Personality

Tileswari Barua: Assam's Youngest Female Martyr In India's Freedom Struggle

Tileswari Barua stands as one of the most courageous figures in Assam's history, remembered for her ultimate sacrifice during India's freedom struggle. Born in 1930 in Nij-Borgaon village, Dhekiajuli, Sonitpur district, Assam, she was the eldest of four children of Bhabakanta Barua, a marginal peasant. Her life, though short, left a lasting imprint on the nation's collective memory, especially as she became the youngest female martyr in India at just twelve years old.
Tileswari Barua from Assam

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Life & Legacy

In September 1942, during the Quit India Movement, Mahatma Gandhi called for Indians to adopt the principle of "Karenge ya Marenge" (Do or Die), inspiring protestors across the country. In Dhekiajuli, hundreds of satyagrahis converged at the local police station to hoist the Tricolour, asserting India's claim to freedom and defying British colonial authority. The police responded with brutal force, opening fire on unarmed civilians. Among those killed was young Tileswari Barua.

Tileswari was profoundly influenced by patriotic songs composed by Jyotiprasad Agarwala and sung by local Congress volunteers. These songs stirred in her a deep sense of national duty. On 20 September 1942, she joined the procession to hoist the flag, carrying a small flag in her hand, chanting Vande Mataram alongside other volunteers. As the police opened fire, Tileswari witnessed her fellow protestors falling, including Mahiram Koch, who was struck before her. The horrifying scene transformed her fear into fierce determination. Bravely, she rushed forward, becoming the fourth person to be hit by bullets after leaders like Monbor Nath, Kumoli Devi, and Mahiram Koch.

Despite being only twelve, Tileswari displayed extraordinary courage. Local historians recount that she was lifted by fellow volunteers and placed on a verandah across the road. Her maternal uncle, Nandiram Bhuyan, attempted to rescue her, carrying her to safety. However, amidst continued attacks, a police truck ultimately picked her up, and her exact place of death remains uncertain. Even though official recognition took decades, Tileswari Barua is rightly remembered as the youngest martyr in India’s freedom movement.

The Dhekiajuli incident highlights the active participation of women, peasants, and tea tribe communities in Assam’s struggle for independence. Tileswari’s heroism exemplifies the courage of Assamese women who, despite their young age or social marginalization, contributed decisively to the nationalist cause. Her story also underscores the underrepresented role of Assam in India’s freedom struggle, a narrative often overshadowed by events in other parts of the country.

Tileswari’s legacy was honored during the 75th anniversary of India’s independence when she was included among the lives of 20 brave women depicted in Amar Chitra Katha, India’s iconic comic series celebrating freedom fighters. Her sacrifice resonates not only in Assam but across the nation, inspiring generations to value courage, patriotism, and selflessness.

Key Highlights of Tileswari Barua’s Life:

  • Birth: 1930, Nij-Borgaon, Dhekiajuli, Sonitpur, Assam

  • Father: Bhabakanta Barua

  • Death: 20 September 1942, Dhekiajuli police station

  • Movement: Quit India Movement, 1942

  • Role: Actively participated in flag-hoisting protest and local Satyagraha

  • Significance: Youngest female martyr of India

  • Legacy: Included in Amar Chitra Katha; remembered for inspiring youth and women in Assam

Tileswari's bravery also emphasizes the socio-political involvement of women in Assam during colonial rule. Women like Tileswari were often the first to step forward during protests, picketing, or anti-opium campaigns. They challenged not only colonial oppression but also social norms that sought to confine women to domestic spheres. Tileswari Barua, along with other young martyrs like Kanaklata Barua, symbolizes the courage and agency of Assamese women in the independence struggle.

Her story is a testament to the intergenerational inspiration provided by freedom fighters. Even children could understand the importance of the nationalist movement and participate actively. Tileswari’s life encourages modern Assamese youth to appreciate historical sacrifices and the struggles of marginalized communities.

By examining the Dhekiajuli incident, historians have highlighted several important aspects:

  1. Grassroots Participation: Ordinary villagers, beggars, and sanyasis joined the protest alongside young Tileswari.

  2. Colonial Brutality: Police indiscriminately fired on unarmed protestors, demonstrating the harsh measures of British rule.

  3. Nationalist Spirit: Even children were motivated by the ideals of freedom, showing the reach of Gandhian philosophy.

  4. Gender Representation: Tileswari’s courage challenged prevailing ideas about women’s roles in society.

  5. Historical Recognition: The long-delayed acknowledgment of her sacrifice underscores the need for greater research on Assam’s contribution to freedom movements.

Today, Dhekiajuli is remembered as a site of immense patriotic sacrifice. Local schools, cultural programs, and commemorative events honor Tileswari Barua and the 15 other martyrs who lost their lives during the flag-hoisting incident. Her story is included in educational curricula and public awareness campaigns, ensuring that future generations understand the importance of bravery, sacrifice, and civic responsibility.

FAQs on Tileswari Barua

  1. Who was Tileswari Barua?
    Tileswari Barua was a 12-year-old girl from Assam and India’s youngest female martyr, who died during the Quit India Movement.

  2. How old was Tileswari Barua when she died?
    She was just 12 years old at the time of her martyrdom in 1942.

  3. What was the Dhekiajuli incident of 1942?
    It was a police firing on protestors attempting to hoist the national flag in Dhekiajuli, Assam, where 15 people, including Tileswari, were killed.

  4. Why is Tileswari Barua considered India’s youngest female martyr?
    She was only 12 years old when she was shot by colonial police while participating in the Quit India Movement.

  5. What role did Assamese women play in India’s freedom struggle?
    Women like Tileswari and Kanaklata Barua actively participated in protests, picketing, and anti-colonial campaigns, showing immense courage.

  6. How did Tileswari Barua die during the Quit India Movement?
    She was shot by police while trying to hoist the national flag at the Dhekiajuli police station.

  7. Who were other martyrs in the Dhekiajuli police firing?
    Other martyrs included Monbor Nath, Kumoli Devi, Mahiram Koch, and several villagers and volunteers who joined the flag-hoisting.

  8. How is Tileswari Barua remembered today?
    She is commemorated in Assam, included in Amar Chitra Katha, and honored as a symbol of courage for young patriots.

  9. Did Tileswari Barua appear in Amar Chitra Katha?
    Yes, she was featured among 20 brave women of India during the 75th anniversary of independence.

  10. What lessons can modern youth learn from Tileswari Barua’s life?
    Her life teaches courage, patriotism, selflessness, and the importance of standing against injustice, even at a young age.