Freedom Struggle in Odisha

Odisha’s participation in India’s freedom struggle was significant and began with the Swadeshi Movement. The region produced many nationalistic leaders who contributed greatly to various movements. The journey toward independence involved numerous sacrifices, protests, and revolts in response to oppressive colonial rule.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand Odisha’s key role in India’s freedom movements, including the Swadeshi and Quit India movements.
2. Learn about significant freedom fighters from Odisha and their contributions.
3. Explore the events that shaped Odisha’s struggle for independence.
4. Grasp the impact of social and political movements in pre- and post-independence Odisha.

Pre-Independence Movements in Odisha

The pre-independence era witnessed a series of movements that shaped Odisha’s nationalist spirit. These movements significantly contributed to the region’s collective consciousness and fight against British rule.

Swadeshi Movement

The Swadeshi Movement in Odisha began in 1905, primarily affecting the educated class.

1. Protest Meetings: Held in Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, Sambalpur, and other places, including a prominent meeting at the Cuttack Municipal Hall under Babu Janakinath Bose’s presidency on August 20, 1905.
2. Promotion of Local Goods: Influenced by Swadeshi ideals, weavers in Sambalpur, Banpur, Sukinda, and Basudevpur began producing fine handloom textiles. Wealthy individuals began favoring local textiles like Berhampur Pata and Maniabandha Sari.
3. Educational Reforms: On August 12, 1909, Gopabandhu Das founded Satyabadi Bana Bidyalaya at Sakhigopal, Puri, a school fostering national consciousness by welcoming students from all castes and classes.

Non-Cooperation Movement

Odisha’s response to the Non-Cooperation Movement was marked by mass resignations and the adoption of indigenous educational institutions.

1. Resignations: Many youths left schools, colleges, and government jobs. Lawyers like Gopabandhu Choudhury and intellectuals such as Pandit Nilakantha Das quit their prestigious positions.
2. Utkal Samillani: Founded in 1905, it promoted regional unity and supported nationalist causes.
3. Mahatma Gandhi’s Visit: In March 1921, Gandhi’s appeal in Odisha intensified the movement. Newspapers like The Samaj (started in 1919) and Utkal Sevak played a vital role in spreading nationalist ideas.
4. Students’ Activism: Established Swaraj Sevak Sangh at Cuttack to further the movement’s objectives.
5. Peasant Revolt: The Kanika zamindari revolt in 1922 was closely linked to the non-cooperation efforts.

Civil Disobedience Movement

With the Civil Disobedience Movement, Odisha witnessed an escalation in the fight for independence.

1. Salt Satyagraha: Coastal Odisha embraced the Salt Law defiance, notably at Inchudi in Balasore, where Surendra Nath Das led significant activities.
2. Foot March: On April 6, 1930, Gopabandhu Choudhary and Acharya Harihar Das began their journey from Swarajya Ashram, Cuttack, to Inchudi. Despite police oppression, salt was manufactured by the Satyagrahis on April 14.
3. Women Participation: Ramadevi and Malati Devi led women’s involvement in the Salt Satyagraha.
4. Broader Civil Actions: Boycotting foreign goods, picketing excise shops, refusing Chowkidari tax, and spreading Khadi became widespread.
5. People’s Conference: In 1931, Odisha State’s People’s Conference was organized at Cuttack to address citizens’ grievances.

Individual Civil Disobedience Movement

The Individual Civil Disobedience Movement in Odisha began after the Ramgarh session of the Indian National Congress in March 1940.

1. HK Mahtab’s Leadership: Appointed as the General Director by the Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee, he was arrested on December 1, 1940, for his anti-war speech.
2. Movement’s Conclusion: By March 1941, the Individual Civil Disobedience phase ended.

Quit India Movement and Odisha’s Response

Odisha played a critical role in the Quit India Movement of August 1942, marked by widespread public uprisings and sacrifices.

1. Popular Uprisings: Rural areas of Odisha erupted in protests, with Laxman Naik becoming a martyr.
2. Youth Involvement: Despite the arrest of prominent leaders, young activists sustained the movement. In Koraput, the absence of Congress leadership led to violent outbursts.
3. Laxman Naik’s Execution: Arrested and falsely accused of murder, Naik was executed on March 29, 1943.
4. Student Protests: In Cuttack, students, including 200 from Ravenshaw College, protested against British rule.

Massacre of Eram

The Eram Massacre in Balasore became Odisha’s Jallianwala Bagh.

1. Tax Protest: On September 28, 1942, villagers resolved not to pay taxes and confronted the police.
2. Open Firing: Following an attack on police, the Chief ordered firing, leading to the death of many. Eram is now remembered as “Rakta Tirtha Eram.”

Prajamandal Movement

The Prajamandal Movement protested the oppressive practices of princely states supported by the British.

1. Oppressive Taxes: Exploitation included taxes like ‘Rasad’, ‘Magan’, ‘Bethi’, and ‘Begari’.
2. Revolt: People organized under HK Mahtab and Sarangdhar Das, leading to the formation of the Prajamandal at Gariamal in 1938.
3. Uprising in Dhenkanal: Took a serious turn, with the British withdrawing the king’s powers, reducing land tax, and releasing leaders.
4. Spread of Movement: Reached areas like Talcher, Gangapur, Ranpur, Nayagarh, Bonai, and Mayurbanj.

Important Note:

The Prajamandal Movement accelerated the merger of princely states into Odisha and marked the decline of monarchical rule.

Final Phase of the Freedom Struggle

Odisha’s journey toward independence culminated in key political changes and the formation of its provincial identity.

1. Separate Province: On April 1, 1936, Odisha was recognized as a separate province.
2. First Congress Ministry: Elections in 1937 led to a Congress Ministry under Biswanath Das.
3. Coalition Ministry: Formed in 1941 under the Maharaja of Paralakhemundi.
4. Utkal University: One of the major achievements during this period.

Role of Odishan Women in the Freedom Struggle

Women in Odisha significantly contributed to the freedom struggle, often facing direct confrontation with colonial forces.

1. Mahatma Gandhi’s Influence: Women like Rama Devi, Sarala Devi, and Malati Devi were inspired to actively participate after Gandhi’s visit in 1921.
2. Civil Disobedience: Took part in the Salt Satyagraha at Inchudi, led by women like Rama Devi.
3. Sevaghar Ashram: Established by Rama Devi in Bari, focusing on Khadi, Harijan upliftment, and women’s rights.
4. Literary Contributions: Sarala Devi used her writings to create social and political awareness.

Important Note:

The literary works of Sarala Devi and Sita Devi Khadanga played a pivotal role in promoting political and social consciousness in Odisha.

Post-Independence Era

After India’s independence, Odisha swiftly moved to address the merger of princely states.

1. Immediate Action: HK Mahtab led the efforts for state mergers, beginning with Nilagiri’s unrest in November 1947.
2. Central Intervention: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel visited Odisha to facilitate the merger.
3. Full Integration: All princely states except Mayurbhanj merged with Odisha by January 1, 1948. Mayurbhanj followed in 1949.

Prominent Freedom Fighters of Odisha

Madhusudan Das

1. Birth: April 28, 1848, in Cuttack.
2. Contributions: Founded Utkal Union Conference, pivotal in uniting Odia-speaking regions, pressured for educational grants, and introduced Odisha Tenancy Bill.
3. Death: February 4, 1939.

Gopabandhu Das

1. Birth: October 9, 1877, in Puri.
2. Contributions: Enhanced Congress activities in Odisha, founded Satyabadi School, first President of Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee.
3. Death: June 17, 1928.

Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo

1. Birth: April 26, 1892.
2. Role: Twice Prime Minister of Odisha, instrumental in its formation as a separate province.
3. Death

: May 25, 1974.

Rama Devi

1. Birth: December 3, 1899.
2. Contributions: Participated in freedom struggles, led several organizations, and established Navajeevan Mandal in Koraput.
3. Death: July 22, 1985.

Sarala Devi

1. Birth: August 9, 1904.
2. Involvement: Joined the Non-Cooperation Movement, participated in Salt Satyagraha, focused on women’s rights in writings.
3. Death: October 4, 1986.

Malati Devi

1. Birth: July 26, 1904.
2. Role: Active in Salt Satyagraha, encouraged women to participate, attended Karachi session of Congress.
3. Death: 1998.

Timeline of Key Events

MCQ

Which event marked Odisha’s official recognition as a separate province?

1. Formation of Utkal Union Conference in 1903.
2. Mahatma Gandhi’s visit in 1921.
3. Establishment of Satyabadi Vana Vidyalaya in 1909.
4. April 1, 1936.
   Answer: 4. April 1, 1936.