Pritilata Waddedar: A Courageous Woman of the Revolutionary Movement

Remembering Pritilata Waddedar, a courageous revolutionary who became a symbol of sacrifice in the anti-British independence movement.

 Pritilata Waddedar (5 May 1911 – 24 September 1932) was a Bengali revolutionary from Chittagong who became an important figure in the anti-British movement in colonial India. She is particularly remembered for leading an armed attack on the Pahartali European Club in 1932 and for her ultimate sacrifice at the age of 21.

Her life combined academic excellence, teaching, social involvement, and revolutionary activism, making her one of the notable women associated with the Chittagong revolutionary movement.

Early Life and Education

Pritilata was born on 5 May 1911 in Dhalghat village of Patiya, in present-day Chittagong, Bangladesh. Her father, Jagabandhu Waddedar, worked as a clerk in the Chittagong municipality, while her mother, Pratibhamayi Devi, was a homemaker.

She was the second of six children and was affectionately known as Rani within her family. From an early age, Pritilata showed strong academic ability and developed an interest in literature and the arts.

She studied at Dr. Khastagir Government Girls' High School in Chittagong before enrolling at Eden College in Dhaka. She performed exceptionally well in her Intermediate examination, reportedly ranking first among the candidates from the Dhaka Board that year.

During her college years, she also became involved in social activities and women's organizations, experiences that contributed to her growing political awareness.

Higher Education and Teaching Career

Pritilata later studied philosophy at Bethune College in Calcutta, where she graduated with distinction. Although her degree was not initially formally awarded because of administrative circumstances, she and fellow revolutionary Bina Das were eventually awarded their certificates posthumously in 2012.

After returning to Chittagong, Pritilata began working as a teacher. She eventually became the headmistress of Nandankanan Aparnacharan English Medium Secondary School.

Her career as an educator, however, was interrupted by her increasing involvement in the revolutionary movement.

Joining the Revolutionary Movement

Pritilata became associated with the revolutionary organization led by Surya Sen, popularly known as Masterda. She met Surya Sen and revolutionary Nirmal Sen in June 1932 and subsequently became involved in the group's activities.

At a time when women's participation in armed revolutionary organizations was relatively uncommon, Pritilata took on important responsibilities. She assisted in transporting weapons and explosives and participated in various operations connected with the revolutionary network.

Her determination and commitment earned her the confidence of the group's leaders.

Connection with Ramakrishna Biswas

Another significant episode in Pritilata's revolutionary life involved Ramakrishna Biswas, a revolutionary who had been sentenced to death.

After Biswas was arrested, Pritilata was asked to visit him at Alipore Jail in Calcutta. She reportedly visited him while posing as a relative. These meetings became an important part of her experience within the revolutionary movement.

The Pahartali European Club Attack

Pritilata's name became most closely associated with the Pahartali European Club attack of 1932.

The club in Chittagong had a reputation for racial discrimination during the colonial period. Historical accounts note that a sign associated with the club carried the discriminatory phrase “Dogs and Indians not allowed.”

Surya Sen planned an attack on the club as part of the revolutionary campaign. After fellow revolutionary Kalpana Datta was arrested, Pritilata was selected to lead the operation.

On the night of 24 September 1932, Pritilata and a group of revolutionaries approached the club. The group divided into several units before launching the attack. The building was set on fire, followed by an exchange of gunfire with armed personnel present at the club.

Several people were killed or injured during the incident, according to contemporary police records.

Death

During the attack, Pritilata was wounded by a gunshot. As the colonial police closed in, she faced the possibility of capture.

According to historical accounts, the revolutionaries had previously decided that members should carry potassium cyanide in case they were cornered. Pritilata consumed cyanide and died on the night of the attack.

She was only 21 years old.

Police recovered several items from her body, including revolutionary documents, ammunition, a whistle, leaflets, and a photograph of Ramakrishna Biswas. A written document outlining the objectives of the revolutionary organization was also reportedly found with her.

A post-mortem examination concluded that the bullet wound was not fatal and that cyanide poisoning was the cause of death.

Legacy

Pritilata Waddedar's life has remained an important part of the history of the anti-colonial movement in Bengal. Her story is particularly significant because it highlights the participation of women in revolutionary activities during a period when armed political resistance was largely dominated by men.

Her decision to take part in the Pahartali operation, her leadership of the revolutionary group, and her death while avoiding capture turned her into a lasting symbol of resistance and sacrifice.

Today, Pritilata is remembered in Bangladesh through books, educational institutions, memorials, and cultural works dedicated to her life.

Conclusion

Pritilata Waddedar lived a short but remarkable life. From an academically gifted student and teacher, she became an active participant in the revolutionary movement against British colonial rule.

Her role in the Pahartali European Club attack and her death in 1932 made her one of the most recognizable women associated with the Chittagong revolutionary movement. Her story continues to hold an important place in the history of Bengal's anti-colonial struggle and the broader history of women's participation in political resistance.

Source: Collected from various sources for public awareness and knowledge.