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Pritilata Waddedar was a Bengali revolutionary revolutionist who had a major role to play in the Indian Independence Movement. She completed her education in Chattogram and Dhaka, graduated in philosophy and ultimately became a school teacher. She is referred to as “Bengal’s first woman martyr’.Read this blog to learn more about “Pritilata Waddedar.”.
| Life | Likely born in 1911 (exact date unknown) in Paharpur, Faridpur (now Bangladesh) |
| Died on December 23, 1932, in Chittagong, British India (present-day Bangladesh) | |
| Occupation | Revolutionary |
| Nickname | Bengal’s first woman martyr |
| Known for | Leading a raid on the Pahartali European Club in Chittagong to cripple British communication networks |
| Significance | One of the youngest revolutionaries in the Indian independence movement. |
| A symbol of courage and sacrifice for women in India |
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Early Life Of Pritilata Waddedar
Pritilata Waddedar was born into a middle-class Bengali family on May 5, 1911.
- Her father, Jagabandhu Waddedar, was a clerk in Chittagong Municipality.
- Her mother, Pratibhamayi Devi, was a homemaker. Pritilata was the second of six children.
- Pritilata excelled in academics; she started school in Chittagong and was known for her intelligence.
- She attended Dr. Khastagir Govt. Girls High School and secured various scholarships.
- She was influenced by Rani Laxmibai and became an important part of the Indian Independence Movement.
Also read: Dr. Verghese Kurien: The Father Of The White Revolution
Contributions of Pritilata Waddedar
Here is a description of how Pritilata Waddedar contributed to the freedom movement-
| Category | Detail |
| Early Involvement | Influenced by the growing movement for Indian independence. |
| Possibly inspired by figures like Rani Laxmibai. | |
| Joining the Revolutionaries | Connected with revolutionary groups while a student, possibly Deepali Sangha led by Leela Nag. |
| Became part of Surya Sen’s revolutionary group in Chittagong. | |
| Revolutionary Activities | Participated in raids and attacks on symbols of British power: Telephone & Telegraph offices, Reserve police line. |
| Played a key role in planning and strategizing. | |
| Leadership Role | Chosen to lead the attack on the Pahartali European Club due to her disguise capabilities (some sources mention dressing as a man). |
| The club was a symbol of British social segregation and had a sign saying, “Dogs and Indians not allowed.” | |
| Led a group of 15 revolutionaries in the attack on September 23, 1932. | |
| Sacrifice and Impact | The revolutionaries successfully raided and set fire to the club. |
| A fierce gunfight ensued, and Pritilata was injured. | |
| To avoid capture and potential torture, she consumed a pre-given cyanide capsule and died a martyr. | |
| She is considered one of the youngest revolutionaries and the first female martyr in the Bengal region of the Indian independence movement | |
| Pritilata’s actions not only damaged British communication networks but also challenged their sense of security |
FAQs
Pritilata Waddedar was a Bengali revolutionary involved in the Indian Independence Movement, known for leading a daring attack on the Pahartali European Club.
She led a raid on the Pahartali European Club to disrupt British communication networks, becoming Bengal’s first female martyr in the process.
Her sacrifice symbolized courage against British rule, inspiring others in the independence movement and challenging social norms of the time.
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