On October 7, we commemorate the birth anniversary of Durgavati Devi, affectionately known as Durga Bhabhi, a formidable revolutionary and an unsung heroine of the Indian freedom struggle. Born in 1907 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), she played a pivotal role in supporting revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, exemplifying extraordinary courage and resilience in the fight against British imperialism.
Durgavati Vohra was born into a prosperous family in the village of Shahzadpur in Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad district. Her family had the means to provide her with a comfortable life, but even as a child, Durgavati exhibited an independent spirit. At just 10 or 11 years old, she was married to Bhagwati Charan Vohra, the 15-year-old son of a wealthy family settled in Lahore. This early marriage did not confine her aspirations; instead, she found ways to channel her resources and energies into revolutionary causes. Durgavati spent her entire savings of Rs 5,000 given by her husband to fund revolutionary activities, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the fight for independence.
As Durgavati became immersed in the revolutionary movement, she developed relationships with prominent freedom fighters and learned critical skills. She became particularly close to Bhagat Singh, who would later become a central figure in her life and in the larger narrative of India’s freedom struggle. Durgavati’s involvement with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and her meeting with several Bengali revolutionaries not only broadened her horizons but also solidified her resolve to actively fight against colonial rule.
The assassination of British police officer John Saunders on December 17, 1928, marked a watershed moment for Durgavati and her comrades. The act was a retaliatory strike against the British authorities following the death of the revered leader Lala Lajpat Rai, who had succumbed to injuries inflicted during a protest against the Simon Commission. The revolutionary trio of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru executed the plan to kill Saunders, mistaking him for James A. Scott, the officer responsible for Rai’s death.
In the aftermath of this audacious act, the trio sought refuge at Durgavati’s home. At that moment, she demonstrated extraordinary bravery, opening her door to Bhagat Singh when he arrived at her home late at night. Despite being alone with her three-year-old son, she took immediate action to protect him. Disguising herself as Bhagat Singh’s wife, she cleverly managed to escort him out of Lahore by train, evading the British authorities who were hot on their trail. This act of bravery not only showcased her quick thinking but also highlighted the dangerous reality that these young revolutionaries faced in their quest for freedom.
Durgavati’s audacity did not cease with the escape of Bhagat Singh. On October 8, 1930, fueled by grief and anger over the death sentences awarded to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, she executed another daring act. In South Bombay, she fired upon a British sergeant and his wife outside a police station. This brazen act of defiance shocked the British authorities and the public alike, demonstrating that an Indian woman could engage in such daring endeavors. Though she managed to escape after the incident, her actions further cemented her place as a significant figure in the freedom struggle.
Durgavati’s revolutionary activities eventually led to her arrest in September 1932. During her imprisonment, she remained steadfast in her beliefs, refusing to be intimidated by her captors. After her release, she moved to Ghaziabad in 1935, where she shifted her focus towards education. Durgavati opened a school for underprivileged children, believing that education was key to empowering the next generation of leaders. Her commitment to education did not go unnoticed; even Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited her school, acknowledging her contributions to society.
Despite her significant sacrifices and efforts during the freedom struggle, there are questions about whether the government took care of her needs after India gained independence. Durgavati spent her later years in Ghaziabad, continuing to advocate for the education of girls and boys alike until her death on October 15, 1999, at the age of 92.
Durgavati Devi’s life is a poignant reminder of the crucial role women played in the Indian freedom struggle. She was a source of inspiration for her contemporaries and a threat to British authority, known as “The Agni of India.” Her influence extended beyond individual acts of defiance; she was a mentor and motivator for revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and Ashfaqullah Khan. The courage and determination she exhibited remain a beacon of hope and strength for future generations.
Durga Bhabhi is often remembered as the woman who became Bhagat Singh’s wife in disguise, but her contributions go far beyond that narrative. She provided critical support to the revolutionaries, not just by sheltering them but by actively participating in their plans and initiatives. Whether it was selling her jewelry to fund their activities or planning attacks against British officials, Durgavati Devi showcased an indomitable spirit that was essential in the fight for India’s freedom.
