Birendranath Shasmal, the 'uncrowned king' of Midnapore: The silence of history behind the scenes of independence/ মেদিনীপুরের ‘মুকুটহীন রাজা’ বীরেন্দ্রনাথ শাসমল : স্বাধীনতার অন্তরালে ইতিহাসের নিস্তব্ধতা

Abstract

In the history of India's independence movement, during the early phase of Gandhi's era, three prominent leaders emerged in Bengal, Chittaranjan Das, Birendranath Sasmal, and Subhas Chandra Bose. Unfortunately, the historians of the national struggle did not properly acknowledge Birendranath's role and his fundamental contributions. This great leader did not receive the recognition he deserved. Just as Chittaranjan gained widespread public recognition as 'Deshbandhu' (Friend of the Nation), Birendranath earned the affection of the people and became known as 'Deshpran' (Heart of the Nation). After the death of Chittaranjan Das in 1925, Gandhiji himself sincerely wished for Birendranath to take charge of the Bengal Provincial Congress Committee. However, due to political circles in Bengal, that responsibility never fell upon him. Had it happened, it is likely that Bengal’s politics could have moved beyond its divisive nature. It can also be said that this might have played a major role in Subhas Chandra Bose’s decision to leave the National Congress later. This article discusses Birendranath Sasmal’s role in the national movement.