History of 29th September – Matangini Hazra
Explore the history of 29th September, from the discovery of Jupiter’s moon Ananke by Seth Barnes Nicholson in 1951 to a tribute to the courageous Indian freedom fighter Matangini Hazra, who became a martyr during the Quit India Movement.
The history of 29th September takes us to the year 1951 when American astronomer Seth Barnes Nicholson discovered Ananke, 12th moon of Jupiter from Mount Wilson Observatory, Los Angeles County, California
With this I come to the feature story from the history of 29th September by saluting Matangini Hazra on her death anniversary.
Matangini Hazra: The Indomitable Spirit of India’s Freedom Struggle
Matangini Hazra, a name that might not spring to mind as swiftly as Gandhi or Nehru, was no less a revolutionary in India’s long and arduous battle for independence. Born on 19 October 1870 in the village of Hogla, near Tamluk in Bengal, Hazra became one of the staunchest Gandhian supporters and a beacon of courage, proving that age is no bar when it comes to fighting for one’s country. She laid down her life for India on 29 September 1942, during the Quit India Movement, becoming the first martyr of Midnapore. Fondly called Gandhi Buri—the “Old Lady Gandhi”—Hazra’s life was one of tireless dedication, steely resolve, and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom.
A Humble Beginning
Born into a poor peasant family, Hazra’s early life was as unremarkable as any from a modest background. Her lack of formal education and the tragic loss of her husband at the tender age of eighteen could have easily consigned her to a life of quiet obscurity. But the winds of change were stirring, and Hazra was not one to be left in the shadows. With a heart that beat fiercely for justice, she began to take an interest in the Indian independence movement, inspired by the Gandhian ideals of non-violence and civil disobedience.
Joining the Struggle
Hazra’s first taste of activism came during the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930, where she was arrested for breaking the Salt Act. This initial brush with the law did little to deter her. In fact, it strengthened her resolve. In the following years, she threw herself into various protests, including the Chowkidari Tax Bandha movement, which sought to abolish unfair taxes levied by the British colonial administration. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Time and again, she was arrested, but each time, she returned stronger, determined to continue her fight.
Her participation in the movement wasn’t just about waving banners and chanting slogans. Hazra was deeply involved in social work, too. When a smallpox epidemic ravaged her village, she was among the first to offer help to the afflicted, showing that her compassion extended far beyond political activism. Her dedication to spinning her own Khadi was another testament to her firm belief in the Gandhian principle of self-reliance.
The Final Stand: Quit India Movement
It was during the Quit India Movement of 1942, however, that Hazra’s name became immortal. At the age of 72, when many would be resting in the twilight of their lives, Hazra was leading a procession of six thousand volunteers to take over the Tamluk Police Station. With a sense of duty that belied her years, she led her Vidyut Bahini—a volunteer group made up mostly of women—with the hope of reclaiming the police station for India.
When the procession reached the outskirts of Tamluk, they were met with the threat of violence by the British Indian police, who ordered them to disband. Undeterred, Hazra continued to march forward with the Indian tricolour in hand. She stepped boldly ahead, urging the police not to open fire. Yet, her pleas fell on deaf ears. Shot once, she still pressed forward. Even after taking multiple bullets, she refused to fall. With wounds to her head and arms, Hazra continued chanting Vande Mataram, a testament to her indomitable spirit. She died on her feet, the national flag held high—her final act one of defiance and bravery.
A Legacy Written in Blood and Courage
Matangini Hazra’s martyrdom didn’t go in vain. Her death sparked a wave of rebellion in Tamluk, and for two years after her passing, the area functioned under the leadership of the parallel Tamluk National Government, a testament to the power of her sacrifice. It wasn’t until 1944, at Gandhi’s request, that this government was disbanded.
In the years following India’s independence, Hazra’s legacy was honoured in numerous ways. Streets, schools, and statues bear her name today, most notably the stretch of Hazra Road in Kolkata. In 1977, she became the first woman to have a statue erected in her memory in the city. Her story remains a powerful reminder of the many unsung heroes who contributed to India’s freedom, often at great personal cost.
In 2002, her legacy was further cemented when the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp in her honour, marking sixty years since the Quit India Movement. A fitting tribute for a woman whose life was marked by quiet defiance and undying patriotism.
Conclusion
In the pantheon of India’s freedom fighters, Matangini Hazra shines as a beacon of resilience. She may not have wielded the political clout of her contemporaries, but her courage in the face of overwhelming odds is an example for all. At a time when the country was in the throes of colonial subjugation, Hazra proved that even the frailest shoulders could bear the weight of a revolution. As we remember her today, it’s essential to honour not only the grand figures of history but also those like Hazra, whose quiet determination helped shape the course of a nation’s destiny. For her, the phrase “age is just a number” couldn’t have been more apt—she truly lived and died for her beloved Mother India.
In the words of Hazra herself: Vande Mataram.
That’s all from the history of 29th September.
What's Your Reaction?
