Who Was Bina Das?
Bina Das: The Fearless Revolutionary of India’s Freedom Struggle
Bina Das is one of the lesser-known yet incredibly courageous figures of India’s freedom struggle, whose determination and commitment to the nation’s liberation deserve widespread recognition. A member of the armed revolutionary movement, she rose to prominence for her daring attempt to assassinate Stanley Jackson, the then-Governor of Bengal, during a convocation ceremony in 1932. Bina Das’s story is one of immense bravery, sacrifice, and resilience, embodying the spirit of countless unsung heroes who fought for India’s independence.
Early Life and Inspiration
Bina Das was born on August 24, 1911, in Krishnanagar, Nadia district, Bengal (now in West Bengal), into a family steeped in nationalist ideals. Her father, Beni Madhab Das, was a well-known Brahmo Samaj leader and educator who had taught Subhas Chandra Bose. Her mother, Sarala Devi, was actively involved in the freedom struggle and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of women. Growing up in such an environment, Bina was imbued with a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to contribute to the nation’s fight for freedom.
Bina Das pursued her education at Bethune College in Calcutta, an institution known for its association with progressive and nationalist ideals. During her college years, she became actively involved in the revolutionary activities of the Indian independence movement. The growing repression by the British, coupled with the influence of freedom fighters like Chittaranjan Das, Subhas Chandra Bose, and the members of the Jugantar group, played a significant role in shaping her political ideology.
The Revolutionary Path
Bina Das was deeply influenced by the armed revolutionary movement in Bengal, which sought to overthrow British colonial rule through direct action. Revolutionary groups like Jugantar and Anushilan Samiti were actively recruiting young men and women who were ready to make sacrifices for the cause of independence. Bina joined these revolutionary circles, where she was trained in the use of firearms and bomb-making, and her resolve to fight against British oppression grew stronger with time.
The Assassination Attempt on Stanley Jackson
Bina Das’s most daring act came on February 6, 1932, during the convocation ceremony at the University of Calcutta. On this day, Stanley Jackson, the Governor of Bengal and a former England cricket captain, was presiding over the event. The convocation was a grand occasion attended by many dignitaries and students, but for Bina, it was an opportunity to strike a blow against the colonial government.
As the ceremony proceeded, Bina Das, who had concealed a revolver in her clothing, stood up and fired five shots at the Governor. Although none of the bullets hit Jackson—two missed and three grazed his gown—the act of defiance shook the British administration. The boldness of a young woman daring to assassinate a high-ranking British official drew both admiration and alarm.
Bina did not attempt to escape and was immediately arrested. Her act of rebellion was a statement against the injustices perpetrated by the British government and a call for complete independence. During her trial, she remained unapologetic and declared that her actions were motivated by the suffering and oppression faced by her fellow countrymen under colonial rule.
Imprisonment and Sacrifice
Bina Das was sentenced to nine years of rigorous imprisonment for her attempt on the Governor’s life. Her time in prison was marked by harsh treatment and poor living conditions, but she endured it all with unwavering resolve. Like many revolutionaries, she used her incarceration as an opportunity to strengthen her ideological commitment and reflect on the broader goals of the independence movement.
Despite the physical and emotional hardships she faced in prison, Bina Das emerged even more determined to contribute to the cause of freedom. Her sacrifice inspired many young Indians to join the struggle for independence and highlighted the crucial role women played in the revolutionary movement.
Post-Prison Life and Continued Activism
After her release from prison in 1941, Bina Das continued her association with the freedom movement. She joined the Indian National Congress, which was then at the forefront of the fight for independence. However, the Congress’s focus on non-violent methods contrasted with her revolutionary inclinations, and she found herself drawn back to more radical circles.
Bina’s post-prison years were also marked by a shift in her personal life. She married Jatish Chandra Bhaumik, a fellow revolutionary, and together they worked toward rebuilding their lives while staying committed to their political ideals.
Challenges in Independent India
Despite her sacrifices for the nation, Bina Das faced significant hardships in independent India. Like many revolutionaries, she struggled to find a place in the political and social landscape of a free India, where the contributions of armed revolutionaries were often overshadowed by the leaders of the non-violent movement.
Bina and her husband lived a life of relative obscurity and financial difficulty, and she eventually withdrew from active politics. Her later years were spent in isolation, and her immense contributions to the freedom struggle were largely forgotten.
Legacy and Recognition
Bina Das’s story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals whose contributions remain unacknowledged in mainstream narratives of India’s freedom struggle. Her bravery and commitment serve as a testament to the critical role played by women in the fight for independence.
Several efforts have been made to honor her memory:
- Statues and Memorials: In some parts of Bengal, statues have been erected to commemorate her contributions.
- Inspirational Role Model: Her life has inspired books and articles highlighting the participation of women in revolutionary activities.
- Tributes in Literature and History: Historians and writers have called for greater recognition of her contributions in the broader context of India’s independence movement.
However, much more needs to be done to bring Bina Das’s story to the forefront of public consciousness and ensure that her sacrifices are remembered by future generations.
Women in the Revolutionary Movement
Bina Das was part of a broader tradition of women revolutionaries who defied societal norms and risked their lives for the cause of freedom. Figures like Kalpana Dutta, Pritilata Waddedar, Durga Bhabhi, and Bhikaiji Cama demonstrated extraordinary courage and played pivotal roles in India’s independence movement.
Their contributions challenge the stereotype of women as passive participants in the freedom struggle and underscore the need to recognize their agency and leadership.
Conclusion
Bina Das’s life exemplifies the spirit of resistance and sacrifice that defined India’s struggle for independence. Her daring attempt on the life of Stanley Jackson was not just an act of rebellion but a powerful statement against colonial oppression. Though she faced immense hardships and was largely forgotten in the years following independence, her story remains an inspiring chapter in the history of India’s fight for freedom.
As we remember Bina Das, we are reminded of the countless unsung heroes who fought for India’s independence with courage and conviction. Her legacy calls upon us to honor their sacrifices and ensure that their stories are passed down to future generations, serving as a source of inspiration for all who seek justice, equality, and freedom.
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