Master Da Surya Sen: The Revolutionary Hero of Indian Independence

Surya Sen, popularly known as Master Da, was one of the most prominent and influential freedom fighters of the Indian independence movement. He is best remembered for leading the Chittagong Armoury Raid in 1930, which was a bold and strategically significant attack against British colonial rule in India. Surya Sen’s life was marked by extraordinary courage, strategic brilliance, and an unyielding commitment to freeing India from British oppression. His revolutionary ideals and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of Indians.

Early Life and Education

1. Birth and Family Background

Surya Sen was born on March 22, 1894, in the village of Noapara in Raozan, near Chittagong (now in Bangladesh). He belonged to a middle-class Bengali Hindu family. His father, Ramaniranjan Sen, was a teacher, which exposed Surya Sen to education and nationalist ideas from an early age.

2. Education and Introduction to Revolutionary Ideas

Surya Sen attended Behrampore College (now Krishnath College) in Murshidabad for his higher education.

It was during his time at college that he was introduced to the ideas of nationalism and revolution.

In 1916, while still a student, he joined the Anushilan Samiti, a secret revolutionary organization that advocated armed struggle against British rule.

The teachings of Aurobindo Ghosh and Bal Gangadhar Tilak deeply influenced him, inspiring his commitment to armed revolution.

Political Awakening and Revolutionary Activities

1. Involvement with Jugantar

After completing his studies, Surya Sen returned to Chittagong and became a teacher at the National School — earning him the title "Master Da" (meaning "elder brother teacher").

He became an active member of Jugantar, a secret revolutionary organization that aimed to overthrow British rule through armed resistance.

Surya Sen believed that true independence could only be achieved through direct action and mass mobilization.

2. Formation of the Indian Republican Army (IRA)

Surya Sen organized a group of young revolutionaries in Chittagong under the banner of the Indian Republican Army (IRA).

His goal was to strike at the heart of British power by targeting their military and administrative infrastructure in Chittagong.

He carefully selected and trained his followers, instilling in them a sense of discipline and sacrifice.

The Chittagong Armoury Raid (April 18, 1930)

The Chittagong Armoury Raid remains one of the most daring and strategically significant events in the history of the Indian independence movement.

1. Planning the Raid

Surya Sen's plan involved attacking key British installations in Chittagong, including:

• The Police Armoury
• The Auxiliary Force Armoury
• The Telegraph Office
• Railway Communication Lines

The goal was to seize weapons, destroy British infrastructure, and disrupt communication to weaken colonial control.

2. Execution of the Attack

On the evening of April 18, 1930, Surya Sen and his team of around 65 young revolutionaries, including notable figures like Kalpana Datta, Ananta Singh, Ganesh Ghosh, and Lokenath Bal, launched the attack.

The group successfully captured the armouries, seized weapons, and destroyed the telegraph and telephone lines, cutting off British communication.

After hoisting the Indian National Flag over the captured British armoury, Surya Sen declared the establishment of a Provisional Revolutionary Government.

3. Retreat and Guerilla Warfare

Despite the initial success, the revolutionaries failed to secure enough ammunition.

They retreated to the nearby Jalalabad Hills, where they engaged in a fierce battle with British troops.

Over 12 revolutionaries were killed in the encounter, but Surya Sen and others managed to escape and continued underground resistance.

Surya Sen's Capture and Martyrdom

1. Arrest and Betrayal

Surya Sen remained underground for nearly three years, continuing to organize resistance.

He was ultimately betrayed by a close associate, Netra Sen, who informed the British of his whereabouts.

Surya Sen was arrested by the British police on February 16, 1933.

2. Torture and Execution

Surya Sen was subjected to brutal torture in prison.

Despite the severe physical abuse, he refused to disclose information about his associates or plans.

On January 12, 1934, he was hanged in Chittagong Jail.

Before his execution, he wrote a moving letter to his fellow revolutionaries, urging them to continue the fight for independence with courage and unity.

Legacy and Impact

1. Symbol of Courage and Sacrifice

Surya Sen became a symbol of selfless patriotism and fearless resistance against colonial rule.

The Chittagong Armoury Raid inspired future revolutionary movements and strengthened the resolve of Indian nationalists.

2. Influence on the Freedom Movement

Surya Sen’s revolutionary tactics and the spirit of armed resistance influenced leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose and movements such as the Indian National Army (INA).

His belief in armed struggle complemented the non-violent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, demonstrating the diversity of approaches within the Indian freedom struggle.

3. Recognition and Memorials

Several educational institutions, streets, and public buildings across India and Bangladesh have been named in his honor.

Statues of Surya Sen stand as reminders of his sacrifice and leadership.

His life and the Chittagong Armoury Raid have been depicted in films, including "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey" (2010), directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.

Philosophy and Ideology

Surya Sen's revolutionary ideology was rooted in:

✅ Direct Action: He believed that India's independence could not be achieved through petitions and dialogue alone; direct, armed struggle was essential.

✅ Mass Mobilization: He emphasized the importance of involving the youth and common people in the freedom struggle.

✅ Unity: He called for unity among all religious and social groups, rejecting divisive colonial tactics.

Conclusion

Surya Sen's life and legacy stand as a testament to the courage, resilience, and determination of India's freedom fighters. His strategic brilliance, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to India’s independence continue to inspire generations. The Chittagong Armoury Raid, despite its eventual military failure, marked a psychological victory against British colonial rule and awakened nationalist fervor across India. Surya Sen remains a towering figure in India’s history — a revolutionary whose life and death remind us of the price of freedom.