Matangini Hazra: The Brave Gandhi Buri Who Fought for India's Freedom
Have you ever heard of a woman who, at the age of 73, led thousands in a march against powerful rulers, holding a flag high even as bullets hit her? That's Matangini Hazra for you. Known as "Gandhi Buri" – which means "old lady Gandhi" in Bengali – she was a simple village woman who became a hero in India's fight for independence from British rule. Her story shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they believe in a cause. Born in a poor family in rural Bengal, Matangini didn't have fancy schools or big opportunities, but her heart was full of love for her country. She joined Mahatma Gandhi's movements, faced arrests, and in the end, gave her life for freedom. Today, streets, schools, and statues honor her name, reminding us of the power of courage and kindness.
In this article, we'll walk through her life step by step. We'll cover her early days, how she got into the freedom struggle, her big roles in key events, and what we can learn from her. If you're a student preparing for exams or just curious about history, her tale is inspiring – it teaches that age, education, or background don't stop you from making a difference. Let's dive in and see how one woman's spirit helped shape a free India.
Matangini Hazra Early Life
She was born on October 19, 1869, in Hogla, a tiny village near Tamluk in what is now Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. Her family was poor; her father was a peasant farmer who struggled to make ends meet. Life was tough for girls like her – no schools, early marriages, and lots of housework.
Matangini grew up in a time when British rule controlled everything in India. People paid heavy taxes, and famines hit hard. But in her village, she learned values like helping others and standing up for what's right. As a child, she was married off at just 12 years old, which was common then. Her husband was much older, a 62-year-old widower from a nearby village called Alinan. Sadly, he passed away when she was only 18, leaving her a widow with no children. In those days, widows faced a hard life – no remarriage, and often treated poorly by society. But Matangini didn't let that break her. Instead, she went back to her village and started helping her community. She cared for the sick, supported the poor, and even worked during epidemics like smallpox, showing her kind heart early on.
Also read ::Women Freedom Fighters of India | Gurukul academy
Her early years taught her about hardship and strength. Without formal education, she learned from life itself – watching her family farm, dealing with loss, and seeing how British laws hurt villagers. This built her resolve to fight injustice later. Students, think about this: Matangini had no books or teachers, but she became wise through experience. It shows that real learning comes from facing challenges head-on.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1869 (October 19) |
| Death Year | 1942 (September 29) |
| Birthplace | Hogla village, near Tamluk, West Bengal |
| Father's Name | Thakurdas Maity |
| Husband's Name | Trilochan Hazra |
| When She Became a Widow | At age 18 |
Matangini Hazra Education
Matangini never went to school. Why? Her family was too poor, and back then, girls from peasant homes rarely got that chance. She couldn't read or write much, but that didn't mean she wasn't smart. She learned practical things – farming, caring for people, and understanding village problems. After becoming a widow, she focused on helping others, which built her character.
In her 30s and 40s, she got involved in social work. During tough times like disease outbreaks, she helped the needy, even those from lower castes who were often ignored. This made her popular in her area. She was influenced by stories of freedom fighters and Gandhi's ideas, which spread through talks and meetings. Without books, she absorbed knowledge from people around her.
How She Joined the Freedom Movement
By the early 1900s, India was buzzing with calls for freedom. Mahatma Gandhi was traveling, talking about non-violence and self-rule. Matangini, in her mid-30s, heard about this and felt a spark. Living in Midnapore (now Medinipur), a hot spot for protests, she saw women joining the fight – something new and exciting.
In 1905, she started getting active. The partition of Bengal that year angered many, and protests grew. Matangini was drawn to Gandhi's ways: peaceful resistance, boycotting British goods, and spinning khadi (homemade cloth) to be self-reliant. People called her "Gandhi Buri" because she followed him so closely – wearing simple clothes, helping the poor, and speaking against injustice.
She joined the Indian National Congress, the main group fighting for freedom. At first, she helped locally – organizing meetings, encouraging women to participate, and spreading Gandhi's message. Midnapore had many women leaders, and Matangini fit right in. Her widow status gave her freedom to move around, unlike many married women tied to homes.
Imagine being over 60 and starting a new path – that's Matangini in the 1930s. She showed it's never too late to stand for what's right. Students, her entry teaches persistence: start small, learn from others, and build up.
Her Big Roles in India's Freedom Struggles
Matangini wasn't just a supporter; she was in the front lines. Let's break down her key moments in major movements.
The Salt Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience (1930-1932)
In 1930, Gandhi led the Dandi March to protest the British salt tax – a law that made salt expensive for poor Indians. Matangini, at 61, joined in. She marched with others, breaking the law by making salt from seawater. Arrested for it, she was let go quickly, but that didn't stop her.
She kept demanding the tax end. In the Chowkidari Tax Bandha (a protest against village watchmen taxes), she led a march to the court, chanting slogans. Arrested again, she spent six months in Baharampur jail. Jail was harsh – bad food, hard work – but she stayed strong.
After release, she spun khadi and urged boycotts. In 1933, at a Congress meeting in Serampore, police beat her with batons, injuring her badly. Yet, she recovered and kept going. This period showed her toughness – facing pain but not giving up.
Protests Against the Governor (1933)
One bold act: When Bengal's governor visited Tamluk to stop protests, Matangini sneaked past guards and waved a black flag at him, shouting against British rule. Police beat her severely, but she became a legend for her daring.
The Quit India Movement (1942)
This was her biggest moment. In August 1942, Gandhi called for "Quit India" – immediate British exit. Midnapore rose up, planning to take over police stations for a free zone.
On September 29, 1942, at 73, Matangini led 6,000 people – mostly women – to Tamluk police station. Holding the Indian flag, she marched ahead. Police ordered them to stop under Section 144 (no gatherings). She appealed: "Don't shoot your own people."
But they fired. First bullet hit her leg, then arm, then forehead. She kept walking, chanting "Vande Mataram" (Mother, I salute you), flag in hand, until she fell. She died there, the first Quit India martyr in Midnapore.
Legacy & Honors
- First Female Martyr’s Statue in Kolkata’s Maidan In 1977, India installed her statue in Kolkata’s Maidan—making her the first woman freedom fighter to be honored in this way .
- Postage StampIn 2002, India Post issued a commemorative stamp with her image to mark 60 years of the Quit India Movement .
- Women's College Named After HerThe Shahid Matangini Hazra Government College for Women in Tamluk was founded in 2015 to honor her spirit and promote women’s education .
- Legacy in GeographyThe local administrative block was even named Sahid Matangini CD Block, preserving her memory in governance geography .
Further Reading and References
To deepen your understanding of Matangini Hazra’s incredible life and legacy, here are some trusted sources where you can find more detailed information and scholarly insights:
Matangini Hazra – Wikipedia
A comprehensive biography covering her early life, brave participation in the freedom struggle, and lasting impact.
Read moreHazra, Matangini – Banglapedia
An authoritative encyclopedia entry that explores her background, activism, and role in Bengal’s nationalist movement.
Read moreAbout Matangini Hazra – Shahid Matangini Hazra College
An institutional profile highlighting key facts and the college’s tribute to her memory.
Read moreIndian Culture Portal – Matangini Hazra
Official government recognition providing cultural context and honoring her contributions.
Read moreStree Shakti – Matangini Hazra Profile
A detailed narrative emphasizing her role as a fearless woman warrior in India’s freedom fight.
Read more
