Biography Of Khudiram Bose

Khudiram Bose, also spelled as Khudiram Basu, was a courageous Indian revolutionary hailing from the Bengal Presidency. Born on 3 December 1889 in the village of Mohobani in the Medinipur district of Bengal, he vehemently opposed British colonial rule in India. His actions in the Muzaffarpur Conspiracy Case, alongside his associate Prafulla Chaki, led to their death sentences and eventual executions, marking them as some of the youngest martyrs in the Indian Independence Movement.

Khudiram and Prafulla embarked on a daring attempt to assassinate a British judge, Magistrate Douglas Kingsford, by hurling bombs at the carriage they believed he was in. Unfortunately, the intended target was not in that carriage, resulting in the tragic deaths of two British women. Prafulla died by suicide before being captured, while Khudiram was apprehended and charged with the murder of the women. Despite his young age, Khudiram was sentenced to death, becoming one of the earliest Indian revolutionaries in Bengal to face execution by the British authorities.

At the time of his hanging on 11 August 1908, Khudiram was just 18 years, 8 months, 11 days, and 10 hours old, making him one of the youngest revolutionaries in India’s struggle for independence. This poignant event left a lasting impact on the nation’s history.

Notable leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak reacted to these events. While Gandhi condemned the violence and mourned the loss of innocent lives, Tilak defended the actions of Khudiram and Prafulla, advocating for immediate self-governance (swaraj). However, Tilak’s support resulted in his own arrest by the British colonial authorities on charges of sedition.

Khudiram Bose’s early life was marked by personal tragedy. He was born into a Bengali Kayastha family, but he lost his mother when he was just six years old, followed by the death of his father a year later. Raised by his elder sister Aparupa Roy, he was brought to Hatgachha village, where he pursued his education at Tamluk’s Hamilton High School.

Khudiram became actively involved in the revolutionary movements of the time. In his teenage years, he joined the Anushilan Samiti and worked alongside other revolutionaries to distribute pamphlets against British rule. He engaged in more daring actions, such as planting bombs near police stations and targeting government officials. His association with Barindra Kumar Ghosh’s network in Calcutta deepened his involvement in these activities.

One of the significant events in Khudiram’s revolutionary career was the attempted assassination of Magistrate Kingsford. The first attempt involved a book bomb constructed by Hemchandra Kanungo. Although the attempt failed, it showcased their determination. Later, Khudiram, along with Prafulla, embarked on a mission to kill Kingsford. Despite meticulous planning and weeks of preparation, the attack resulted in the unintended deaths of British civilians. Khudiram and Prafulla evaded capture for a short while but were eventually apprehended.

Khudiram’s trial was marked by legal arguments, including challenges to the statements he had given under police custody. Narendrakumar Basu, his defense lawyer, focused on technicalities and pointed out flaws in the legal proceedings. Despite these efforts, the British judges upheld the conviction and death sentence.

On 11 August 1908, Khudiram Bose was executed by hanging at the age of 18. His execution drew significant public attention and empathy, as he faced his fate with courage and a smile. He became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice for the Indian freedom movement.

Khudiram’s legacy lives on through various institutions and landmarks named in his honor, such as Khudiram Bose Central College, Shahid Khudiram Station, Khudiram Bose Memorial Central Jail, and others. His story has also been depicted in films and literature, serving as a reminder of his unwavering commitment to India’s struggle for independence.