India’s freedom struggle was not fought by men alone. Behind many revolutionary movements stood courageous women who risked everything for the nation. Among them was Durga Devi Vohra, popularly known as Durga Bhabhi, one of the bravest yet most overlooked figures of India’s independence movement. Her extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom earned her the respect of legendary revolutionaries, yet her contribution remains largely absent from mainstream history.
Durga Devi Vohra also known as Durga Bhabhi was the only child of a Gujarati couple settled in Allahabad. Her mother died when she was young and her father took vows of sannyas, leaving her to be brought up by her aunt. She studied up to Class V, and married when she was eleven.… pic.twitter.com/mZGLTIxh2m
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Durga Devi Vohra was born on October 7, 1907, into a Gujarati family settled in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). She was the only child of her parents. Tragedy struck early in her life when her mother passed away while she was still young. Soon afterwards, her father renounced worldly life and embraced sannyas, leaving her to be raised by her aunt.
Like many girls of her era, Durga Devi had limited access to education and studied only up to Class V. At the age of eleven, she was married to Bhagwati Charan Vohra, a revolutionary who would later become one of the leading members of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. Bhagwati Charan Vohra was the son of Shiv Charan Das, a wealthy railway official who had been awarded the title of Rai Sahib by the British government.It was through her husband that Durga Devi came into contact with revolutionary circles in Lahore. What began as support for her husband’s activities soon transformed into active participation in the revolutionary movement.
Joining the Freedom Struggle
Durga Bhabhi quickly emerged as more than just a supporter of the revolutionaries. She became a trusted member of the underground movement and played a crucial role in providing shelter, financial assistance, and logistical support to freedom fighters.
At a time when women were rarely seen participating directly in political struggles, Durga Bhabhi fearlessly stepped into dangerous missions. Her courage earned her the affectionate title “Bhabhi” among revolutionaries, making her a respected figure within the movement.
One of Durga Bhabhi’s most remarkable contributions came after the assassination of British police officer John P. Saunders in Lahore on December 17, 1928. The killing was carried out by Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar in retaliation for the death of nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai, who had suffered fatal injuries during a police lathi charge while protesting against the Simon Commission. Following the assassination, British authorities launched an extensive manhunt for the revolutionaries. Lahore was under strict surveillance, making escape nearly impossible.
In this critical moment, Durga Bhabhi displayed extraordinary courage. Disguised as the wife of Bhagat Singh, she boarded a train with him and her young child. Bhagat Singh, clean-shaven and dressed like an English gentleman, travelled as her husband, while Rajguru accompanied them disguised as a servant. Together, they successfully travelled from Lahore to Lucknow and onward to Kolkata, evading British intelligence completely.
Durga Bhabhi was also closely associated with Chandrashekhar Azad, another legendary revolutionary of the era. According to several accounts, the pistol carried by Azad during his final confrontation with British police in Allahabad was provided by Durga Bhabhi. This reflects the immense trust and respect she commanded among the revolutionaries.
In 1930, tragedy struck when her husband Bhagwati Charan Vohra died while testing a bomb near Lahore. Despite this devastating loss, Durga Bhabhi did not withdraw from the struggle. Instead, she continued her revolutionary activities with even greater determination.
The execution sentences awarded to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev deeply disturbed revolutionaries across the country. Durga Bhabhi was among those who could not accept the British decision. To protest against the execution of the revolutionaries, Durga Bhabhi reportedly planned an attack on Lord Hailey, the former Governor of Punjab.
The attempt did not achieve its intended objective, and Lord Hailey escaped unharmed. However, the British authorities arrested Durga Bhabhi and sentenced her to three years of imprisonment. Her imprisonment was yet another example of the sacrifices she made in the service of the nation.
Life After Independence
Unlike many freedom fighters who entered politics after independence, Durga Bhabhi chose a quiet life away from public attention. Following India’s independence in 1947, she settled in Ghaziabad and later devoted herself to education and social service. She established a school in Lucknow to provide education to underprivileged children, believing that education was the foundation of a strong and free nation. Even after independence, she remained humble and largely detached from public recognition, living the life of an ordinary citizen despite her extraordinary contributions.
Durga Bhabhi passed away on October 15, 1999, at the age of 92 in Ghaziabad. Sadly, despite her immense contribution to India’s freedom movement, her name is not as widely remembered as those of many of her contemporaries. School textbooks rarely discuss her role in helping Bhagat Singh escape, her participation in revolutionary activities, or her imprisonment.
Many historians and admirers believe that India has not adequately recognised its sacrifices. There are relatively few public memorials, statues, or institutions dedicated to her memory compared to the significance of her contribution.
The story of Durga Bhabhi is a powerful reminder that India’s freedom was won through the sacrifices of countless unsung heroes and heroines. She challenged social norms, confronted colonial power, and risked her life for a cause greater than herself. Her courage in aiding revolutionaries, her willingness to face imprisonment, and her lifelong dedication to public service make her one of the most remarkable women of India’s independence movement.
As India continues to celebrate its freedom, it is important to remember figures like Durga Bhabhi, whose sacrifices helped shape the nation. Honouring her legacy is not merely about remembering the past; it is about ensuring that future generations understand the vital role played by women in the struggle for India’s independence.
