Chapter 1: The Cellular Jail: Saga of Resistance
Introduction: The Harsh Reality of Incarceration
- Treatment of Prisoners: Revolutionaries at the Cellular Jail were labeled as “seditionists” or “anarchists,” rather than political prisoners.
- Worse Conditions: They faced harsher conditions than typical criminals.
- Forms of Punishment:
Floggings
Prolonged confinement in small cells
Use of bar fetters
Handcuffing while standing
Restricted diet
- Severe Punishments: Some inmates were placed in small cages, representing one of the most extreme forms of punishment.
The Cellular Jail: A Distant Fortress
Location:
- Located in Sri Vijaypuram (formerly Port Blair), the primary city of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Approximately 1,000 kilometers from mainland India.
- The jail’s isolated position in the sea made it a key site for imprisoning revolutionary freedom fighters.
Comparison with Other Historical Sites:
Similar facilities during British colonial rule include:
- Robben Island (South Africa)
- Australian Convict Sites (Australia)
- Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, USA), designed based on the Panopticon theory, similar to the Cellular Jail.
Construction of Cellular Jail (1896-1906):
- Built between 1896 and 1906 using prisoner labor.
- Featured a Panopticon design for enhanced surveillance.
- Port Blair, named after Archibald Blair of the British East India Company, was a penal colony established in 1789.
David Barrie: The Cruel Jailer:
- An Irishman, Barrie served as the Head Overseer and Jailer from 1905 to 1919.
- Known for a reign of terror against inmates, especially revolutionaries.
- Inmates were marked with “Class D” (Dangerous) or “PI” (Permanently Incarcerated) badges.
- Strict rules prohibited prisoners from communicating, coupled with inadequate food.
- V.D. Savarkar described Barrie as a despot, aided by warders, tindals, and jamadars, particularly tough Pathans who abused political prisoners for minor infractions.
The Political Prisoners and Their Struggle
Arrival of Political Prisoners (1909):
- In 1909, the first group of political prisoners arrived on the vessel Maharaja from Calcutta.
- This group consisted of revolutionaries convicted in the Alipore Bomb Case.
- On December 15, 1909, they were marched to the Cellular Jail, carrying their bedding and utensils.
- David Barrie addressed them with a chilling speech, asserting his authority: “Do you see me? My name is D. Barrie. I am an obedient servant to the straightforward, but to the crooked, I am four times as crooked. If you disobey me, may God help you, for I certainly will not.”
The Tasks and Labor for Prisoners:
Prisoners were subjected to harsh labor, including:
- Extracting oil from coconuts and mustard seeds using manual methods.
- Husking coconuts and making ropes from coconut fibers.
- The most dreaded task involved grinding oil (Kohlu-plying).
- Prisoners were yoked to the mill handle like bullocks and forced to produce 30 pounds of coconut oil or 10 pounds of mustard oil daily.
- Failure to meet these quotas resulted in beatings and withheld food.
The Resistance Begins: Strikes and Suffering
The First Strike (1911):
- Resistance initiated in 1911 when Nand Gopal, a Punjabi prisoner imprisoned for writing seditious articles, staged a passive protest against Kohlu labor.
- His defiance inspired a broader strike, with prisoners collectively refusing to work.
- Despite facing solitary confinement and harsh punishments, the prisoners remained steadfast.
- The authorities eventually conceded, allowing prisoners to work outside the jail without the requirement to grind oil, marking their first victory.
Suicides and Mental Breakdown (1912):
- By 1912, conditions in the prison had become unbearable for the revolutionaries.
- Indubhushan Roy, overwhelmed by the exhausting labor and humiliation, became the first political prisoner to commit suicide on April 28, 1912.
- Ullaskar Dutta, a cheerful inmate, suffered electric shocks for slowing down during Kohlu labor, leading to his insanity after being dragged along the ground.
- Despite his suffering, Ullaskar remained resolute, stating: “Let them do their worst to our bodies; let us, at least, keep our souls free.”
The Second General Strike (1912):
- The suicide of Indubhushan and Ullaskar’s breakdown prompted a second general strike.
- Prisoners demanded improved food, an end to hard labor, and the freedom to communicate with one another.
- The strike concluded on December 6, 1912, with some concessions made: prisoners were permitted to read books, discuss political matters, and socialize, although labor duties continued.
Ghadarites in Cellular Jail (1915-1917):
- After the Ghadar Movement’s failure in 1915, many conspirators were sent to Cellular Jail, where they endured harsh punishments under Barrie’s regime.
- Notable figures such as Master Chattar Singh and Amar Singh faced years of confinement in cages.
- Sohan Singh Bhakna initiated a hunger strike, which successfully led to Chattar Singh’s release.
- Ram Rakha Sasoli was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Andamans in 1917. Following the removal of his religious Janeu (thread), he began a hunger strike that he sustained until his death.
Revenge of Barrie (Post-1915)
- Increased Oppression: Barrie, angered by the prisoners’ defiance, intensified his oppressive tactics. He often encouraged warders and petty officers to torment the political prisoners.
- Violent Incidents: A notable violent incident occurred when Baba Bhan Singh was severely beaten, ultimately leading to his death from injuries sustained in the hospital.
- Revolutionaries’ Resistance: Despite Barrie’s cruelty, the revolutionaries maintained communication through chits to organize strikes. They initiated a third general strike, during which prisoners faced solitary confinement and harsh punishments.
The End of Barrie’s Tyranny (Post-1917)
- Barrie’s Illness and Departure: By 1917, Barrie became physically ill, which compelled him to leave the Andamans. He boarded a ship, assisted by four individuals, and later died on the mainland.
- Continued Resistance: After Barrie’s departure, prisoners persisted in their resistance efforts, ultimately compelling the British government to announce a general amnesty for political prisoners in 1920.
- Closure of the Cellular Jail: The Cellular Jail was officially shut down, and all remaining political prisoners were repatriated to the Indian mainland by 1921.
Conclusion
- Symbol of Resistance: The Cellular Jail represents a profound symbol of resistance and suffering in India’s history.
- Unyielding Spirit: Despite enduring relentless torture, the spirit of the political prisoners remained unbroken.
- Impact on Freedom Movement: Their strikes and protests played a crucial role in establishing a revolutionary legacy that significantly contributed to India’s struggle for independence.
Chapter 2: Rani Abbakka: The Unyielding Guardian of Sovereignty and Justice
Introduction
- Legacy of Rani Abbakka: A ruler of Tulunadu, Rani Abbakka commanded immense respect and authority despite her humble appearance.
- Commitment to Public Welfare: Known for her equitable governance, she actively engaged in irrigation projects and other public works, demonstrating a deep concern for her subjects’ welfare.
- Vision of Inclusive Governance: Abbakka fostered a governance model that transcended caste and religious distinctions, setting a precedent for contemporary leaders.
- Defender of Sovereignty: Her unwavering struggle against the Portuguese established her as a steadfast protector of her principality’s sovereignty.
Historical Context: Tulunadu and the Portuguese Incursion
- Overview of Tulunadu: A region in southwestern India, Tulunadu is part of northern coastal Kerala.
- Portuguese Arrival: The discovery of the sea route to Tulunadu by the Portuguese resulted in a clash of socio-economic, cultural, and political interests.
Dynastic Rule:
- Alupa Dynasty: Ruled Tulunadu for over a thousand years (2nd century AD – 14th century AD).
- Vijayanagar Empire: Following the decline of the Alupa dynasty, the Vijayanagar Empire governed Tulunadu, during which several minor dynasties emerged.
Portuguese Influence and Ullala’s Importance
Portuguese Expansion:
- Fortifications: The Portuguese built forts and ports along the coastal belt.
- Taxation and Permits: They imposed taxes on crops and levied cartazes (sailing permits) on ships.
Strategic Significance of Ullala:
- Governance: Ullala was ruled by the Chautas, a minor dynasty that followed a matriarchal system.
- Initial Peace: Ullala remained a relatively peaceful region until the second decade of the 16th century when it caught the Portuguese’s attention.
Abbakka’s Dynasty and Legacy
- Matriarchal Leadership: Rani Abbakka belonged to the Chauta dynasty, which practiced a matriarchal system known as Aliyakattu.
- The Abbakka Lineage: From the 13th to mid-18th centuries, five queens named Abbakka ruled Ullala, suggesting that the name “Abbakka” may have been a title or part of the royal family tradition.
Abbakka’s Fight Against Portuguese Domination
The Elder Abbakka (Mid-16th Century):
- Fierce Battles: She fought the Portuguese in three notable battles in 1556, 1558, and 1567.
- Acknowledged Bravery: Despite her defeat in 1567, Portuguese historians such as Francisco D’Souza and Couto Diogo praised her courage.
- Tactical Alliances: Abbakka built alliances with the Zamorin of Calicut and Malabar Kings to curb Portuguese influence in Tulunadu.
The Younger Abbakka (1594-1640):
- Era of Prosperity: Her reign is remembered as a period of great prosperity along the coastal region.
- Relentless Resistance: She continued her mother’s struggle against the Portuguese to avenge earlier losses.
- Significant Victory in 1617: Abbakka successfully retaliated against the Portuguese after they seized one of her ships, launching a daring attack on the Mangalore fort using guerrilla tactics.
- Widespread Fame: Her triumph was celebrated widely, elevating her reputation beyond India’s borders.
Comparison with European Monarchs
- Historical Parallels: Historians like Dr. B.S. Shastri and Dr. Suryanath Kamath have drawn comparisons between Rani Abbakka and Queen Elizabeth I of England, as both rulers resisted dominant European powers—Abbakka against the Portuguese and Elizabeth against the Spanish Armada.
- Victory over European Forces: In 1618, Abbakka’s decisive defeat of the Portuguese mirrored Queen Elizabeth’s triumph over Spain.
Family and Personal Life
- Marriage to Veera Narasimha Lakshmappa Bangharasa IV: Abbakka was married to the chief of the Bangha Principality, Veera Narasimha Lakshmappa.
- Deterioration of Marriage: Disagreements over trade policies with the Portuguese strained their relationship, eventually leading to a divorce.
- Return to Ullala: After separating from her husband, Abbakka returned to Ullala and took the throne in accordance with the matriarchal Aliyakattu system.
Abbakka’s Governance
- Inclusive Leadership: Abbakka upheld an administration that included people from all religions, demonstrating her commitment to justice and inclusivity. She took personal responsibility in overseeing key sectors such as agriculture, trade, and irrigation to ensure the welfare of her people.
- International Recognition: Her global reputation as a just and formidable leader was evident when Shah Abbas of Persia advised his emissary, Pietro, to visit Queen Abbakka, signifying her international stature.
Later Struggles and Legacy
- Continued Resistance to the Portuguese: Abbakka’s defiance against Portuguese domination persisted throughout her reign, demonstrating her steadfastness in protecting her sovereignty.
- Challenges from the Keladi Nayakas: In addition to the Portuguese, Abbakka faced opposition from Keladi Venkatappa Nayaka but remained determined to reclaim her lands and safeguard her people.
- Legacy of Justice and Leadership: Abbakka’s reign is remembered for her ability to balance her roles as a ruler and protector, consistently upholding both sovereignty and social justice for her people.
Conclusion
- Legacy of Resistance: Both the elder and younger Abbakka queens mounted a formidable challenge to Portuguese expansion along India’s coastal regions.
- Unyielding Leadership: Despite political instability and lack of support from neighboring rulers or her husband, the younger Abbakka’s unwavering determination and visionary leadership ensured the protection of her principality.
- Historical Importance: Abbakka’s defiance against foreign domination and her commitment to her people make her a pivotal figure in Indian history. Her legacy as a warrior queen secures her place among India’s greatest freedom fighters, deserving lasting recognition and commemoration.
Chapter 3: Glorious Guards of Freedom from Gujarat
Gujarat’s contribution to India’s independence movement is rich and multifaceted, marked by a long history of resistance and leadership. As a key coastal state, Gujarat has historically played a significant role in trade and defense. Throughout the struggle for freedom, both prominent and lesser-known figures from the region contributed across political, social, and economic domains.
Echoes of Valour: Unsung Heroes of the 1857 Revolt
The Waghers of Okhamandal
- Resistance Against British Rule: The Waghers symbolized fierce defiance during the 1857 Revolt, standing as key opponents of British rule in Gujarat.
- Disruptions to British Trade: During the early 19th century, the Waghers and other local communities interfered with British shipping and trade along the western coast.
Loss and Reclamation of Beyt Dwarka (1816-1858):
- In 1816, the East India Company seized Beyt Dwarka.
- By March 1858, under the leadership of Mulu Manek and Jodha Manek, the Waghers recaptured the Beyt Dwarka fort.
- Jodha Manek briefly declared himself king of Dwarka before the British retook the city in July 1859.
Ongoing Guerilla Warfare:
- Despite losing control of Dwarka, the Waghers continued guerilla warfare against the British.
- Mulu Manek, captured in 1859, managed to escape in 1862 and fought until his death in 1868.
- Jodha Manek fled to Gir but died from illness in 1860. Both leaders are remembered as heroes in the Saurashtra region.
Other Revolts Across Gujarat
Wider Uprisings: The rebellion spread beyond Okhamandal, with local leaders leading uprisings in different parts of Gujarat, including:
- Garbaddas Mukhi (Anand)
- Rupa and Keval Nayak (Panchmahal)
- Soorajmahal (Lunawada)
- Tillidarkhan (Panchmahal)
These figures and movements reflect Gujarat’s crucial role in the broader fight against British imperialism during India’s first war of independence.
Economic Independence: Ranchhodlal Chhotalal
The push for India’s freedom wasn’t limited to political or military struggles; achieving economic independence was crucial in weakening British control.
Ranchhodlal Chhotalal’s Contributions
Early Life:
- Began working as a clerk at age 19 with a salary of Rs. 10.
- Quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Assistant Superintendent of Pavagarh, a position equivalent to an assistant to the Political Agent.
Industrial Pioneer:
- In 1859, Ranchhodlal founded the Ahmedabad Spinning and Weaving Company Ltd.
- By 1916, Ahmedabad had earned the title “Manchester of the East,” with 62 operational textile mills.
- Many mill owners from this period later played key roles in India’s independence movement.
Civic Contributions:
- As Chairman of Ahmedabad Municipality, he transformed the city’s infrastructure with modern sewage systems and access to tap water.
- His work brought him international recognition, including an invitation from Florence Nightingale to attend the 1891 International Congress on Hygiene and Demography.
Political Activism:
- Actively opposed countervailing duties on Indian cotton in 1896.
- Criticized restrictive regulations in the 1884-85 Factory Act.
- Played an active role as a member of the Indian National Congress (INC).
Govind Guru: Uniting Tribals Against Oppression
Mobilizing Tribals:
- In the early 20th century, Govind Guru organized tribal communities in southern Rajasthan and northern Gujarat, rallying them against the oppression of local rulers and British administration.
Mangadh Hill Uprising:
- Govind Guru led the Bhils in a resistance at Mangadh Hill.
- British forces responded with a massacre, killing around 1,500 Bhils.
Imprisonment and Legacy:
- Captured and initially sentenced to death, Govind Guru’s sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
- He later founded the Samp Sabha, raising awareness about social issues within tribal communities.
Motilal Tejawat: The Maseeha of Bhils
Background:
- Born in 1886 in Udaipur, Motilal Tejawat witnessed the exploitation of tribals during his spice trading business.
Advocacy for Bhils:
- Tejawat emerged as a leader for the Bhil community, driving social reform and promoting political awareness.
- Under his leadership, the Bhils refused to pay unfair taxes and perform forced labor for local rulers.
- His efforts were inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement.
Legacy:
- Known as the “Maseeha of Bhils,” Tejawat is remembered for his relentless fight for justice on behalf of the tribal communities.
Vasant and Rajab: Symbols of Communal Harmony
In 1946, Gujarat faced rising communal tensions fueled by divisive British policies.
Acts of Bravery:
- On 1st July 1946, during communal riots in Ahmedabad, Vasant Rao Hegishte and Rajab Ali Lakhani, Seva Dal volunteers, took a stand to protect lives.
- They confronted rioters and attempted to shield vulnerable families from harm.
Martyrdom:
- Both men were tragically killed while defending communal harmony, becoming symbols of unity in the face of violence.
Hansa Mehta: From Surat to the United Nations
Breaking Social Barriers:
- Born in 1897 in Surat, Hansa Mehta earned a degree in philosophy, a rare achievement for women at that time.
- She was influenced by Sarojini Naidu and Mahatma Gandhi in her early activism.
Political and Social Contributions:
- In 1947, Hansa was one of two women delegates at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
- She advocated for changing the phrase “All men are born free and equal” to “All humans are born free and equal” in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- She also represented Indian women by presenting the national flag on 15 August 1947 in the Constituent Assembly.
Champion for Women’s Rights:
- Hansa Mehta was a passionate advocate for gender equality, playing a significant role in debates on the Uniform Civil Code and women’s rights in post-independence India.
Conclusion
Gujarat’s contribution to the Indian independence movement encompassed more than just military confrontations. The heroes of this region played pivotal roles through political rebellion, economic empowerment, uniting tribal communities, social reform, poetic expression, and promoting communal harmony. Their sacrifices and achievements remain an enduring source of inspiration, deeply embedded in India’s collective memory of its fight for freedom.
Chapter 4: Jambudweep Proclamation: A Revolutionary Call for Freedom
The Challenge to British Rule:
- On June 16, 1801, the twin cities of Tiruchirappalli and Srirangam in South India faced a bold challenge against British colonial authorities.
- Two handwritten posters, known as the Jambudweep Proclamation, were displayed at Tiruchirappalli Fort and the Srirangam Vaishnavite Temple.
- Authored by Chinna Marudhu Pandiyar, the de facto ruler of Sivaganga, the posters called for the expulsion of Europeans, particularly the British East India Company, from the Indian Peninsula, referred to as Jambudweep.
- This event marked a significant turning point in the struggle against colonial rule, as it rallied diverse communities across caste and religion for independence.
Background of the Proclamation
Sivaganga State and the Marudhu Brothers:
- Chinna Marudhu Pandiyar and his elder brother Periya Marudhu were loyal supporters and aides of Queen Velu Nachiyar of Sivaganga, who was dethroned by the East India Company in 1772.
- After eight years of exile, Queen Nachiyar, supported by Gopala Naicker and Hyder Ali’s son-in-law, successfully recaptured Sivaganga from the British and restored her rule.
Power Struggles and Decline of the Arcot Nawab:
- The Arcot Nawab, who had instigated the British invasion of Sivaganga, became a mere pensioner under the East India Company’s influence by 1792.
- The Nawab passed away in 1795, having been disgraced due to his connections with Tipu Sultan, a significant adversary of the British.
- His successor was deported to Tiruchirappalli, where he died shortly after the proclamation in 1801, further diminishing the power of local rulers in the region.
Content and Impact of the Proclamation
Chinna Marudhu’s Call to Unity:
- In the Jambudweep Proclamation, Chinna Marudhu urged all communities—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and Muslims—to unite against European dominance.
- He invoked the term Jambudweep, significant in Hindu and Jain cosmology, to symbolize the Indian Peninsula as a unified entity.
Historical Context:
- Chinna Marudhu’s proclamation was groundbreaking as it directly challenged the East India Company, paralleling two significant revolutions:
- The American Proclamation against England, issued 25 years prior.
- The French Revolution, where the populace revolted against King Louis XVI just 11 years earlier.
Chinna Marudhu’s Stand Against All Europeans:
- Unlike many Indian rulers who sought alliances with rival European powers (such as the French, Portuguese, and Dutch) to resist British rule, Chinna Marudhu perceived all Europeans as a unified threat.
- His choice to reject collaboration with other colonial powers showcased him as a visionary leader, ahead of his time in understanding the larger dangers posed by European imperialism.
British Reaction and Counter-Proclamations
Madras Governor’s Response:
- Four days before Chinna Marudhu’s proclamation, Governor Edward Clive (son of Robert Clive) issued a counter-proclamation offering Periya Marudhu a comfortable life in Madurai if he renounced his brother.
- The Marudhu brothers and their supporters rejected these offers, remaining steadfast against British authority.
The Kalaiyar Kovil War:
- A conflict erupted between the forces of Chinna Marudhu and the British East India Company, supported by the rulers of Travancore, Pudukottai, and Ettayapuram.
- The British deployed Malaysian soldiers, skilled in jungle warfare, to suppress the uprising.
- The British general commanding the forces issued another proclamation, threatening Chinna Marudhu’s associates and installing Gauri Vallabha Thevar as a puppet ruler in Sivaganga.
End of the Rebellion:
- Despite their courageous efforts, the Marudhu brothers and their forces were ultimately defeated.
- 543 patriots were hanged at Thiruppathur fort, and 73 others were deported to Penang Island in Malaysia, marking the first instance of Indian political prisoners being exiled abroad.
British Propaganda and Suppression:
- Following their victory, Governor Edward Clive issued a final proclamation, boasting about the East India Company’s superior military strength and urging the local population to submit to British rule.
- The Marudhu brothers were captured, tried, and executed for their involvement in the rebellion.
Legacy and Significance
First Indian Proclamation of Independence:
- The Jambudweep Proclamation marked the first public declaration by an Indian ruler calling for the removal of colonial powers, leading to three counter-proclamations from the British, underscoring its importance.
- Chinna Marudhu’s vision of a united India free from European rule anticipated the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, which also sought independence and originated near the historical region of Jambudweep.
Inspiration for Future Movements:
- Although the Jambudweep Proclamation did not succeed at the time, it laid a foundation for subsequent independence struggles.
- Chinna Marudhu recognized the colonial threat not only from the British but also from all European powers, marking him as a revolutionary thinker in Indian history.
A Vision Ahead of Its Time:
- By invoking Jambudweep as a symbol of the Indian Peninsula and calling for unity among different castes and religions, Chinna Marudhu foreshadowed the pan-Indian nationalism that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- His decision to reject alliances with other European powers, viewing them as equally oppressive, was a unique perspective for his time.
Conclusion
- The Jambudweep Proclamation by Chinna Marudhu Pandiyar represented a courageous and visionary stance against British colonialism.
- It effectively unified various communities in southern India under a common cause, laying the intellectual foundation for future freedom movements.
- Despite the ultimate failure of Chinna Marudhu’s rebellion, his ideas continued to resonate, motivating subsequent generations to confront colonial rule and strive for India’s independence.
- The significance of this proclamation is further highlighted by the British administration’s response, which included multiple counter-proclamations, demonstrating its considerable impact.
Chapter 5: Untold Stories of the Freedom Struggle from Northeast India
Historians and scholars have often overlooked the Northeast’s role in India’s freedom struggle. Below are some significant yet lesser-known figures and events from the region:
Gomdhar Konwar: Assam’s First Martyr
- Date: Early 1828
- Background: A member of the Ahom royal clan.
- Initial Action: Petitioned the British political agent in Jorhat to be recognized as a tributary king.
- Resistance: Encouraged a tax boycott and led a rebellion against British rule.
- Capture: Arrested along with accomplices Dhanjoy, Daha Phukan, and Khamti Gohain.
- Trial: Tried by a panchayat on December 10, 1828; initially sentenced to death, later commuted to imprisonment and banishment from Assam for seven years.
- Death: Presumed to have died in prison.
Moongri Orang (aka Malati): First Woman Martyr
- Date: March-April 1921
- Background: Previously struggled with heavy drinking.
- Involvement: Joined the anti-liquor campaign led by Omeo Kumar Das and others.
- Action: Advocated for tea plantation workers to abandon alcohol.
- Opposition: Faced resistance from British planters against her campaign.
- Death: Murdered by unidentified assailants shortly after joining the campaign.
Dhekiajuli Massacre: India’s Youngest Martyr
- Date: September 20, 1942
- Event: Hundreds of villagers, led by Shanti Sena volunteers, gathered outside the Dhekiajuli police station.
- Conflict: The police denied them entry and began assaulting the volunteers, prompting the crowd to chant “Vande Mataram” and storm the compound.
- Violence: Armed policemen opened fire, resulting in chaos.
- Heroism: Manbar Nath climbed onto the police station roof to hoist the flag but was shot twice and died.
- Martyrdom: Twelve-year-old Tileswari Barua became the youngest martyr of the national movement, alongside Odisha’s Baji Rout.
- Significance: This event is remembered as one of the most brutal incidents during the Quit India Movement.
Bom Singhpo: First Martyr from the Hills of Northeast India
- Date: March 25, 1830
- Background: Leader of the Singhpo tribe in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Conflict: Organized an army of 400 men to attack the British station at Rangpur and set fire to the British magazine.
- Capture: Captured along with five accomplices and tried in Rangpur.
- Sentence: Found guilty of treason and sentenced to death by hanging.
- Death: Died of illness in prison before the execution could take place.
Thangal General: Martyrdom at 80
- Background: A notable military leader in Manipur during the reign of Maharaja Gambhir Singh (1827-34).
- Action: On March 24, 1891, he ordered the execution of five British officers at the request of Senapti Tikendrajit.
- Capture: Following Manipur’s defeat, he was captured by the British on May 7, 1891.
- Execution: He was hanged in front of thousands of mourning Manipuris.
Ka Phan Nonglait: Woman of Courage
- Background: A member of the Khasi tribe in Meghalaya.
- Involvement: Joined the militia of U Tirot Sing, the Syiem of Khandsawphra.
- Role: Played a significant part in the resistance against British forces.
- Legacy: Her courage is commemorated as a folktale among the Khasi people.
Ropuiliani: Valiant Woman from Mizoram
- Date: Following the Chin-Lushai Expedition of 1889-90.
- Background: Chief of Denlung village.
- Resistance: Opposed British road construction and labor demands, particularly angered by the establishment of a British military stockade in her son Lalhuama’s village.
- Arrest: Captured and imprisoned in Lunglei; later deported with her son to Rangmati in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
- Outcome: Eventually, Ropuiliani’s clan stopped resisting.
The Fall of Khonoma: Nagaland’s Resistance
- Date: Starting in 1832.
- British Contact: The first direct engagement with the Nagas occurred in 1832.
- Conflict: Ten British expeditions were launched in the Naga Hills.
- Resistance: Khonoma and other villages fought against British authority, resulting in several confrontations and the burning of the village.
- Suppression: By 1880, the Nagas were subdued, and heavy penalties were imposed on Khonoma warriors.
Sachindra Lal Singh: A Notable Freedom Fighter from Tripura
- Birth: July 1907.
- Early Influence: Joined the Bhatri Sangha as a student, inspired by the Jugantar party.
- Academic Background: Attended Victoria College in Comilla (now in Bangladesh).
- Revolutionary Contributions: Participated in the Chittagong Armoury Raid on April 18, 1930, as a member of Surya Sen’s team.
- Political Engagement: Joined the Congress party post-imprisonment and was instrumental in forming the Tripura State Congress in 1940.
- Leadership Role: Became the first Chief Minister of Tripura, serving from July 1962 to November 1971.