Tara Rani Srivastava: Indian Freedom Fighter

We study history in schools and colleges; we have all been taught about great Indian leaders and their marvellous contributions to the freedom struggle. If anyone asked to name some Indian freedom fighters, we easily tell Gandhiji, the Father of the Nation; Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India; Subhash Chandra Bose, the man who set up the Armed Force for India; Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India and some important leaders. The role of some unknown freedom fighters, who played a mighty and vital role, is not remembered. It is because, either they were from small villages or who finished their national duty and died earlier. In those days, women were prohibited from any kind of activities other than house chores. This freedom movement made them get out of their houses; they were outspoken; they passionately fought for their country and their equality. However, few female fighters became notable for their contribution to the freedom struggle. Here, we are going to see about one such prominent female freedom fighter, Tara Rani Srivastava.

Personal Life:     

Tara Rani Srivastava belongs to a simple family. She was born in a village, Saran, near the city of Patna (Bihar). She got married at the age of 13, to Phulendu Babu. There are no other records about her birth or personal details.

Freedom Struggle of Tara Rani:

Tara Rani was inspired the the ongoing freedom struggle since her childhood. Her anticipation towards her country’s independence made her become a part of the freedom struggle. But during that time, females were allowed to do any social activities other than house chores. So, her passion for fighting for the nation remained fulfilled. At the age of 13, she was married to Phulendu Babu, a social activist and a freedom fighter. Tara Rani’s wish to be a part of the freedom movement was achieved through her marriage. Phulendu Babu motivates her to fight for the nation.

Tara Rani lived in a community where women were not allowed to get outside the house. She disintegrated those rules and also encouraged other women in her village to participate in the freedom struggle and fight against the British. She gathered women who wanted to participate in Gandhi’s independence struggle.  She became an inspiration for many women and became a pioneer in getting many women to participate in the Quit India Movement.

During the Quit India Movement, Gandhi gathered and informed every state and village people to participate in the movement. He talked to the notable leaders in the villages and asked them to guide the people of their village. In response to that, Phulendu Babu and Tara Rani managed to unite a massive crowd in their village against the British Raj. Their motto was to hoist the Tricolour National Flag at the Siwan Police Station, which was a distance of around 67km from the village of Saran. The massive crowd formed by Phulendu Babu and Tara Rani marched towards their destination shouting slogans against the British.

Tara Rani and Phulendu Babu were a newly married couple as soon as they got married, they started their contribution to the freedom struggles and movements. It was them who stood in front of the crowd and upfront them. During their march, the policemen to prevent them from hoisting the flag; started the lathi charge against the protesters. But, the policemen could not control the protestors, so they opened fire on them. Phulendu Babu who stood in front was shot and wounded. Tara Rani was shocked but immediately she wrapped his wounds with a piece of cloth that she tore from her saree. She was also forced to continue her journey by Phulendu Babu who insisted on her and she continued her protest towards the police station. She also achieved her attempt to hoist the national flag at the Siwan Police Station. While returning to her husband, she saw that he was dead with the injuries.

On 15th August 1942, a prayer meeting was arranged in Chhapra city, to honour Phulendu Babu’s sacrifice for the country. Tara Rani was a young new bride and belonged to the Orthodox community. Her husband’s death did not stop her from continuing her participation and fighting for her country. She knew the difficulties to be faced by a young widow in those days, but still, she broke all the regulations and continued to fight for the freedom of her nation. She fought till India became independent on 15th August 1947.

Tara Rani represents the women who come from a simple and conservative family. Despite not having any formal education, she selflessly sacrificed her life for the freedom of the country. She fought till her end by following Gandhi’s mission. She also took part in various Gandhi’s movement against the British Government.