Bengal's Role in Indian Revolution

 

Bengal's Immense contribution In Indian Freedom Struggle

Bengal, also known as the Cultural Capital of India or simply the Hub of all Cultural Traits, has a huge contribution towards the Indian freedom struggle. It has played a significant and multifaceted role in the liberation of India from the British rule.

1. Birthplace of Social Reforms :

The western thoughts and ideas of 'LIBERTY, EQUALITY and FRATERNITY', brought by the British in India had resulted in numerous reform movements taking place in society. Raja Ram Mohan Roy from Bengal, also known as the 'Father of Indian Renaissance', had started reformist movements in the year 1828 that advocated against idol worship, polytheism, caste oppression and social evils like sati, child marriage etc. Pandit Ishwar Chandra Bandopadhyay, popularly known as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar or 'Daya-r-Sagar'(Ocean of kindness), was another social reformer from Bengal, whose notable work was the enactment of Widow Remarriage Act in 1856. He also advocated for the education of women. Then there were other notable social reformers like Debendranath Thakur, Keshab Chandra Sen etc.

2. Birthplace of Indian Nationalism :

Under the British rule in India, it was Bengal which served as the power house of Indian Nationalism. The patriotic songs and slogans of 'Jai Hind', 'Vande Mataram' written by notable lauretes like Dwijendralal Rai, Rabindranath Thakur, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay stirred the patriotic fervour in heart of every Indian. Indian National Association was the first nationalist organization that was founded in Calcutta by Surendranath Banerjee (one of the founding fathers of Indian National Congress) and Anandamohan Bose.

3. Birthplace of Revolution :

Bengal has a rich history of anti-colonialist movement that led the foundations for India's Independence. The first revolutionary groups were organised in 1902 in Midnapore under Jnanendranath Basu and in Calcutta(The Anushilan Samiti) by Pramathnath Mitra, Aurobindo Ghosh, Barindra Kumar Ghosh, Jatindranath Mitra and others.

Later several other Revolutionary groups like Jugantar (by Bagha Jatin, Aurobindo Ghosh), The Bengal Volunteers (by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose), Chhatri Sangha (by Kalyani Das) etc. were also established.

All these groups carried out numerous Revolutionary activities in Bengal, however the most notable among them were The Alipore Bomb conspiracy, The Murder Of Shamsul Alam, The Chittagong armoury Raid, The Corridor warfare (also known as 'Alindo Juddho') in Wrighters Building etc.

4. Intellectual Powerhouse :

Bengal has long been a hotbed of intellectual ferment, nurturing luminaries like Rabindranath Thakur, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Aurobindo Ghosh. These visionary leaders played an instrumental role in shaping the ideological and strategic aspects of India's independence movement. Tagore's poetry and writings inspired a sense of patriotism, while Bose's fiery resolve and daring escape from house arrest to lead the Indian National Army (INA) underscored Bengal's contribution to the military aspect of the struggle.

5. The Salt Satyagraha :

Mahatma Gandhi's historic Salt March in 1930, a watershed moment in India's freedom struggle, also had its roots in Bengal. In 1930, a year before the Salt March, the Civil Disobedience Movement began in Chittagong (now in Bangladesh), where revolutionaries led by Surya Sen attacked police and government targets. This act of defiance had a profound influence on Gandhi's decision to carry out the Salt March, marking the unity of ideologies between Bengal and the larger Indian movement.

6. Resilience Amidst Calamities : 

Bengal's contribution to India's independence was not without its share of hardships. The province faced devastating natural disasters, most notably the Bengal Famine of 1943, which claimed millions of lives. The callous response of the British administration to the famine further fueled the sentiment against colonial rule, galvanizing support for India's independence movement.

The tapestry of India's struggle for independence is woven with the threads of collective efforts from various regions, but Bengal's contribution stands out as particularly significant. Its early nationalist movements, intellectual luminaries, and unyielding resolve have left an indelible mark on India's history. From being the birthplace of revolutionary ideas to providing leadership and inspiration, Bengal played a pivotal role in paving the way for India's freedom. As we commemorate Independence Day, it's crucial to remember and honour the immense sacrifices and dedication of the people of Bengal in shaping the destiny of the nation.