Page 1
Role of Odishan Women in the Freedom Struggle
Women in Odisha, like their counterparts in the rest of the country made a
significant contribution in the freedom struggle.
There role is discussed below:
l
On 23rd March, 1921, Mahatma Gandhi reached Cuttack, and addressed a
meeting at Cuttack town. The women like Rama Devi, Sarala Devi, Sarojini Devi,
Malati Devi and many others attended the meeting.
l
The Gandhian thought had appealed the women so much that they contributed
their ornaments to the Tilak Swaraj Fund. Surprisingly, the contribution of
women to the Tilak Swaraj Fund was highest.
l
During the Civil Disobedience Movement women played a vital role in the
preparation of salt at Inchudi of Balasore district. Rama Devi, Malati Devi and
Krishnabala Sen at Inchudi galvanised the Salt Satyagraha. A Satyagraha
Committee was formed in Sambalpur.
l
Rama Devi established an Ashram at Bari. Gandhiji named it as Sevaghar. Rana
Devi also represented Odishan women in ‘Kasturba National Memorial Trust’.
l
Women also handled the British suppression during Kaipada firing.
l
Sarala Devi wrote poems with a view to create political, social and national
awareness among the people of Odisha. Sita Devi Khadanga wrote a play named
Mandira Prabesha which was based on the Harijan Movement of Gandhiji.
Post-Independence Era
l
With India getting independence in August 1947, the issue of the merger of the
states was taken up immediately. The leaders of Odisha and India not allowed the
princely chiefs to continue their rule. Hare Krushna Mahtab, took the initiative
for the merger of the states without any further delay.
l
The unrest in the ex-state of Nilagiri forced Hare Krushna Mahtab for
intervention and the ex-state was merged with Odisha in November 1947. The
developing crisis made the central intervention imperative and Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel came to Odisha in December 1947.
l
All the princely states, except Mayurbhanj, signed the agreement handing over
their administration and merged with Odisha with effect from 1st January, 1948.
Mayurbhanj was also merged with Odisha a year later. But under some
extraordinary circumstances and political miscalculations, the two Oriya-speaking
ex-states of Seraikela and Kharsawan were merged with Bihar.
44
Know Your State ODISHA
Page 2
Role of Odishan Women in the Freedom Struggle
Women in Odisha, like their counterparts in the rest of the country made a
significant contribution in the freedom struggle.
There role is discussed below:
l
On 23rd March, 1921, Mahatma Gandhi reached Cuttack, and addressed a
meeting at Cuttack town. The women like Rama Devi, Sarala Devi, Sarojini Devi,
Malati Devi and many others attended the meeting.
l
The Gandhian thought had appealed the women so much that they contributed
their ornaments to the Tilak Swaraj Fund. Surprisingly, the contribution of
women to the Tilak Swaraj Fund was highest.
l
During the Civil Disobedience Movement women played a vital role in the
preparation of salt at Inchudi of Balasore district. Rama Devi, Malati Devi and
Krishnabala Sen at Inchudi galvanised the Salt Satyagraha. A Satyagraha
Committee was formed in Sambalpur.
l
Rama Devi established an Ashram at Bari. Gandhiji named it as Sevaghar. Rana
Devi also represented Odishan women in ‘Kasturba National Memorial Trust’.
l
Women also handled the British suppression during Kaipada firing.
l
Sarala Devi wrote poems with a view to create political, social and national
awareness among the people of Odisha. Sita Devi Khadanga wrote a play named
Mandira Prabesha which was based on the Harijan Movement of Gandhiji.
Post-Independence Era
l
With India getting independence in August 1947, the issue of the merger of the
states was taken up immediately. The leaders of Odisha and India not allowed the
princely chiefs to continue their rule. Hare Krushna Mahtab, took the initiative
for the merger of the states without any further delay.
l
The unrest in the ex-state of Nilagiri forced Hare Krushna Mahtab for
intervention and the ex-state was merged with Odisha in November 1947. The
developing crisis made the central intervention imperative and Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel came to Odisha in December 1947.
l
All the princely states, except Mayurbhanj, signed the agreement handing over
their administration and merged with Odisha with effect from 1st January, 1948.
Mayurbhanj was also merged with Odisha a year later. But under some
extraordinary circumstances and political miscalculations, the two Oriya-speaking
ex-states of Seraikela and Kharsawan were merged with Bihar.
44
Know Your State ODISHA
Freedom Struggle in Odisha
45
Freedom Fighters of Odisha
Some famous freedom fighters of Odisha are as follows:
Madhusudan Das
l
He was born on 28th April, 1848 in Cuttack district. He was commonly known as
Madhu Barrister and Grand Old Man in Odisha. He was the first graduate in
Odisha. He was a leader, a reformer and the architect of the creation of Odisha as
a separate province. He was the major link in bringing the liberal idea of the
Congress in Odisha. He formed Utkal Union Conference which played a vital role
in the amalgamation of Odia speaking areas.
l
In 1902, as a member of the ‘Bengal Legislative Council’, he put pressure on the
government to provide more grant for the improvement of Ravenshaw college. He
was credited for Introducing Odisha Tenancy Bill. He died on 4th February, 1939.
Gopabandhu Das
l
He was born on 9th October, 1877 in Puri district. He was famous as Gem of
Utkal. Gopabandhu Das accelerated the activities of National Congress in Odisha.
He established Satyabadi School during Swadeshi Movement and started a
newspaper, Samaj thus started journalism in Odisha. Gopabandhu was credited for
leading the National Congress strategies in Odisha. When Utkal Pradesh
Congress Committee was formed, Gopabandhu was appointed as its first President
in 1921.
l
He established several Ashramas in Odisha like, Swaraj Ashram at Cuttack, Alak
ashram at Jagatsinghpur and Swaraj Mandir at Cuttack, etc.
l
He authored various books like ‘Bandira Atmakatha, Dharmapada, Go Mahatmya,
Abakasa, Chinta, etc. which enriched Odisha literature. He remained member of
the Odisha legislative council from 1917-1920. He died on 17th June, 1928.
Krushna Chandra (KC) Gajapati Narayan Deo
l
He was born on 26th April, 1892 in Paralakhemundi. He is regarded as one of the
makers of modern Odisha. He became Prime Minister of Odisha twice. By
meeting the Simon Commission and twice going to England, he created Odisha as
a separate province. He organised the tenth session of Utkal Union Conference at
Paralakhemundi in 1914 which was a grand success. The Atlee sub-committee
was created by him to determine the boundary of the new Odisha province.
l
He went to London for first round table conference. He died on 25th May, 1974.
Rama Devi
l
She was born on 3rd December, 1899. She belonged to a rich family. Mahatma
Gandhi encouraged her to participate in freedom struggle. She was granddaughter
of Madhusudan Das.
Page 3
Role of Odishan Women in the Freedom Struggle
Women in Odisha, like their counterparts in the rest of the country made a
significant contribution in the freedom struggle.
There role is discussed below:
l
On 23rd March, 1921, Mahatma Gandhi reached Cuttack, and addressed a
meeting at Cuttack town. The women like Rama Devi, Sarala Devi, Sarojini Devi,
Malati Devi and many others attended the meeting.
l
The Gandhian thought had appealed the women so much that they contributed
their ornaments to the Tilak Swaraj Fund. Surprisingly, the contribution of
women to the Tilak Swaraj Fund was highest.
l
During the Civil Disobedience Movement women played a vital role in the
preparation of salt at Inchudi of Balasore district. Rama Devi, Malati Devi and
Krishnabala Sen at Inchudi galvanised the Salt Satyagraha. A Satyagraha
Committee was formed in Sambalpur.
l
Rama Devi established an Ashram at Bari. Gandhiji named it as Sevaghar. Rana
Devi also represented Odishan women in ‘Kasturba National Memorial Trust’.
l
Women also handled the British suppression during Kaipada firing.
l
Sarala Devi wrote poems with a view to create political, social and national
awareness among the people of Odisha. Sita Devi Khadanga wrote a play named
Mandira Prabesha which was based on the Harijan Movement of Gandhiji.
Post-Independence Era
l
With India getting independence in August 1947, the issue of the merger of the
states was taken up immediately. The leaders of Odisha and India not allowed the
princely chiefs to continue their rule. Hare Krushna Mahtab, took the initiative
for the merger of the states without any further delay.
l
The unrest in the ex-state of Nilagiri forced Hare Krushna Mahtab for
intervention and the ex-state was merged with Odisha in November 1947. The
developing crisis made the central intervention imperative and Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel came to Odisha in December 1947.
l
All the princely states, except Mayurbhanj, signed the agreement handing over
their administration and merged with Odisha with effect from 1st January, 1948.
Mayurbhanj was also merged with Odisha a year later. But under some
extraordinary circumstances and political miscalculations, the two Oriya-speaking
ex-states of Seraikela and Kharsawan were merged with Bihar.
44
Know Your State ODISHA
Freedom Struggle in Odisha
45
Freedom Fighters of Odisha
Some famous freedom fighters of Odisha are as follows:
Madhusudan Das
l
He was born on 28th April, 1848 in Cuttack district. He was commonly known as
Madhu Barrister and Grand Old Man in Odisha. He was the first graduate in
Odisha. He was a leader, a reformer and the architect of the creation of Odisha as
a separate province. He was the major link in bringing the liberal idea of the
Congress in Odisha. He formed Utkal Union Conference which played a vital role
in the amalgamation of Odia speaking areas.
l
In 1902, as a member of the ‘Bengal Legislative Council’, he put pressure on the
government to provide more grant for the improvement of Ravenshaw college. He
was credited for Introducing Odisha Tenancy Bill. He died on 4th February, 1939.
Gopabandhu Das
l
He was born on 9th October, 1877 in Puri district. He was famous as Gem of
Utkal. Gopabandhu Das accelerated the activities of National Congress in Odisha.
He established Satyabadi School during Swadeshi Movement and started a
newspaper, Samaj thus started journalism in Odisha. Gopabandhu was credited for
leading the National Congress strategies in Odisha. When Utkal Pradesh
Congress Committee was formed, Gopabandhu was appointed as its first President
in 1921.
l
He established several Ashramas in Odisha like, Swaraj Ashram at Cuttack, Alak
ashram at Jagatsinghpur and Swaraj Mandir at Cuttack, etc.
l
He authored various books like ‘Bandira Atmakatha, Dharmapada, Go Mahatmya,
Abakasa, Chinta, etc. which enriched Odisha literature. He remained member of
the Odisha legislative council from 1917-1920. He died on 17th June, 1928.
Krushna Chandra (KC) Gajapati Narayan Deo
l
He was born on 26th April, 1892 in Paralakhemundi. He is regarded as one of the
makers of modern Odisha. He became Prime Minister of Odisha twice. By
meeting the Simon Commission and twice going to England, he created Odisha as
a separate province. He organised the tenth session of Utkal Union Conference at
Paralakhemundi in 1914 which was a grand success. The Atlee sub-committee
was created by him to determine the boundary of the new Odisha province.
l
He went to London for first round table conference. He died on 25th May, 1974.
Rama Devi
l
She was born on 3rd December, 1899. She belonged to a rich family. Mahatma
Gandhi encouraged her to participate in freedom struggle. She was granddaughter
of Madhusudan Das.
l
She worked in ‘Alak ashram’, cooked tiffins and meals for the inmates of the
Ashram. She went to ‘Bari Ashram’ and devoted herself in Khadi work, uplift of
Harijan, spread of Hindi, uplift of women, etc.
l
She actively participated in Quit India Movement. She was arrested with
Gopabandhu, Malati Devi, etc.
l
During her day of political activism she led multiple organisations like All India
Charkha Association, All India Women’s Association and All India Kasturba
Gandhi Memorial Trust.
l
She formed an association at Tumbodiguda of Koraput named Navajeevan
Mandal in 1946 to serve the forest people. She died on 22nd July, 1985.
Sarala Devi
l
She was born on 9th August, 1904 in Cuttack district. She had brought the
message of Non-cooperation Movement as the first lady of Odisha.
l
Sarala Devi observed fasting from 6th April to 13th April, 1921. She collected
money for Tilak Swaraj fund.
l
She also participated in Civil Disobedience and joined Salt Satyagraha at Balasore.
She was the first lady to go to jail by the order of court.
l
She popularised the Gandhian constructive works like women education,
upliftment of women, eradication of untouchability, etc.
l
Sarala Devi was a prolific writer, her writings were women-centric. Especially, the
problems and rights of women were discussed in her writings.
l
She translated the book ‘History of Indian National Congress’ of Pattabhi
Sitaramayya into Odia. By her literary creations, she enriched Odia literature. She
died on 4th October, 1986.
Malati Devi
l
She was born on 26th July, 1904 in Calcutta. Malati Devi is one of the much talked
freedom fighters of Odisha.
l
She took active part in the Salt Satyagraha at Inchudi of Balasore district. She
encouraged the women at Srijang to participate in the movement.
l
She attended the Karachi session of the Indian National Congress. She enrolled
many women as member of ‘Hindustani Seva Dal’. Malati Devi was selected as one
of Individual Satyagrahis for Individual Civil Disobedience Movement.
l
She was arrested during Quit India Movement. She died in the year 1998.
Timeline
Period Events
1903 AD FormationofUtkalUnionConference
1905 AD Formation of Utkal Union Samillani
1909 AD Formation of Satyabadi Vana Vidyalaya at Puri
46
Know Your State ODISHA
Page 4
Role of Odishan Women in the Freedom Struggle
Women in Odisha, like their counterparts in the rest of the country made a
significant contribution in the freedom struggle.
There role is discussed below:
l
On 23rd March, 1921, Mahatma Gandhi reached Cuttack, and addressed a
meeting at Cuttack town. The women like Rama Devi, Sarala Devi, Sarojini Devi,
Malati Devi and many others attended the meeting.
l
The Gandhian thought had appealed the women so much that they contributed
their ornaments to the Tilak Swaraj Fund. Surprisingly, the contribution of
women to the Tilak Swaraj Fund was highest.
l
During the Civil Disobedience Movement women played a vital role in the
preparation of salt at Inchudi of Balasore district. Rama Devi, Malati Devi and
Krishnabala Sen at Inchudi galvanised the Salt Satyagraha. A Satyagraha
Committee was formed in Sambalpur.
l
Rama Devi established an Ashram at Bari. Gandhiji named it as Sevaghar. Rana
Devi also represented Odishan women in ‘Kasturba National Memorial Trust’.
l
Women also handled the British suppression during Kaipada firing.
l
Sarala Devi wrote poems with a view to create political, social and national
awareness among the people of Odisha. Sita Devi Khadanga wrote a play named
Mandira Prabesha which was based on the Harijan Movement of Gandhiji.
Post-Independence Era
l
With India getting independence in August 1947, the issue of the merger of the
states was taken up immediately. The leaders of Odisha and India not allowed the
princely chiefs to continue their rule. Hare Krushna Mahtab, took the initiative
for the merger of the states without any further delay.
l
The unrest in the ex-state of Nilagiri forced Hare Krushna Mahtab for
intervention and the ex-state was merged with Odisha in November 1947. The
developing crisis made the central intervention imperative and Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel came to Odisha in December 1947.
l
All the princely states, except Mayurbhanj, signed the agreement handing over
their administration and merged with Odisha with effect from 1st January, 1948.
Mayurbhanj was also merged with Odisha a year later. But under some
extraordinary circumstances and political miscalculations, the two Oriya-speaking
ex-states of Seraikela and Kharsawan were merged with Bihar.
44
Know Your State ODISHA
Freedom Struggle in Odisha
45
Freedom Fighters of Odisha
Some famous freedom fighters of Odisha are as follows:
Madhusudan Das
l
He was born on 28th April, 1848 in Cuttack district. He was commonly known as
Madhu Barrister and Grand Old Man in Odisha. He was the first graduate in
Odisha. He was a leader, a reformer and the architect of the creation of Odisha as
a separate province. He was the major link in bringing the liberal idea of the
Congress in Odisha. He formed Utkal Union Conference which played a vital role
in the amalgamation of Odia speaking areas.
l
In 1902, as a member of the ‘Bengal Legislative Council’, he put pressure on the
government to provide more grant for the improvement of Ravenshaw college. He
was credited for Introducing Odisha Tenancy Bill. He died on 4th February, 1939.
Gopabandhu Das
l
He was born on 9th October, 1877 in Puri district. He was famous as Gem of
Utkal. Gopabandhu Das accelerated the activities of National Congress in Odisha.
He established Satyabadi School during Swadeshi Movement and started a
newspaper, Samaj thus started journalism in Odisha. Gopabandhu was credited for
leading the National Congress strategies in Odisha. When Utkal Pradesh
Congress Committee was formed, Gopabandhu was appointed as its first President
in 1921.
l
He established several Ashramas in Odisha like, Swaraj Ashram at Cuttack, Alak
ashram at Jagatsinghpur and Swaraj Mandir at Cuttack, etc.
l
He authored various books like ‘Bandira Atmakatha, Dharmapada, Go Mahatmya,
Abakasa, Chinta, etc. which enriched Odisha literature. He remained member of
the Odisha legislative council from 1917-1920. He died on 17th June, 1928.
Krushna Chandra (KC) Gajapati Narayan Deo
l
He was born on 26th April, 1892 in Paralakhemundi. He is regarded as one of the
makers of modern Odisha. He became Prime Minister of Odisha twice. By
meeting the Simon Commission and twice going to England, he created Odisha as
a separate province. He organised the tenth session of Utkal Union Conference at
Paralakhemundi in 1914 which was a grand success. The Atlee sub-committee
was created by him to determine the boundary of the new Odisha province.
l
He went to London for first round table conference. He died on 25th May, 1974.
Rama Devi
l
She was born on 3rd December, 1899. She belonged to a rich family. Mahatma
Gandhi encouraged her to participate in freedom struggle. She was granddaughter
of Madhusudan Das.
l
She worked in ‘Alak ashram’, cooked tiffins and meals for the inmates of the
Ashram. She went to ‘Bari Ashram’ and devoted herself in Khadi work, uplift of
Harijan, spread of Hindi, uplift of women, etc.
l
She actively participated in Quit India Movement. She was arrested with
Gopabandhu, Malati Devi, etc.
l
During her day of political activism she led multiple organisations like All India
Charkha Association, All India Women’s Association and All India Kasturba
Gandhi Memorial Trust.
l
She formed an association at Tumbodiguda of Koraput named Navajeevan
Mandal in 1946 to serve the forest people. She died on 22nd July, 1985.
Sarala Devi
l
She was born on 9th August, 1904 in Cuttack district. She had brought the
message of Non-cooperation Movement as the first lady of Odisha.
l
Sarala Devi observed fasting from 6th April to 13th April, 1921. She collected
money for Tilak Swaraj fund.
l
She also participated in Civil Disobedience and joined Salt Satyagraha at Balasore.
She was the first lady to go to jail by the order of court.
l
She popularised the Gandhian constructive works like women education,
upliftment of women, eradication of untouchability, etc.
l
Sarala Devi was a prolific writer, her writings were women-centric. Especially, the
problems and rights of women were discussed in her writings.
l
She translated the book ‘History of Indian National Congress’ of Pattabhi
Sitaramayya into Odia. By her literary creations, she enriched Odia literature. She
died on 4th October, 1986.
Malati Devi
l
She was born on 26th July, 1904 in Calcutta. Malati Devi is one of the much talked
freedom fighters of Odisha.
l
She took active part in the Salt Satyagraha at Inchudi of Balasore district. She
encouraged the women at Srijang to participate in the movement.
l
She attended the Karachi session of the Indian National Congress. She enrolled
many women as member of ‘Hindustani Seva Dal’. Malati Devi was selected as one
of Individual Satyagrahis for Individual Civil Disobedience Movement.
l
She was arrested during Quit India Movement. She died in the year 1998.
Timeline
Period Events
1903 AD FormationofUtkalUnionConference
1905 AD Formation of Utkal Union Samillani
1909 AD Formation of Satyabadi Vana Vidyalaya at Puri
46
Know Your State ODISHA
Period Events
1921 AD Mahatma Gandhi visited Odisha for the first time
1922 AD Peasant Revolt at Kanika
6th April, 1930 AD Foot March towards Inchudi at Balasore
14th April, 1930 AD Satyagrahis manufactured salt at Inchudi
1931 AD Formation of Odisha State’s People’s Conference
1st April, 1936 AD Odisha granted status of a province
1938 AD Prajamandal formed at Garimal
1st December, 1940 AD Individual Civil Disobedience Movement launched in Odisha
November, 1941 AD Coalition Ministry formed with Maharaja of Paralakhemundi
28th September,
1942 AD
Massacre of Eram in Basudevpur
29th March, 1943 AD Martyr Laxman Naik executed in Behrampur Jail
December, 1947 AD Sardar Patel came to Odisha for its merger
1st January, 1948 AD All Princely States except mayurbhanj Merged in Odisha
1949 AD Mayurbhanj also merged in Odisha
47
Freedom Struggle in Odisha
4 InwhichyearwasUtkalSamillaniformed?
(a) 1903 (b) 1900 (c) 1910 (d) 1899
(a) Mayurbhanj (b) Balasore
(c) Cuttack (d) None of these
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