India wasn't always the independent nation we know today. Our country was under British rule, also known as the British Raj, for 89 years, from 1858 to 1947. During this time, our ancestors endured severe hardships and faced brutal oppression. They witnessed tragic events like the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, where General Dyer ordered troops to open fire on unarmed civilians gathered during the Baisakhi fair to protest the Rowlatt Act.
Our people also suffered through the Bengal famine, which claimed the lives of around 29 million due to starvation while Winston Churchill diverted wheat supplies to Britain. These atrocities ignited a fierce desire for freedom and justice among thousands of Indians. However, do we know all the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for India's independence? This blog introduces you to some of the lesser-known heroes of the Indian freedom struggle. Let's begin
Ram Prasad Bismil
Ram Prasad Bismil was a prominent freedom fighter, poet, and writer who was executed by the British colonial government for his relentless efforts in the Indian freedom movement.
Bismil joined Arya Samaj during his childhood, which shaped his nationalist and revolutionary ideas. At 18, he wrote the poem "My Janm" (My Birth) when the British sentenced Bhai Parmanan, a leader of the Hindu Mahasabha, to death. Bismil formed the organization Matrivedi and connected with Genda Lal Dixit, a school teacher, to mobilize youth in the freedom struggle. In February 1920, he established the Hindustan Republican Association. To fund their activities, Bismil and other revolutionaries looted a British train carrying government money at Kakori, an event known as the Kakori Train Robbery. Many revolutionaries, including Bismil, Roshan Singh, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Rajendra Nath Lahiri, were arrested and sentenced to death.
Bismil was hanged in Gorakhpur Jail, Ashfaqulla Khan in Faizabad, Roshan Singh in Naini, and Lahiri in Gonda. Some of Bismil’s notable literary works include "Man Ki Lahar," "Swadeshi Rang," and "Deshvasiyon ke Nam Sandesh." A memorial stands in his birthplace, Shahjahanpur City, and the government of Uttar Pradesh inaugurated his marble statue on 18th December 1994.
Khudiram Bose
Inspired by the lectures of Sri Aurobindo and Sister Nivedita, Khudiram Bose began his revolutionary activities at a young age.
He joined Anushilan Samiti, an underground society for revolutionary activities. At fifteen, he was arrested for distributing pamphlets against British rule. By sixteen, he had learned to make bombs and plant them in front of police stations. In 1908, Bose was assigned to assassinate Muzaffarpur’s District Magistrate, Douglas Kingsford, known for his harsh punishments on young political activists. Bose and Prafulla Chandra Chaki targeted Kingsford's carriage but mistakenly killed the wife and daughter of Pringle Kennedy instead. Chaki committed suicide to avoid capture, while Bose was arrested and hanged on 11th August 1908, at just 18 years old.
A large crowd gathered to pay their respects as Bose was executed. The "Amrita Bazar Patrika" newspaper reported that Khudiram smiled as the cap was drawn over his head, showcasing his bravery until the end.
Matangini Hazra
Matangini Hazra, a courageous woman from a poor peasant family, played a significant role in India's freedom struggle.
Married at twelve and widowed at eighteen, Hazra received no formal education but drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi. In 1930, she was arrested for breaking the Salt Act and later participated in the "Chowkidari Tax Bandha" (Abolition of Chowkidari Tax), which led to her imprisonment for six months in Baharampur, West Bengal. After her release, she joined the Indian National Congress (INC). When the Quit India Movement launched on 8th August 1942, Hazra led a march of 6,000 supporters, mainly women, towards the Tamluk police station. Despite orders to retreat, she continued and was shot by the police. According to the Biplabi Newspaper, she advanced with the tricolour in hand, chanting “Vande Mataram” until her last breath.
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Jhalkari Bai
Jhalkari Bai, a brave warrior from the Koli caste, served in the army of Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi.
Born on 22nd November 1830, Bai was trained in weaponry by her father. She is said to have killed a tiger with an axe and a leopard with a stick. After marrying a soldier in Jhansi’s army, she caught the attention of Rani Lakshmibai due to her bravery and striking resemblance to the queen. Bai quickly rose through the ranks and became an advisor to the queen.
When the British East India Company sought to annex Jhansi after the Maharaja’s death, Bai played a crucial role. She advised Rani Lakshmibai to escape with her son while Bai disguised herself as the queen, confusing the British and buying time for the real queen to flee. Her martyrdom is celebrated annually in Bundelkhand as Jhalkari Bai Jayanti.
Bhima Nayak
Contrary to popular belief, the 1857 revolt was not solely led by sepoys. Tribal leaders like Bhima Nayak of the Bhil tribe played a critical role.
The Bhil community’s resistance began in 1818, as British officers deprived them of their basic rights and attempted to seize their lands for profit. Forced conversions to Christianity also fueled the rebellion. In September 1857, under Nayak's leadership, the Bhil community organized and defeated British detachments, prompting the British to announce a reward for Nayak’s capture. In 1858, 1,500 soldiers were sent to quell the rebellion, resulting in many Bhils being arrested.
Though Nayak initially escaped, he was eventually captured and sent to the Andaman Islands, where he was hanged on 29th December 1876. Bhil communities continue to revere him, and in Madhya Pradesh, the Shaheed Bhima Nayak Pariyojna scheme and Bhima Nayak Memorial honour his legacy.
The Bottom Line
These are just a few of the many lesser-known heroes of India’s freedom struggle. The list is extensive and includes figures like Jatin Das, Durgavati Devi, Maveeran Alagumuthu, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Aruna Asif Ali, Gurdit Singh, Thirupur Kumaran, and more. Explore their stories, share what you've learned, and spread awareness about these remarkable individuals who fought for our nation’s independence.
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