The contribution of paired State/Union Territory (UT) in India's Struggle for Freedom

The contribution of paired State/Union Territory (UT) in India's Struggle for Freedom

The Indian independence movement was a series of historic events with the ultimate aim of ending British rule in India. It lasted from 1857 to 1947. The Indian independence movement encompassed all sections of society. The aim of the movement was to liberate India from the slavery of the British and establish a secular, democratic, republican state.

People from each and every corner of India participated in this movement and contributed to the liberation of the country. Along with every state of the nation, every union territory also played an important role in the independence of India. 

Today there are 8 Union Territories in the country — Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Dadra and Nagambavelly and Damandiu, Jammu_and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. In_all these union territories, there have been many great freedom fighters who made their important contribution to the freedom struggle of India.

Contribution of Delhi- Delhi played a major role in Indian Independence alongside the work of Mahatma Gandhi and other notable leaders. Many Freedom fighters of Delhi opposed British rule and served for Indian Independence. Some of them are here- 

Aruna Asaf Ali- She was elected the first Mayor of Delhi. She was posthumously given the Bharata Ratna Award in 1997. It took place in Quit India Movement 1942. 

Abul Kalam Azad- National Education Day (India) an annual observance in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India, who served from 15 August 1947 until 2 February 1958. He took place in Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement both. 

Brahm Prakash- Ch. Brahm Prakash Yadav was the first chief minister of Delhi. He participated in Satyagraha Movement and Quit India Movement. 

Brij Krishna Chandiwala- A political associate of Mahatma Gandhi and was led the Padma Shri in 1963 for his contribution to the field of social work.

Satyavati Devi- A fiery freedom fighter, Mahatma Gandhi affectionately labelled her Toofani Behan(sister) and was acclaimed as the Joan of Arc of India. She participated in the Civil disobedience movement.

 Contribution of Puducherry- 

Varadarajulu Kailasa Subbiah - Subbiah was an Indian communist politician from Puducherry. He is regarded as the founder of the trade union movement in the union territory. Subbiah was one of the 'Tamrapatra awardees’, awarded the decoration for their role in the Indian freedom struggles

In mid-1951 the arrest warrant against V. Subbiah was withdrawn. V. Subbiah emerged as a major leader of the independence movement. In a public statement, he called for the formation of a united front compromising the Communist Party and other pro-independence groups. V. Subbiah met with Nehru on 13 August 1954 to discuss the prospects of the resistance struggle. On 1st November 1954, France left French India. V. Subbiah returned from exile, meeting a hero's welcome from jubilant masses. 

Subramania Bharathi- Subramania was a Tamil writer, poet, journalist, Indian independence activist and social reformer. Popularly known as “Mahakavi Bharathi". His numerous works included fiery songs kindling patriotism during the Indian Independence movement. 

In 1908, an arrest warrant was issued against Bharathi by the government of British India caused him to move to Pondicherry where he lived until 1918. 

The Andamans in general and the cellular Jailin_ particular played_a prominent part in the history of our glorious freedom struggle. Political prisoners who took part in various anti-British movements 

Such as the first war of independence and revolutionary freedom struggle of the early 20th century were sentenced to transportation for life and deported to the Andamans and lived under the most barbaric punishments. As well as the local people of Andamans often revolted against British rule but all these revolts were confined to smaller areas. 

Chandigarh, which was conceived immediately after India‘s Independence in 1947 as the capital of Punjab state. Punjab has been at the forefront of India’s freedom struggle. 

Punjab has been home to some of the most influential revolutionaries of India’s Independence movement, such as Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and the Jaliawala Bagh massacre. Today a total of 91 freedom fighters are legally registered with the Chandigarh government. 

Similarly, 1807 freedom fighters from jammu_and Kashmir, 33 freedom fighters from Daman and Diu and a total of 83 freedom fighters from Dadra and Nagar haveli are legally registered. Ladakh and freedom struggle. 

So in this way we know that along with the states of the country, the union territories have also played their role in the independence of the country. Whether it is less or more, but every union territory has definitely contributed in one way or the other in making the country independent.  

The contribution of paired State/Union Territory (UT) in India's Struggle for Freedom

The Constitution of India states that the State shall endeavour to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honourable relations between nations, foster respect for international law and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. However, circumstances required independent India to engage in wars and conflicts with Pakistan in 1947-48, 1965, 1971, 1987, 1999 and with China in 1962.

Union Territory Delhi

Red Fort is the most significant in the list of the monuments reciting the story of India’s freedom struggle. This Mughal fort has played a vital role in the freedom of India from the British and still continues to be a great symbol of Indian history. 

According to the historical references, Red Fort has served as one of the hubs of mutineers during the Revolt of 1857. The fort is the place from where Prime Minister hoists the national flag on Independence Day and addresses the nation on 15th August every year.

State Uttarpradesh 

In Uttar Pradesh, Jhansi is located on a huge hilltop called Bangira, Jhansi Fort is a magnificent fortress that has served as a stronghold of the Chandela Kings between the 11th and 17th centuries. 

Right in the heart of Jhansi city, Jhansi Fort is a historical place to visit on the eve of Independence Day. Construction of this fort is attributed to the Bundela Rajput chief - Veer Singh Deo Bundela in 1613. It is one of the strangleholds of the Bundela dynasty. 

Spread over an area of 15 acres, this fort was under the supremacy of British rule till a revolt broke out in 1857 and queen Lakshmibai took control of the fort against the British East India Company.

In Allahabad, the huge mansion is located in Allahabad city of Uttar Pradesh. It earlier used to be the residence of the Nehru family and later on converted into the head office of the Indian National Congress during the 1920s. 

At this place, many important decisions were taken to end the rule of the East India Company in India. It is the place where planning for getting freedom of India was done. It is one of the major attractions of Allahabad and one of the places that remind you about the freedom struggle of India.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory

Previously called Kala Pani, Cellular Jail is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It used to be a majestic prison, which gravely reminds us about the price that our freedom fighters have paid. Some of the eminent Indian freedom strugglers like Veer Savarkar and Batukeshwar Dutt were imprisoned here. 

This huge prison happened to be a torture chamber for Indian freedom fighters locked here. Currently, this jail complex serves as a national memorial monument. It is among the most visited attractions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 

There are several mannequins kept on display in a place that showcases how prisoners used to be tortured here and what they were given as punishment. A visit to this jail is surely going to give you Goosebumps and you shouldn’t miss watching the wonderful light and sound show.

State Punjab 

Amritsar in Punjab, Jallianwala Bagh is a famous public garden in Amritsar. The garden also houses a memorial of national importance, which was founded in 1951 by the Government of India to memorialize the massacre caused by British forces. 

This massacre took place on 13th April 1919 when a peaceful crowd of protesters that included defenceless women and children were fired upon by the hordes of the British Indian Army. 

This massacre happened on the occasion of the Baisakhi and as per the records of British officials, 379 people were killed and around 1,100 were injured. However, the actual figures are much higher than the given one. Several marks of the bullets can be still seen here. Visit this place to recreate those memories and those struggles.

State Bihar

Champaran witnessed the first Satyagraha movement in 1917, which gained historical importance in the Indian Freedom Struggle. Initiated by Mahatama Gandhi it was a non-violent movement against the British who forced Indian farmers to cultivate indigo used for dying clothes, not letting them grow crops necessary for survival. Champaran was the place that later became the tipping point for non-violence politics.

State Maharashtra

August Kranti Maidan, Previously called the Gowalia Tank Maidan, August Kranti Maidan is another key place of the Indian freedom fight. From this ground of Mumbai, Mahatma Gandhi started ‘Quit India Movement against British rule in India. In fact, the famous catchphrase of Mahatma Gandhi ‘Do or Die’ instigated many from here and more than 60,000 people were put behind the bars from here only. This is a wonderful place that you can visit on your Intendance Day trip.

State Gujarat

This place is known with various names like Gandhi Ashram, Harijan Ashram and Satyagraha Ashram. Situated in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmadabad in the state of Gujarat, Sabarmati Ashram is established on the banks of River Sabarmati. 

It used to be one of the residential places of Mahatma Gandhi. He lived here for about 12 years with his spouse, Kasturba Gandhi. Sabarmati Ashram was the base for the famous Dandi March, which he started on 12th March 1930.

This event holds a strong position in the Indian freedom movement. Now, this ashram serves as one of the greatest historical places in India.

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