Freedom Fighters of Assam

There are varied contributions of Assamese individuals to the Indian freedom struggle. From early figures like Maniram Dewan and Swahid Piyoli Phukan to prominent leaders of the Quit India Movement like Gopinath Bardoloi and Kanaklata Barua, these Assamese freedom fighters played diverse roles in resisting British rule. There are significant contributions of women like Chandraprabha Saikiani and Dariki Dasiāh, who actively participated in movements for social reform and women's rights alongside their fight for independence. Beyond political activism, cultural contributions of figures like Hem Barua and Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha, who enriched Assamese literature and music throw light on the leaders coming from Assam.

During the Indian independence movement, a wave of various revolts and movements surged across the nation, each driven by distinct ideologies. The spirit of nationalism soared, touching every corner of the country. Amidst this fervor, countless tales of courage, dedication, and sacrifice emerged, resonating deeply throughout India. Assam, too, actively participated in this widespread movement as numerous individuals, irrespective of gender, plunged into the struggle with unwavering determination.

Assam’s lesser-known heroes of India’s freedom struggle made remarkable contributions to the nation's journey towards independence.

He began his career as a clerk in the British administration in Assam. He was the first Assamese to established a private tea garden in Assam. Maniram Dewan was involved in the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 against the British East India Company's rule. Unfortunately, the revolt was unsuccessful, and Dewan, along with his associates, was captured and subsequently executed by the British in 1858.

He was a strong advocate for the preservation and promotion of Assamese culture, language, and heritage. He is known for his leadership during the Quit India Movement. British accused him of a military train accident and sentenced him to death.

Born on June 6, 1890, in Assam, Bardoloi was raised in a family deeply rooted in Assamese culture. He joined the Indian National Congress and played a crucial role in organising movements against British rule. He was the first chief minister of Assam after 1947. Gopinath Bardoloi is fondly remembered as Lokapriya (Beloved of the People) for his dedication, integrity, and selfless service to the state and its people.

Popularly known as Birbala, at the age of 17 , she participated actively in the Quit India Movement as the leader of the women volunteers line, holding the national flag in hand.

She was an Assamese freedom fighter, activist, writer, and social reformer considered to be the pioneer of the feminist Movement in Assam. She was a strong advocate for women's education and their rights. She founded the All Assam Women's Association (AAWA) in 1935.

She was one of the prominent leader of the Quit India Movement who was shot that during the non violent protest march against British authority.

She is said to be the first female martyr of India’s freedom movement. She was one of the leading members of the anti-opium campaign in tea gardens. In 1921, she was killed by government supporters at Lalmati in Darrang district for supporting Congress volunteers in prohibition campaign.

He was the first Indian martyr who was executed on September 24th 1830 (whereas Mangal Pandey was hanged on April 8 , 1857). In 1830, Piyoli Phukan along with several ex-nobles and tribes, including the Nagas, Khasis, Khamtis, and Singphos, joined their forces to fight against the Britis

He actively participated in the Quit India Movement. Initially, he joined the Congress party, but in 1948, he left it to join the Socialist Party. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern literary movement in Assam. He was chosen as the president of Assam Sahitya Sabha in 1972 in Dhubri.

An eminent freedom fighter who played an active role in the freedom struggle of the country. He is popularly known as "kalaguru". He is known as the Leonardo da Vinci of Assam for his immense contribution in the field of music. He promoted the traditional Borgeet (devotional songs) and contributed significantly to the Assamese theater scene.

Belonging to the Ahom Royal family, he was the first Assamese to protest against British administration in 1828. He tried to organise Ahom and re-establish Ahom authority in Assam. He was supported by Ahom nobles like Dhanjoy Bargohain, Madharam Bargohain, Jairam Khargharia Phukan, Piyali Pukhan etc. But Britishers learned about their plans and the revolt failed

She was actively involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement and was one of the leading members of the anti-opium campaign. She was arrested on February 1, 1932, and jailed for six months for anti-opium picketing. She was pregnant at the time of imprisonment. Refusing conditional release from jail, she remained resolute. Sadly, her health deteriorated, and she passed away on April 26, 1932, while still incarcerated due to illness.

Hailing from Kaliabor in Assam's Nagaon district, Guneswari Devi emerged as a prominent figure in the freedom movement participating in both Non-Cooperation Movement & Civil Disobedience Movement. Her fervent anti-British activism led to her arrest in 1942, resulting in a one-year prison sentence

Sonaram Chutia made significant contributions to the Quit India movement, actively participating in its activities. His involvement led to his arrest by the British authorities, resulting in his imprisonment in Jorhat central Jail during the 1942 Quit India movement.

Hailing from Jorhat district, he was a dedicated freedom fighter and the founding President of Assam Rajyik Mukti Joddha Sanmilan. Doloi, an ardent follower of Gandhi, actively engaged in the Quit India movement during his student years.

Bidyawati Gogoi is a freedom fighter and social activist from Lakhimpur. He took part inQuit India movement

Emulating Mahatma Gandhi's principles, Bhuyan actively participated in the Quit India movement starting in 1942. Tasked with a crucial role as a spy, he undertook the responsibility of gathering confidential British intelligence during the freedom movement.

Active in the Quit India movement, he notably championed the dissemination of the freedom movement's ideals among rural communities in Kamrup district. After arrest in 1942, he was released and engaged in some underground works. Das joined the congress socialist party in 1946

People from various walks of life came from Assam to participate in the Indian Freedom Struggle. They took part in the processions, picketing, Gandhi’s programmes like weaving, spinning and many more. Their stories get lost in the larger narrative. However, as Indian celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav it is necessary to recount the tales of these unsung heroes whose contributions have led us here.