Surya Sen, Chittagong Armoury Raid, Activities, Legacy

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.

About Surya Sen

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.

• Surya Sen often stated, “Humanism is a Special virtue of a revolutionary”.
• Known as “Master Da,” he also worked as a teacher and admired poets like Tagore and Qazi Nazrul Islam.
• Arrested in 1933, Surya Sen was executed by the British on January 12, 1934.

Surya Sen Participation in Non-Cooperation Movement

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.

• After his release, Surya Sen continued his work with the Congress as the secretary of the Chittagong District Congress Committee.

Surya Sen Indian Republican Army

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).

• Formation of Indian Republican Army: A revolutionary force founded by Surya Sen to challenge British rule in Chittagong.
• Objective: Aimed to liberate Chittagong and ignite a nationwide uprising against colonial rule.
• Chittagong Armoury Raid (1930): A key event in the IRA’s efforts to disrupt British administration.
• Notable Members: Included Ganesh Ghosh, Kalpana Dutt, Pritilata Waddedar, Ambika Chakrobarty, and other activists.

Surya Sen Chittagong Armoury Raid

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.

• Attack on Colonial Administration (April 18, 1930): Over sixty students, led by Surya Sen, Ganesh Ghosh, and Pritilata Waddedar, attacked Chittagong’s colonial administration.
• Raid Outcome: Successfully disrupted telegraph and railway lines but failed to secure ammunition from the armoury.
• Declaration of Provisional Government: Declared Chittagong’s independence, hoisted the national flag, and called on youth to join the movement.
• British Retaliation: Initially caught off guard, British forces returned with reinforcements and brutally suppressed the activists.
• Hiding in Jalalabad Hills: Surya Sen and his associates went into hiding, receiving local support and continuing guerrilla raids.
• Guerrilla Resistance: Surya Sen led raids against colonial property and officials, evading capture for three years.
• Betrayal and Arrest: Confidant Netra Sen betrayed Surya Sen, leading to his arrest on February 16, 1933.
• Execution: Surya Sen and Tarakeswar Dastidar were tortured and executed by the British on January 12, 1934.

Surya Sen Legacy

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.”

• His indomitable spirit and courage were evident, as the prospect of sacrificing his life for his country’s freedom never dissuaded him from defying British authorities.

Surya Sen UPSC PYQs

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)