Pritilata Waddedar, Life, Role and Freedom Struggle Legacy

Pritilata Waddedar was a young revolutionary who participated in India’s struggle against British colonial rule. She is remembered for her contribution to the revolutionary movement in Bengal and for the role she played in expanding women’s participation in the armed freedom struggle.

Who Was Pritilata Waddedar?

Pritilata Waddedar was a revolutionary from Chittagong who became associated with the underground nationalist movement during the early 1930s. She worked under the leadership of Surya Sen, popularly known as Masterda, and became one of the prominent women involved in the revolutionary activities of the Chittagong region.

Pritilata Waddedar Early Life and Education

Pritilata Waddedar was born on 5 May 1911 in Chittagong into the family of Jagat Bandhu Waddedar. She was a bright and academically accomplished student who pursued her education across Chittagong, Dhaka and Calcutta.

• She received her early education at Dr Khastagir Government Girls’ School, Chittagong, and passed the Matriculation examination in 1928 in the first division. 
• She then studied at Eden College, Dhaka, where she performed well in the Intermediate examination.
• Pritilata later joined Bethune College, Calcutta, to study Philosophy and completed her Bachelor of Arts examination in 1932 with distinction. 

During her student years, she also came into contact with nationalist activities and became associated with the Dipali Sangha, a women’s organisation involved in the nationalist movement.

After completing her education, she returned to Chittagong and became the headmistress of Nandankanan Girls’ School. Her academic background, teaching career and growing exposure to nationalist networks formed the foundation for her later involvement in the revolutionary movement.

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Pritilata Waddedar Role in the Freedom Struggle

Pritilata entered the revolutionary movement in Bengal during a period when underground groups were using organised resistance against British rule. Her involvement brought women into a more direct role within the revolutionary network.

• Entry into the revolutionary movement: After returning to Chittagong, Pritilata came into contact with Surya Sen’s revolutionary network and became involved in its underground activities.
• Revolutionary training and support: She received training in revolutionary methods and assisted the organisation by carrying messages, weapons and other materials.
• Participation in the Chittagong movement: She became involved in the activities of the Indian Republican Army, Chittagong Branch, which operated under Surya Sen’s leadership.
• Dhalghat Encounter: In June 1932, she was present at the Dhalghat encounter when British forces raided a revolutionary hideout. She escaped along with Surya Sen.
• Pahartali European Club Attack: On 23 September 1932, Pritilata led an attack on the Pahartali European Railway Officers’ Club in Chittagong, targeting a symbol of colonial racial segregation.

Pritilata Waddedar’s Legacy

Pritilata Waddedar’s legacy continues to be remembered through educational institutions, historical records and the wider recognition of women’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle.

• She is remembered as an important woman revolutionary of the Indian freedom struggle.
• Bethune College has commemorated her through Pritilata Bhavan and preserved archival material associated with her.
• The University of Calcutta awarded her Bachelor of Arts degree posthumously in 2012.
• Her life remains an important part of the history of revolutionary nationalism and women’s participation in the freedom struggle.
• Her story is frequently used to examine women’s agency, youth participation and the regional diversity of India’s anti-colonial movement.