of National school and many Kulabira Zamindari was national song. Both the leaders others received him at the organized at Panpali. The addressed the people and railway station. He visited people were appealed to give impressed them to take Panchapara and was satisfied up liquor. The meeting resolved spinning with right earnest. to see the activities there to prohibition of drum beating When Amritlala Thakur , undertaken by the Congress for untouchables and forbate to Acharya Harihar Das and leaders. Though Gopabandhu take beef etc. In 1923 one Laxminarayan Sahu visited was served with a notice of Mina Goura was outcaste by Harijan localities of Sambalpur 144, the moment he reached his caste men as he had touched and Jharsuguda in 1936 they Jharsuguda, a conference was the Gandas and had used pan were satisfied with the work st organized on 21 January supari (betel) from his hands. undertaken in the area. under the presidentship of A meeting was convened on Mohan Birtia, where the The Lahore session of 18th October, 1923 at his message of Gopabandhu Das Congress in December, 1929 native village Panchapara, was read out. adopted the creed of Purna where about 200 Gandas were Swaraj. The Congress decided The Khadi and assembled. The Gandas asked to observe 26 January, 1930 as Charkha movement attracted the better class Hindus to follow the Purna Swaraj Day all over many members of the the example of Mina Goura and India. The day was observed depressed classes into the fold. remove untouchability. The non with all enthusiasm in the Many Gandas (Harijan) cooperators like Laxminarayan district. With the beginning of enrolled themselves as Mishra and Bhagirathi Pattnaik the salt campaign in March 12, congress members. They were attended the meeting and raised 1930, the Civil Disobedience moved by the spirit of the their voice against untoucha- Movement was started. Four Khadi. A Ganda named bility. The anti untouchability batches of Satyagrahis were Kastaram Tanti took part movement gained ground in a sent by the Satyagraha actively in organizing the Khadi big way. Subsequently a Harijan committee of Sambalpur to and Charkha in rural areas. He home came at the village defy the British laws and to was well supported by Panchapara at the initiative of prepare counter band salt at Sukharam Tanti, Kaidram Tanti Laxminarayan Mishra. In 1935 different places of the coastal and others. even a sum of Rs.728.00 was districts of Orissa, Mahavir Social movements did sanctioned by the Provincial Sing and others toured a not lag behind in Jharsuguda Harijan Sangha for utilization to number of villages and

60 August - 2010 Orissa Review collected a group of volunteers from the society. An amount of Dubey also visited Jharsuguda for the movement. The people Rs.405/- was collected for the in June 1938 and urged the of Jharsuguda accorded warm welfare of the Harijans. No people to get rid of their mind ovation to those Satyagrahis on doubt, the coming of Gandhiji of provincialism and to keep in reaching Jharsuguda, from was a great boost to the view the goal of complete where they proceeded by train. Congress leaders and workers independence. During this With the arrest of important of Jharsuguda area for period, Laxminarayan Mishra leaders, the civil disobedience sustaining the movement against could propagate successfully movement could not get much the British. the Congress creed among the momentum. However from For popularizing the masses of the area, for which August 1932, the programme Congress work, the leaders of he received recognition and was revived in a big way. the Congress arranged a appreciation of the provincial Kastaram Ganda worked Peasant Conference at congress leaders of Orissa. It vigorously along with other Jharsuguda. A meeting was was at his initiatives in March political workers under convened on 5th May 1937 1938 an Exhibition of Charkha Mahavir Sing. Leaflets were under the presidentship of B.M. was held at the village Talpatia distributed in the market of Joshi for preparation of the and resolutions were passed to Talpatia, near Jharsuguda. coming conferences. A remove untouchability between These leaflets were published reception committee was different classes of the Harijans, from the Revolution Bulletin formed for the purpose with to open a cotton Depot at Press, Cuttack and it incited the Bodhram Doube as the Talpatia, to move the public to boycott foreign chairman. The district Political Government to include the goods, British clothes and held conference and peasant Harijans amongst the panchas out a threat to picket the shops th conference were held at etc. On 17 May 1939 under of those who were dealing in Jharsuguda on 9th and 10th may the leadership of Sradhakar British goods. Kastaram and 1937. The conferences were Supkar, a Political conference Mahavir Sing were arrested attended by congress stalwarts was held in the village of and persecuted. like Rabisankar Sukla of Telenpali under Jharsuguda The civil disobedience Raipur, Biswanath Das of police station. The Congress movement was withdrawn in Ganjam, Harekrishna Mahtab leaders remind the people to May 1934. Gandhi of Cuttack, Abdul Rauf of present a united front against commenced his Harijan tour in Raipur and others. These the oppression of the Orissa in May, 1934. Gandhiji conferenes in fact went a long Government. along with Laxminarayan Sahu way to boost moral of the The district did not lag and Rajkrushna Bose reached Congress workers. behind in the Quit India Jharsuguda at first and travelling Harekrishana Mahatab and Movement. On 14 July 1942, through Sambalpur, Angul Biswanath Das the first Chief the Congress Working reached Puri. Gandhiji was well Minister of Orissa visited Committee passed the quit received by the people at Jharsuguda on 20th and 24th India resolution, which was Jharsuguda and emphasized the October 1937 respectively and endorsed by the All India need to remove untouchability addressed the public. Bodhram Congress Committee which met

August - 2010 61 Orissa Review in Bombay on 7th August 1942. Jharsuguda under the It is often argued that On August 8, 1942, the police presidentship of Nandakishore India’s freedom struggle was arrested Gandhi, Azad and all Das who happened to be the basically a middle class other eminent leaders of the president of Utkal Provincial movement, and confined to Congress. Hartals were Congress Committee. This urban centers and elite group, organized in protest against the meeting was attended by But at a glance at the arrest of congress leaders in stalwarts like Biswanath Das developments in the district Bombay. Shri Bihariram Tanti and Malati Choudhury where amply reflects that the national and Sukhdev Prasad of the leaders exhorted the people movement became a Jharsuguda were arrested for to fight unitedly for complete movement of the people. The having joined the movement of independence of India. Fakir illiterate, the poorest, the lowest 1942. Pandit Laxminarayan Satpathy organized a labour and lowly living in remote Mishra who had been to movement under the Congress villages came forward in a big Bombay to attend the meeting Flag and convened a meeting way to oppose the British rule of All India Congress of labours on 8 July, 1947 in to make India free. It is Committee was arrested on his the Mazdoor Sangh office of heartening to see that the way back to Sambalpur. the Congress and pledged to peasants, workers, the tribal However, the movements in the fight for the amelioration of their and the common people of the area was sporadic. Sri Durga grievances. area actively participated in the Prasad Guru, a Congress movement for which the leader actively participated in With the passing of movement could be a fighting the cause of the orient India Independence Bill there successful one. paper mills at Jharsuguda. The was a great enthusiasm in the Quit India day was observed district. In the freedom on 9th August at Sambalpur and movement not only the male Jharsuguda. On August 18, leaders but also a number of 1942 students of Jharsuguda females contributed to the cause and in this aspect the observed a hartal. No much Dr. Byomakesh Tripathy is a activity is reported during name of Tulasi Devi, Umarani Professor, PG Dept. of History, 1943-46. On June 1947, a Guha, Sabitaben Joshi and Rajiv Gandhi Central University, political conference was held at many other are noteworthy. Itanagar.

62 August - 2010 Orissa Review

Odisha such as Bharat Shri during civil disobedience Mahamandal in 1910, Bengal movement. Salt Satyagrahis A Gallant Mahila Samiti in 1930, like Sarala Devi and Malati (established by Saroj Nalini Devi paid an extensive visit to Freedom Dutta) Women’s India the remote villages of Ganjam association in 1917, Seva district. The main purpose was Fighter Sadana by Mrs Ramabati to raise funds and increase the Ranade at Poone. number of Satyagrahis. Being Champa Devi Like all other parts of inspired by these activities one India women in large number Odiya woman known as of also participated in Champa Devi joined the National movement. Chittaranjan Mishra national movement. Gandhiji visited Berhampur town in Early Life: 1921 and addressed a massive “The impatience of some sisters On 23rd March 1903 rally at its barracks ground. A to join the good fight is to me a Champa Devi was born at special and separate meeting healthy sign. In this non-violent Ambapua near Berhampur. for Odiya women were warfare, contribution should be Her father was Yudhisthir organized by the Congress Padhy and mother was Aparti much greater than men’s. To leaders, in which M.K. Gandhi call women, the weaker sex, is Devi. She was given marriage gave courage and inspiration to liable. If by strength is meant to Krushna Mohana Padhy of Odiya women to participate in moral power, the women are Dura near Gopalpur of Ganjam National movement. It had been immeasurably men’s superior.” district. But they used to stay seen for the first time that Odiya at Manjusha, as her father in M.K.Gandhi women came out of the four law Harihara Padhy was a Emergence of walls of the house to attend a priest of the Jagannath temple M.K.Gandhi in Indian Politics public meeting by breaking the of Manjusha. To her misfortune ushered a new era in the history age old tradition like “Asuryam her husband faced a of India and with discovery of Pashya” (indoor life). As a prematured death and she a new weapon like “non- result in 1924 first Odiya became widow at the age of violence” passive resistance women’s association was nineteen. formed at Berhampur town, all gave new spirit to the freedom Participation in Freedom fighters. This weapon which Orissa women’s conference Struggle: could be easily handled by men was organized at Cuttack and and women, the rich and the first women’s educational In course of time she poor, the learned and the conference was organized by came under the influence of ignorant, attracted large Sailabala Das at Cuttack in Jayamangala Ratha, Rama number of women to participate 1928. Devi, Sarala Devi and Kuntala in the freedom struggle of India. In Odisha a hundred Kumari Sabat and left home by Again the gallant leadership of and thousands of women breaking all restrictions of a Mrs Annie Besant gave played important roles as orthodox Brahmin family with strength, courage and orators, picketeers, and her only female child (daughter) inspiration to Indian Women. leaders. They gladly accepted Sakuntala to join the freedom As a result of which a number all type of challenges and struggle. First she went to of women’s organizations were hardships on the way of Baleswar and stayed there for established in different places of freedom struggle in 1930 some years. During Civil

August - 2010 63 Orissa Review

Disobedience Movement she 1957 she established her third ornaments to Orissa Congress participated in salt satyagraha. orphanage at Babajitata street of Committee and rest of the There she established an Berhampur, later on it was ornaments were sold and spent orphanage. But due to some shifted to the place of present for the orphans stayed in the management disturbances the Geeta Bhabana which was orphanage of Kendupadara, orphanage was closed within a inaugurated by H.K.Mahatab. near Phulbani. So in her last life very short period. In the In her last life she selected tribal she was in economic hardship. meanwhile she gave her dominated district Phulbani as a To her misfortune she was daughter marriage at Puri. Then suitable place for social work. suffering from mouth cancer she returned to Berhampur and She entered into Phulbani town and shifted to Cutack medical continued her activities of social in 1964 with her two grand sons for treatment. There, she was service. (Binaya and Bijaya) and one under treatment for seven to In 1942, the last phase grand daughter (Geetanjali). For eight months. As there was no of freedom struggle launched some days she paid a visit to symptom of any improvement Purunakatak of present Boudh of her health she returned back by Indian National Congress rd after adoption of the resolution District to render social service to Phulbani. Lastly on 3 of the Quit India Movement on to the local people. But after March 1977 she passed away 07.08.1942 in Bombay some months she returned back from this world leaving behind Session. The British to Phulbani town. She stayed for some memorable footprints in Government declared all the the first time at Contractorpada, the history of Freedom struggle. then shifted to Amalapada and Congress organizations illegal. References : All frontline leaders were at last spent her rest of the life at th arrested and put behind the bar. Forest Colony in a rented house. 1. , 8 May 1930 In many regions of Odisha local At Kendupadara near Phulbani 2. Sharma Binakumari – leaders took the leadership of she established an orphanage Swadhinata sangramare Quit India Movement and which was inaugurated by the utkaliya Nari spearheaded it. Champa Devi then RDC V.S. Mathews with 3. Personal discussion with Sri was one of them who continued the presence of Kailash Mishra Bijaya Ch Mishra, grandson of the movement at Berhampur the then Collector (1972-74). Champa Devi (Berhampur) and its peripheries under her Later on it was undertaken by 4. Personal discussion with Sri able leadership. At last she the government and named as Nabeen Ch Padhy, distant came to the range of the sight Gapabandhu Balashram. relative grandson in law of Presently it is under the control Champa Devi (Phulbani) of British Government and was th arrested. She was behind the of DSW, Phulbani. On 15 5. Pesonal discussion with bar of Bhanjanagar jail for eight August 1972 she was invited to Raghunath Ratha (Prabandhika and Gabesaka, month in the year 1945. New Delhi on the eve of the Silver Jubilee celebration of BAliguda) Period of Social Work : Independence Day, and was 6. Orissa review – August 1999 After her release from rewarded as a freedom fighter issue (Page 10-30) Bhanjanagara Jail, she stayed at by Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the then 7. Personal discussion with Badadhoba street and Prime Minister. Mahadev Sahoo, Ex- journalist, Phulbani. established an orphanage there. Last Days : But it was also closed like Baleswar orphanage due to During Civil Disobe- Chitaranjan Mishra is a Lecturer management disturbance. In dience Movement she donated in History, Panchayat College some of her gold and Silver Phiringia, Kandhamal.

64 August - 2010 Orissa Review

birth is known as tribals are mouth of the bear. The bear never careful about recording being afraid of the blow ran Sandi Sabar these. Nilakantha was the first away into forest and child of the couple. Bairu was disappeared. of Kujendri : the Gamang or chief of his When she was village. As such Nilakantha and nineteen, she had to look after A Little Sandi were brought up with some minor household works great care in accordance with and helped her parents. She Known Tribal the tribal system. As there were had to graze cattle and goats in no educational facilities, Sandi the nearby jungle. She also Lady Freedom was illiterate. Since her helped her parents in planting childhood she was brave, seedings, weeding etc. in Fighter fearless and simple in character. agricultural seasons and also She had a pleasant personality helped them in fetching fire and was liked by all, Raghunath Rath wood and water. She also took irrespective of age and sex. part in community feasting and The following story is dancing. Thus she was leading an evidence of her bravery. In a tribal way of life till the young Till she was nineteen, she never the last week of February 1940, Satyagrahi Biswanath's arrival dreamt that she would be a Sandi, with other women of the at Kujendri. village went to collect mahua soldier in the country's freedom I would like to mention flower from the forest at the struggle nor had she heard a few words about Biswanath foothills near their village. They about India's independence Pattnaik unless the episode of had started early in the morning, movement. She was leading a Sandi could not be understood. and as they followed their sparse life surrounded with Biswanath Pattnaik (1916) regular pattern of each one illiteracy, ill health, malnutrition born at village Kumarada near choosing a particular tree. and hunger like her fellow Digapahandi in Ganjam district. When Sandi went near her tribals. Her wake up call came At the age of seventeen he chosen tree she saw a bear when she met Biswanath joined as a social worker and eating mahua flower. The bear Pattnaik who had arrived at the was influenced by Acharya soon turned and lurched scene at Kujendri in the last part Harihar. He had rendered his towards her with the intention of January 1940. It was after services at the car festival of Sri of harming her. The quick this meeting that she Jagannath at Puri by serving the witted Sandi gathered her discovered the soul within her cholera affected people in the courage and picked up a long and set on the path of a year 1934. On the way back wooden sal pole lying nearby revolutionary. from Puri, he enlisted his name and chased the bear. Sandi was born to in the Congress as a four anna Bairu Gamang and Lujuri as When the bear member at Berhampur and their second child in the first half attacked her opening his mouth, purchased a Charkha (spinning of 1922. No exact date of her Sandi pushed the pole into the wheel) and cotton. From that

August - 2010 65 Orissa Review day onwards he would spin Biswanath and were influenced Rama Devi saw Sandi there and cotton thread and wore only by his personality. expressed her eagerness to get khadi cloth. Biswanath single her trained at the Bari Ashram. He enrolled for getting handedly without seeking any Later Acharya Harihar training to be a Satyagrahi at the body's help started cleaning the and Prana Krushna Padhiary Ashram at Bari which was village streets from the very reached Kujendri to encourgae founded by Sri Gopabandhu next morning. He talked to the Biswanath and give him Choudhury and mother Rama people and asked them to encouragement for the good Devi in the year 1938 and cultivate cotton and to spin work that he was doing. On the completed his training in 1939. thread and weave Khadi. He 2nd of October 1941 they He was then engaged in some also convinced them not to buy accompnied Biswanath along official work at the Bari Ashram. dhotis and sarees made in the with some Sauras and Doms In the beginning of 1941 he mills. Biswanath propagated and went to the Radha Krishna was directed by his guru among the tribals Mahatma temple for woership and to Gopabandhu Choudhury to go Gandhi's doctrines and his eradicate untouchability. This to Gunupur, now in Rayagada work for the independence of time too Sandi was given charge district, for extension of cotton India. In his free hours he to gather women from the cultivation and to promote the started teaching tribal boys and Saura and Dom communities. Khadi programme. girls. He toured extensively in She successfully managed her the tribal villages. Gradually the Biswanath stepped responsibility and helped in tribals started to believe into Gunupur on the first eradicating untouchability in the Biswanath and acted according fortnight of January 1941 and area. to his direction. The Saura stayed with Prahallad Panigrahi tribals cultivated improved To fulfil the wish of a prominent Congress worker cotton seeds and yielded a Rama Devi, Sandi was anxious and manager of the Khadi Sale good harvest that year. Sandi to go to Bari. Hence she Centre. Prahallad Panigrahi was leader among tribal women prepared herself. Bhagaban convinced Bairu Gamang to for cultivation and spinning Senapati a Congress worker of give shelter to Biswanath. thread and Biswanath being village Gulumunda donated her Accordingly on the last Sunday supported by the Sauras a mat worth of Rs.2.00. Then of January 1941 Biswanath established some country Sandi wore a Khadi saree and proceeded to San kujendri with looms for weaving Khadi. started for Bari with Biswanath Bairu Gamang. Doms were the traditional Pattnaik. They travelledf by the Biswanath reached weavers of that area. He narrow gauge railway line from San Kujendri at sunset and trained some Sauras in the Gunupur to Nuapada and then stayed on the verandah of Bairu weaving technology with the by broad gauge rail line to and took his food prepared in help of a Dom. Nilakantha and Haridaspur. They then went to the kitchen of the tribal family. Sandi also learned weaving Bari by foot. At Bari, Sandi was Nilakantha and Sandi also from him. The Sauras prepared renamed as Shanti and took up served him. The family of Bairu khadi themselves. After some vigourous training for six were soon greatly involved with time on the way to , months. She learned to spin

66 August - 2010 Orissa Review cotton thread, weaving, an enquiry into the Kujendri Bairu was standing on a cleaning of village to eradicate matter. platform holding another flag in untouchability to speak truth all On receipt of the his hand. The Collector shouted the time, believe in non-violence enquiry report from the Sub- his orders to tear the flags. All etc. She also learned Oriya and Divisional Magistrate, of a sudden Sandi and about was soon able to read and Rayagada, the Collector of twenty young women rushed write. She also learned the Koraput programmed a visit to towards the flag post and ashram way of life, prayers in Gunupur. In order to threaten surrounded it in a circle, joining morning and evening, flag songs the Sauras he chalked out a hands with each other. Another as well as leading a routine and plan for a show of strength. The circle was made by the elder simple life. Collector gathered together a ladies which covered the first circle. They were determined On returning to party consisting of himself, to protect the flag in exchange Kujendri she become a role some armed police and forest of their lives. model and torch bearer among employees, a few powerful the Saura women of her area. Sahukars, some persons of the About two hundred She vigorously acted to royal family, prominent money Sauras observed the situation propagate the constructive lenders and a few non-tribal sitting on the verandas of the work that she had learnt at Bari Oriya landlords. The party street. All of them were Ashram among the tribals and walked on foot from Bamunihat prepared as they had covered soon became the leader of to Kujendri, except for the themselves with winter clothing tribal women. Collector, who rode on a and held weapons hidden horse. inside. During his stay at Kujendri, Biswanath taught flag On the other hand The women encircled songs to the inhabitants of the Sauras too had made their the flag post and danced village and used to hoist the programme to protest the vigorously singing the song Congress flag every morning Collector's visit. It was decided "Jhanda ucha rahen hamara." and ritually get it down in the that on the appointed day The Collector silently observed evening. All the inhabitants were Biswanath would remain the situation and looking at the accustomed to his flag hoisting. absent at Kujendri. Bairu tense situation decided not to During the absence of Gamang, his son Nilakantha take any action then and there. and daughter Sandi would play He led the party to the lower Biswanath, the tribals the main role with the other primary school to take rest, as continued to hoist the flag villagers putting up their efforts. they were tired after the long without any interruption. This walk. From there the Collector news reached the ears of the On the appointed day and his party returned without Collector of Koraput Mr. in the first part of July 1942 the taking any action. Willcock. He ordered the Sub- Collector and his party arrived Divisional Magistrate, at Kujendri and noticed that a On 9th August 1942 at Rayagada, who was also an Congress flag was flying on the Bombay, Gandhiji called for the English man and the Taluk flag post in middle of the street "Quit India Movement." He Magistrate, Gunupur to cause and a person named Jhandu instructed all Congress workers

August - 2010 67 Orissa Review

"do or die" for the independence On the fixed date protestors were called to the of the country. Many high level many tribals gathered at police station and after Congress leaders were arrested Kujendri. About two hundred detention for some time they and put behind bars. Radha men and fifty women assembled were allowed to go. All the Krushna Baswasray from to go in a procession. The Satyagrahis were released from Koraput had attended procession marched towards the Police Station at sunset. As Gandhiji's Quit India meeting at Gunupur. The procession was it was late, they all stayed back Bombay. When he returned led by Jhandu Bairu who was at Gunupur for the night. from Bombay, he was arrested walking with a Congress flag. The next morning the at Sunki in Koraput district. Sandi too led the women, procession went to the nearby Biswanath got a letter from holding a flag in her hands. villages and propagated the Radha Krushna Biswasray on Many tribals followed, shouting words of Gandhiji and the 12th August 1942, where slogans against the British independence. Likewise they the facts were narrated. Government and Raja of moved around different villages Jeypore. Biswanath was for four to five days and then On receipt of the letter leading the mob and the whole Biswanath prepared some hand returned to Kujendri. They process was one of non- were sent to Koraput Jail as written pamphlets and sent violence. The mob made its them to each and every village they were found guilty under way from Sankujendri to British Law. in the Gunupur region. He also Gunupur and on the way fixed a date for launching of passed through Kaithapadar. After Biswanath's Satyagraha. He held discussions Badakujendri, Lachhapa, arrest, there was no one to with the people and told them Gulumunda, Paaka and instruct Sandi. On her own that they should join the Quit Panasguda. Many men and initiative, Sandi organised India Movement even at the women from these villages Saura women of twenty five cost of being put in jail or being joined the procession villages around Kujendri and shot in police firing. But he also spontaneously. Gradually the trained them in spinning thread. promised them that after strength of the procession It is known that nearly 1500 independence, the tribals would increased and the crowd was spinning wheels were at regular not be harrased by the more than three hundred work towards the end of 1942. employees of the Raja or the persons when they reached the From 1942 to 1945 Sandi British Government. They bank of the river Bansadhara. dedicated herself to village reconstruction work. would be able to live in peace The procession according to their own accord, crossed the river by boats and Sandi was against Bethi and veti will be stopped. entered Gunupur town. They getting married till 1945. When Hearing the words of travelled through each street of asked by the village elders, she Biswanath many Sauras the town shouting anti replied that her work was not willfully agreed to join in the government slogans. The local yet done, and she would movement. They decided on a police had been given consider getting married only date for launching the instructions not to obstruct the after the country get its movement. procession. Later the independence. However she

68 August - 2010 Orissa Review succumbed to the pressure and Madhusudan resigned from his struggle in Kujendri area. Due agreed for marriage. government service and to her constant effort Saura Prahallad Panigrahi contested the elections as a women used to spin and were had suggested a proposal to candidate for Orissa Legislative made aware about independence Bairu. The boy was Madhu Assembly in the first election and participation in 1942 Quit Sabar of village Khilipadar. held on 1952. He could not India Movement. She took part Madhu was then serving in succeed in election. After in the freedom struggle for a P.W.D Office, Nabarangpur. resigning from service Madhu short span from 1941 to 1946. Bairu with some of his relatives resided at Kujendri and But within that short period she went to Nabarangpur and worked as a teacher. On 27th attracted the attention of many discussed with Madhu and later November 1954 Sandi gave state leaders like Gopabandhu Madhu also came to Kujendri birth her second son Nandan. Choudhury, Rama Devi, Naba talked with Sandi. They were After delivery she suffered from Babu, Acharya Harihar and both willing and the marriage profuse bleeding which could many others due to her sheer was solemnised in the last part not stopped and she breathed dedication. She will be ever of 1946. After marriage Sandi her last on the 28th November remembered among the few went to stay at Nabarangpur 1954. Thus ended the life of a tribal lady soldiers of freedom with her husband. Her first son great soul. struggle for her selfless work. Balakrishna was born at Sandi was a freedom Nabarangpur. Then fighter who never imprisoned. Madhusudan was transferred But when Biswanath and others Raghunath Rath lives at to Koraput. They stayed at remained in Jail, she shouldered Panasapadi, Baliguda - 762103, Koraput till 1951. all the responsibility of freedom Kandhamal.

August - 2010 69 Orissa Review

in the forms of resistance, were completely suppressed protest and rebellion against the by the British. authorities, only when a foreign The freedom struggle in trading company began to rule Early Phase of Orissa began immediately after through exploitation and the British occupation of it in Freedom opposed them socio- 1803 mainly in the form of psychologically. In the true armed resistance to the newly Movement in sense of the term, the raising of established political system. voices was to be treated as This movement mostly between Orissa freedom struggle of the people, 1803-1895 was regional in which was a part of the national character occasioned by the struggle. Kalayan Kumar Panda reactions of the people against From the recorded the imposition of foreign rule on history of Orissa’s freedom them causing them extreme struggle it is known that people In 1568 A.D. Orissa lost her hard-ship in different spheres. of different categories in Orissa Independence after the defeat participated actively as well as The first Rising in early and death of Mukundadeva, th passively in different phases of 19 century was seen in the last Hindu king of Orissa. the freedom struggle. The 18th Paralakhemundi. As the The feudal organization that had century saw the first phase of supporters of the Raja broke prevailed in Orissa broke down Rising against the alien powers into rebellion, the British at last and the peasant militia of northern and southern authorities had to yield to the was crippled. The Muslims then Orissa. In northern Orissa, the people’s will of being ruled by ruled this land till 1751 A.D. Raja of Mayurbhanja was a their own Raja. In the when the administrative powerful ruler. He resisted the Ghumusar rebellion of 1801, responsibility of Orissa was authority of the English Raja Srikara Bhanja was shifted to the control of the company strongly. In southern dethroned and the local Marathas of Nagpur. At last, Orissa, the district of Ganjam battalion called Sibundies were during the Governor- came under the formal disbanded in 1803 after Generalship of Lord Wellesley, possession of the English in considerable disturbances the long cherished desire of the 1765 by a farman of the since they all revolted against British to occupy Orissa was Mughal emperor. The Raja of the British. In the second phase fulfilled in October, 1803 A.D. th Ghumusar gave first resistance of the 19 century, in as a part of the treaty after the to the European authorities. In Ghumusar, the Kandhas and second Anglo-Martha war. 1767-68, Raja Narayan Dev of Savaras of the zamindari rose The people of Orissa, Paralakhemundi rebelled up against the British under the both non-tribals and tribals against the British. But leadership of Dora Bisoi. The woke up from their slumber insurrectionary activities chief aim of the revolt was for from the 16th century till the continued in Ghumusar and restoration of native rule of beginning of the 19th century Paralakhemundi till the middle Ghumusar. Dora Bisoi carried and began to raise their voice of the 19th century when they on this resistance movement till

70 August - 2010 Orissa Review he was imprisoned by the The first ‘spark of the people. In 1827, Madhab British in 1837 A.D. Thereafter rising’ at Khurda on 29th Samantray, the Dalabehera of he was sent away to Ooty near March, 1817 was popularly Tapangagarh, rebelled against Madras where he died as a known as the Paik Rebellion as the British with the active state prisoner sometime after, only the Paiks or a kind of support of the people. At last leaving behind a glorious legacy militia under the local rulers rose he was imprisoned but of brave and resolute struggle as a body against the British subsequently released as the against the British. authority. It was led by Buxi authorities apprehended In 1804, the Rajas of Jagabandhu Bidyadhar disturbances again in khurda. Khurda, Kujanga and Kanika Bhramarbar Ray Mahapatra or The spirit of insurrection spread rose against the British Buxi Jagabandhu, the to the neighboring areas like authority. The Prime mover of commander of the troops of the Banpur, Daspalla and this rising was the minor Raja Raja of Khurda. His chief Nayagarh. The Kandhs of of Khurda, Mukundadeva II. associate was Krushna Banpur along with the Panas But the real leader was Jaee Chandra Bhramarbar Ray. launched their struggle under the (Jayakrushna) Rajaguru, the They were assisted by the leadership of Krutibas Patsani dewan and guardian of the Raja kandhs, savaras, panas and and others. of Khurda and the chief other tribal people of Banpur, Under Chakra Bisoi, architect of this anti-British Nayagarh, Boudh and Daspalla the tribal freedom struggle got design. The rising was ruthlessly and were encouraged by some a new lease of life and continued suppressed and an exemplary zamindars and supported by a at least for two decades from punishment was given to Jayee few Garjat chiefs. The rising 1837 to 1856. His rebellion Rajaguru. He was hanged to manifested general feelings of was also spread into various death in 1805 and became the discontent and disaffection first martyr of Orissa during parts of Orissa with among the people of Orissa. British regime who had spontaneous patriotic feelings The genuine personal inflinching devotion to the cause and fervour. The long years of grievances of Buxi Jagabandhu of the motherland. With his fall, his resistance to the British provided the spark to the the last ray of hope for the Government in the hilly areas is freedom of Khurda from the explosive situation and served as the immediate cause of the a landmark in the history of British control was extinguished heroic struggle by an individual and the historic fort of Khurda rebellion of 1817. He, thus, carved the vengeance at the first against the mighty British also lost its importance, and power. He remained as one of came to be recognized as the opportunity. The rising was suppressed but the those rare men who had left last independent and important behind him a romantic tale of fort of Orissa. The idea of insurrectionary activities of the inextinguishable patriotism and revenge got printed in the insurgents in other areas extra-ordinary bravery in the minds of the people of Khurda continued on certain terms and annals of history. which afterwards culminated in conditions. He died at Cuttack the open revolt by the people on 24th January, 1829. His The Great Rising of in 1817, the first of its kind in failure, however, does not 1857 triggered off at Meerut on Orissa against the British. tarnish his image as a leader of 10th May, 1857 and it spread

August - 2010 71 Orissa Review to other states including Orissa. the Secretary to the Chief- very clear from his letter written Sambalpur in Orissa was the Commissioner of the Central from Gaya to his brother at most troublesome and Provinces reported, “The Puri. However, in course of dangerous place which came Sambalpur district was perhaps time, in local tradition he was under the British suzerainty after the very last district in India in depicted as a great fighter. which embers of disturbances the death of the Bhonsale Raja The second half of the of 1857 were finally stamped of Nagpur during the Third 19th Century witnessed a few out.” Maratha War. The great patriot armed resistances of the people and rebel hero of Orissa who In August 1857, Rama against the British. Within a actively participated in the Great Krushna Samant Singhar, the decade after the mutiny, there Rising of 1857 was Surendra ex-Zamindar of Balia in Jajpur occurred two noteworthy Sai, the rebal hero of area, was reported to have incidents like the ‘Naanka Sambalpur, who revolted organized the Khandaits under Fituri’ of Khurda and the against in the British rule for his banner to rise against the ‘Keonjhar Meli’ which were seven long years, while in India British as the Company’s rule the direct effects of the great it collapsed in 1858. was about the cease. The famine of 1866 in Orissa. In Sambalpur, insurgent leaders were arrested on the charge of evil designs In May 1866, the Surendra Sai rose against the people of Khurda under the British during and after 1857. and seditious conduct but afterwards released after the leadership of Narayan Rightly, Surendra Sai roused Harichandan rose against the the sentiments of his beloved declaration of amnesty by the British Government. British as they were hard-hit by tribal followers who the great famine of 1866. Since ungrudgingly helped him. Many Chakhi Khuntia alias the situation became grave, the Zamindars and common people Chandan Hajuri, a ‘Sepoy Government deployed Police of Sambalpur supported him in Panda’ of Puri by profession, force to suppress it. By 1867 1857 against the rigorous took active part in anti-British the situation came under control administrative measures of the activities being the guru and and the rebelling leaders fled to Britishraj in Orissa. Surendra family priest of the great leader the neighbouring garjats to take Sai was directly involved in this of the Rising of 1857, Rani shelter. agitation. The rising, however, Laxmibai of Jhansi and as such, came to an end with the arrest he was probably in some In Keonjhar the tribals of his followers on 23rd January, northern military cantonment like the Bhuyans, Juangs and 1864. Finally, he died in the when the Great Rising of 1857 the Kolhas having been prison of Asirgarh near Nagpur broke out. He was arrested on oppressed socio-economically on 28th February, 1864. “If a suspicion in Bihar but as there and deprived of their political patriot is a man who plots and was no proof of his involvement and traditional rights, started a fights for the independence, in the revolt, he was released long-term struggle against their wrongfully, destroyed, of his by the authorities at Gaya. The feudal chief as well as the native Country, then most rumour of his death in north British overlord in 1867 and certainly Surendra Sai was a India during the period of the 1868. The leader of the adivasis great patriot.” In this connection mutiny was false and it became was Ratna Naik. Since the

72 August - 2010 Orissa Review situation was aggravated and teachers supported with firmness by the British took a serious turn, the British Dharanidhar Naik in this rising. authorities. Thus the tribals in authorities requisitioned troops It was, in fact, a unique event Orissa showed the way to the from Bengal, Chhotnagpur and in the history of the freedom posterity how to fight against the tributary mahals of Orissa struggle in Orissa. Raja the aliens. In true sense of the to suppress the rising. At last in Dhanurjaya Bhanja of term, the tribals were the 1868, Ratna Naik and his six Keonjhar fled to Cuttack to harbingers of that great mission associates were sacrificed for seek the help of the in the 20th century. the cause. Though the first Commissioner. Police force Thus ended the phase of the rising ended were sent to suppress the rising. resistance movement in Orissa abruptly because of inhuman Dharanidhara was captured which happened to be a acts of suppression and even and was imprisoned for seven landmark in the history of the hanging to death, the struggle years. Later on, he was freedom struggle in Orissa. The showed a path to the future released and led the life of a movement was mostly regional generation who revived the saint and began to preach his in character and hence cannot movement two decades after. philosophy. be called as National Freedom The second phase of In the last decade of Struggle. But as it affected the struggle in Keonjhar in the 19th century and particularly different parts of Orissa against 1890 under the leadership of between 1893 and 1895, the the establishment of British rule, Dharanidhar Naik, a Bhuyan last act of resistance movement it can be taken to be the by birth, lasted for 5 years. The by the Kandhs was seen at beginning of the end of the rising aimed at abolishing Bethi Nayagarh, Ranapur, British administration in Orissa and other oppressive systems Khandapara and Dasapalla in future. of excaction. The Bhuyans, the demanding a change in the Juangs, and the Kolhas of administration and of the ruler, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanja and who was a tyrant and corrupt. Pallahara joined the struggle. Their rising gradually became Kalyan Kumar Panda is a Lecturer Interestingly, some of the non- violent and uncontrollable. in History, Banamalipur College, tribals particularly some school However, it was suppressed Banamalipur, Khurda-752103.

August - 2010 73 Orissa Review

impact on the minds of the old and frail, entered the fray Role of Indian people as the Rani of at its thickest. Kamala Nehru, Jhansi, Lakshmi Bai. She was married to Jawaharlal Nehru in the second wife of the ruler of 1916, participated in various Women in Jhansi Raja Gangadhar Rao movements, led the Civil who protested against the Disobedience Movement. She India’s ‘Doctrine of Lapse’. She played a prominent part in refused to surrender Jhansi and organizing the No Tax Struggle For fought bravely attired as a male Campaign in the United during the Revolt of 1857 and Provinces (Now Uttar Freedom died in the battle field fighting Pradesh). Jawaharlal Nehru’s the British forces. Her courage sister Vijay Laxmi Pandit Siddhartha Dash inspired many Indians to rise entered the Non- Cooperation against the alien rule. Movement. She was The entire history of the imprisoned thrice in connection freedom movement is replete Another woman whom with the Civil Disobedience with the saga of bravery, we remember in this context Movement in 1932, 1941 and sacrifice and political sagacity was Hazrat Mahal Begum. She 1942. In 1937 she was elected of hundreds and thousands of was the wife of the deposed to the provincial legislature of women of our country. Their ruler of who actively the United Provinces and was participation in the struggle took part in the revolt of 1857 designated minister of local self began as early as 1817 when against the Doctrine of Lapse government and public health. Bhima Bai Holkar fought agaist under which Dalhousie wanted She played an important role as the British Colonel Malcolm her to surrender Lucknow. She India’s representative in San and defeated him in guerilla gave stiff resistance. But after Francisco during the first warfare. At a very critical time the fall of Lucknow she escaped meeting of the UN where she for our mother land when the to Kathmandu. challenged the might of the British East India Company British. She was the first Kasturba, the wife of woman to become the was fast expanding its empire Mahatma Gandhi, was one of in India, when Tipu Sultan had President of the United Nations the foremost supporters of the General Assembly. When she been eliminated (1799), the Gandhi’s programmes. One of proud Marathas had been was just 13 years old, Indira the first women to be Gandhi organized a ‘Monkey humbled (1815), Chennamma imprisoned in Transvaal, she the widowed queen of Raja Army’ (Vanar Sena) comprising took part in the Quit India of young teenagers which Malla Sarja frustrated the Movement (1942) and was machinations of British to annex proved her intention to fight for arrested. She died while the independence of her her kingdom Kittore, a tiny imprisoned in Poona. principality in the present country. She joined Congress in 1938 and was imprisoned Belgaum District of Karnataka. Many women of Nehru for 13 months in 1942 by the She fought against the mighty family joined the freedom British army and scored initial movement. The mother of British. She was India’s first and success. Jawaharlal Nehru, Swarup only female prime minister. Four generations of dedication Rani Nehru cheerfully gave her to public causes by the Nehru No other woman husband and children to the family stands out as unique in warrior in the history of India country’s cause and she herself, has made such a powerful the annals of history.

74 August - 2010 Orissa Review

Sarojini Naidu holds Movement and went patriotism, she received praise pride of place among women underground to evade arrest. from the nationalist leaders. She freedom fighters of India. She She edited ‘Inquilab’ a monthly was arrested in 1932 and was responsible for awakening journal of the Indian National released after Indian the women of India. She was Congress. She was awarded Independence. “Rani of the first woman President of the India’s highest civilian award, Nagas” the popular title was Indian National Congress in the Bharat Ratna. bestowed upon her by 1925 at the Kanpur Session. In Jawaharlal Nehru for her 1928, she came to the USA Madam Bhikaji Cama influence and work for the with the message of the non- was influenced by Dadabhai Nagas. violence movement from Naoroji and was a source of Gandhiji. When in 1930, inspiration for Indian youth in Sarojini Naidu’s Gandhi was arrested for a the UK. She unfurled the first daughter Padmaja Naidu protest, Sarojini took the helms National Flag at the devoted herself to the cause of of his movement. In 1931, she International Socialist the nation like her mother. At participated in the Round Table Conference in Stuttgart the age of 21, she entered the Summit, along with Gandhiji (Germany) in 1907, organized national scene and became the and Pundit Malavyaji. She was Free India Society and began joint founder of the Indian also the acting President of the the journal ‘Bande Mataram’ to National Congress of Congress in 1932. In 1942, she spread her revolutionary Hyderabad. She spread the was arrested during the ‘Quit thought. She travelled a lot and message of Khadi and inspired India’ protest and stayed in jail spoke to people about Indians people to boycott foreign for 21 months. She was a gifted Struggling for Independence. goods. She was jailed for poet of the English language She could aptly be called taking part in the “Quit India” and was popularly known as “Mother India’s first cultural movement in 1942. After the Nightingale of India. After representative of USA”. Independence, Padmaja independence, she became the became the Governor of West first ever woman Governor of Kalpana Dutta was Bengal. During her public life an Indian State (Uttar another prominent woman spanning over half a century, she Pradesh). revolutionary leader who was was associated with the Red influenced by the revolutionary Cross. Her service to the nation Aruna played idea of Surya Sen. She joined and especially her humanitarian a leading role during the Quit the Chittagong armoury raids. approach to solve problems, Indian Movement. Her moment Later she joined the Communist will long be remembered. of reckoning came in 1942 Party of India. during the Quit India Sucheta Kriplani was Movement and she rose to Rani Gaidineliu was a an ardent nationalist with occasion. She unfurled the prominent Naga nationalist socialistic orientation. She was National Flag at the Gowalia woman leader from Manipur a close associate of Jai Prakash Tank maidan in Bombay to who took over the movement Narayany who actively signify the commencement of of Naga nationalists against the participated in Quit India the Quit India Movement and British. Her movement was Movement. This St Stephen’s became a legend for thousands active during the Civil educated politician sang Vande of youth that rose to emulate Disobedience Movement to Mataram in the independence her. She became a full time oust the foreigners from session of the Constituent activist in the Quit India Manipur. For her remarkable Assembly on August 15, 1947.

August - 2010 75 Orissa Review

She was a member of redemption of the world. A had also contributed to enrich Constituent Assembly in 1946. famous disciple of Swami India’s age-old heritage and She was general secretary of Vivekananda, Sister Nivedita culture. Indian National Congress from was an Irish lady named Miss Meera Behn and Sarla 1958 to 1960, and Chief Margaret Nobel who arrived in Behn Mahatma Gandhi’s two Minister of from India in January, 1898 in search English daughters helped for 1963 to 1967. of truth. She propagated for the the cause of freedom. Born as cause of India throughout Raj Kumari Amrit Madeliene Slade in England, America and Europe. She she was named Mira Behn by Kaur was a close follower of attended the Benares Congress Gandhiji from 1919 onwards. Mahatma Gandhi. She was a Session in 1905 and supported close disciple and associate of A Congress member, she the . actively participated in the 1930 Gandhiji. She accompanied Salt Satyagraha and the Quit Annie Besant, Irish by Gandhiji to Round Table India Movement. She became birth was a staunch supporter Conference. She did pioneering the first Health Minister in Post- of India’s struggle for freedom. work for social reforms in rural Independent India. She was the She founded the Home Rule areas. founder – President of Indian League in Madras in 1916. She Born as Katherine Council of Child Welfare and also founded the Theosophical Mary Heilaman, she was the founder-member of All India Society of India. She was the named by Mahatma Women’s Conference. President (First Woman Gandhi. She was a great social President) of Indian National worker. She set up an Ashram Smt Kamaladevi Congress for one term at Chattopadhyay was elected at Kausali in the Kumaon Hills Calcutta in 1917. She also of . She went from President of the Youth edited ‘New India’ and Congress in December 1929 village to village helping the ‘Commonwealth’. She had families of political prisoners. and appealed to the National done ample work to formulate Congress leaders to declare She authored a book entitled favorable opinion about the ‘Reviving Our Dying Planet’. Poorna Swaraj as their goal. Indian question in outside On January 26, 1930, world. Even today, India On the auspicious Kamaladevi captured the remembers with gratefulness occasion of the Independence imagination of the entire nation Annie Besant’s immeasurable Day of our country it will be when in a scuffle, she clung to work for the freedom struggle, most befitting on our part to pay the Tricolor in order to protect educational advancement and our respectable homage to all it. Blows rained on her as she social reforms. those brave daughters of stood like a rock to protect the Mira Alphonse, Mother India and to those flag, bleeding profusely. She noble and courageous foreign galvanized the All India universally known as the ‘Mother’ was born in Paris in women who fought and Women’s Conference into a contributed enormously to the dynamic movement. 1878. She came to India in 1914 and met Shri Aurobindo. success of our freedom Beside the hundreds She was the inspirer of struggle and all other nation and thousands of Indian women Auroville, the international town building activities. who dedicated their lives for near Pandicherry. She played India’s freedom, there were an important role in motivating Siddhartha Dash lives at N-4/205, many foreign women who saw women like Annie Besant and IRC Village, Nayapally, in India a hope for the Nellie Sen Gupta. The Mother Bhubaneswar-15

76 August - 2010

Top View