History of 11th August- Khudiram Bose
A devoted foodie with keen interest in wild life, music,…
This episode delves into the history of 11th August, exploring notable events such as the commencement of the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, the foundation stone laying of the Norman Durham cathedral, the integration of Dadra Nagar Haveli with India, and the last solar eclipse of the 20th century. The feature story highlights the life and sacrifice of Khudiram Bose, a young revolutionary in India’s fight for independence.
The history of 11th August takes us back to the year 3114 BCE when on this day the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, used by several pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations, notably the Mayans, started.
Moving on with the history of 11th August we find that it was on this day in the year 1093 when the foundation stone for the new Norman Durham cathedral was laid by Bishop William of St. Calais in England.
Some more significant events from the history of 11th August are on this day 1961 Dadra Nagar Haveli merged with India and became a Union Territory. This was also the day in the year 1999 when the last solar eclipse of the century was seen in Europe and Asia.
With this, I come to the feature story of 11th August by remembering Khudiram Bose the youngest revolutionary on his death anniversary.
Khudiram Bose: The Young Revolutionary Who Defied Tyranny and Sacrificed All
In the annals of India’s struggle for independence, the name Khudiram Bose shines brightly as a symbol of unwavering courage, youthful fervor, and sacrifice. Born on December 3, 1889, in the serene village of Habibpur nestled within the Midnapore district of West Bengal, Khudiram’s life story is one that traverses the heart of the freedom movement, embodying the essence of resilience against adversity.
Khudiram’s early life was marked by adversity. Losing his parents at a tender age, he found solace and guidance under the nurturing care of his elder sister. Despite the hardships that fate had dealt him, Khudiram’s thirst for knowledge remained undeterred. He attended Hamilton High School in Hatgachha village, North 24 Parganas District, further fueling his aspiration for a brighter future.
The flame of patriotism was ignited in Khudiram’s heart through the eloquent speeches of stalwarts like Aurobindo Ghose and Sister Nivedita. Their words awakened in him a profound realization of the oppressive British rule and the urgent need for India’s freedom. Khudiram, a mere fifteen years old, was stirred to action by the tumultuous events of the time, particularly the Partition of Bengal in 1905. In a bold display of his commitment, he courted arrest for distributing pamphlets that voiced his dissent against the British administration.
Khudiram’s journey deepened when he joined the Anushilan Samiti in 1908. This revolutionary group, led by eminent figures like Aurobindo Ghose and Barindra Ghose, sought to employ more assertive and direct methods to expel the British from India. Within the Samiti, Khudiram honed his skills, including the knowledge of bomb-making. His determination to bring about change was showcased through his audacious acts of planting bombs near police stations to target the very representatives of colonial authority.
One figure emerged as a focal point of the revolutionaries’ ire—Douglas H Kingsford, the Chief Presidency Magistrate of Calcutta, notorious for his cruelty towards freedom fighters. Kingsford’s harsh treatment and vindictiveness fueled the anger of the nationalists, and numerous attempts on his life were made. In a strategic move, the British authorities transferred Kingsford to Muzaffarpur, hoping to quell the rebellion.
However, Khudiram and his compatriots were not deterred. After meticulous planning, Khudiram and Prafulla Kumar Chaki were entrusted with the mission to assassinate Kingsford. On April 30, 1908, they ambushed Kingsford’s carriage, with Khudiram hurling a bomb towards it. Tragically, the intended target escaped yet again, as the carriage carried innocent passengers.
The aftermath of the attack sparked a frenzy of police activity. Khudiram was apprehended at the Waini train station, while Prafulla Kumar Chaki chose to evade capture through a tragic act of self-inflicted death. Khudiram’s bravery, however, captured the imagination of the people, who rallied around him as he was led in chains to the Muzaffarpur police station.
Khudiram’s journey through trials and hearings culminated in an agonizing verdict—death by hanging. At the tender age of eighteen, Khudiram Bose faced the gallows on August 11, 1908. His demeanor remained resolute even in the face of imminent death, a poignant testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom. His execution marked him as one of the youngest martyrs in India’s struggle against colonial rule.
Newspapers of the time recounted the remarkable spirit of this young revolutionary, who ascended the scaffold with a smile. The procession that followed, as Khudiram’s body was carried to its final resting place, bore witness to the deep respect and reverence he had earned. Crowds paid their respects by showering flowers, silently acknowledging the profound sacrifice he had made for the greater good.
Khudiram Bose’s legacy reverberates through time, immortalized not only in history but in the very soul of a nation. His sacrifice, determination, and love for the motherland have left an indelible mark, reminding us that age is no barrier to the pursuit of justice and the fight for freedom. As the poet Pitambar Das eloquently put it in the popular Bengali song “Ek Baar Bidaye De Ma,” Khudiram Bose’s story echoes through the ages, a poignant melody of devotion and courage.
That’s all from the history of 11th August.
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A devoted foodie with keen interest in wild life, music, cinema and travel Somashis has evolved over time . Being an enthusiastic reader he has recently started making occasional contribution to write-ups.