16-12-2024
11:30 AM
Prelims: History of India & Indian National Movement.
Mains: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
Surya Sen went beyond his role as a schoolteacher to emerge as a steadfast figure of patriotism, embodying India's fight for independence. Affectionately known as Master Da, his revolutionary path was shaped during his college days, where he was profoundly inspired by nationalist beliefs.
Surya Sen had a strong desire to liberate his homeland from British colonial rule. On April 18, 1930, he led a determined group of revolutionaries in a bold attack on the British police armouries in Chittagong. This significant action shook the foundations of British authority in the region.
Surya Sen, born on March 22, 1894, in Noapara, Chittagong (now Bangladesh), was a Bengali revolutionary and leader of the 1930 Chittagong Armoury Raid. A passionate nationalist inspired during his B.A. studies at Berhampore College, he joined Anushilan Samiti and later became President of the Chittagong branch of the Indian National Congress.
The Non-Cooperation Movement had ignited a sense of nationalism in Bengal, and its abrupt end left many feeling disheartened. Surya Sen was involved in the Non-Cooperation Movement. He robbed the Assam-Bengal Railway treasury to fund it, which led to his imprisonment with fellow revolutionary Ambika Chakrabarty for two years. They were released in late 1928.
With the abrupt end of the Non-Cooperation Movement in Bengal, many new groups with anti-colonial sentiments emerged, largely led by young activists who demanded more aggressive action against the British. After his release from prison, Surya Sen took charge of one such group: the Indian Republican Army (IRA).
In 1930 Chittagong Armoury Raid, where Surya Sen mobilized and trained local youth for an armed struggle against British rule. The plan aimed to disrupt government communication lines, raid police and auxiliary forces' armouries, and seize weapons for distribution among the activists.
Surya Sen is recognized as one of the prominent revolutionaries of British India and is held in high esteem in both Bangladesh and India. In his final letter to his comrade, Masterda Surya Sen expressed his thoughts, stating,"Death is approaching me. My mind is soaring toward eternity... In this significant and solemn moment, what can I leave you? Only one thing: my dream, a golden dream—the dream of Free India."
Who among the following organized the famous Chittagong Armoury raid? (UPSC CSE 2001) (a) Laxmi Sehgal
(b) Surya Sen
(c) Batukeshwar Datta
(d) J.M. Sengupta
Ans: (b)
Q1. Who led the Chittagong Armoury Raid?
Ans. The Chittagong Armoury Raid was led by Surya Sen. He was a prominent revolutionary figure in the fight for India's independence from British rule.
Q2. Who were the women associated with Surya Sen?
Ans. Women associated with Surya Sen included Pritilata Waddedar, and Kalpana Dutt, all of whom played significant roles in the independence movement.
Q3. When was Surya Sen hanged?
Ans. Surya Sen was hanged on January 12, 1934.
Q4. Why is Surya Sen remembered?
Ans. Surya Sen is remembered for his leadership in the Chittagong Armoury Raid and his unwavering commitment to India's struggle for independence from British rule.
Q5. Who is the founder of the Indian Republican Army?
Ans. The Indian Republican Army was a brief revolutionary force, established by Surya Sen and the Anushilan Samiti in 1930.
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