Urmila Devi in the Indian Freedom Struggle

Urmila Devi (1883–1956) was a notable Indian freedom fighter, social worker, and women’s leader from Bengal who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. As the sister of the prominent nationalist leader Chittaranjan Das, she grew up in an environment deeply influenced by patriotism and political awareness. Her life and work reflect the spirit of dedication, courage, and social reform that characterised women’s participation in India’s struggle for freedom.

Early Life and Background

Urmila Devi was born in 1883 in Bengal into an educated and socially aware family. Her brother, Chittaranjan Das, was one of the leading figures of the Indian National Congress and a key proponent of non-violent resistance against British colonial rule. Inspired by his example and by the growing national awakening of the early twentieth century, Urmila Devi became involved in public life at a time when Indian women were only beginning to step into political and social activism.
Despite living in a conservative society that restricted women’s public roles, Urmila Devi pursued her ideals with determination. Her early education and exposure to reformist ideas encouraged her to work towards both national liberation and the upliftment of women.

Entry into the Freedom Struggle

Urmila Devi’s participation in the Indian freedom struggle became prominent during the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22), led by Mahatma Gandhi. The movement called for the boycott of British goods, educational institutions, and administrative services. Urmila Devi actively supported this campaign by promoting the use of khadi (hand-spun cloth), organising meetings, and encouraging women to abandon foreign cloth and take up spinning as a symbol of self-reliance.
She helped establish the Nari Karma Mandir, an organisation aimed at preparing women for national service and social reform. This institution became an important centre for training women volunteers in political and constructive activities. Through it, Urmila Devi inspired women to participate in picketing foreign cloth shops and liquor outlets, which were seen as symbols of colonial exploitation and moral degradation.

Role in Women’s Mobilisation

Urmila Devi was among the early pioneers in mobilising women in Bengal to take part in the freedom movement. Her leadership was instrumental in forming women’s committees, protest groups, and training programmes that helped women step beyond traditional domestic boundaries.
She was associated with the Nari Satyagraha Samiti, a women’s satyagraha organisation that encouraged female participation in Gandhian non-violent resistance. Under her guidance, women in Calcutta and other towns participated in public demonstrations, processions, and door-to-door campaigns for swadeshi goods.
Urmila Devi believed that women’s liberation and national liberation were interconnected goals. She argued that India’s independence would remain incomplete without women’s empowerment and education.

Activities and Contributions

• Promotion of Khadi: Urmila Devi was a strong supporter of the khadi movement, promoting self-reliance and indigenous production as a means of economic and political resistance.
• Social Upliftment: Alongside political work, she promoted education for women and the eradication of untouchability, emphasising moral and social reform as part of national service.
• Public Leadership: She presided over meetings, delivered public speeches, and motivated countless women to participate in movements that were once dominated by men.
• Participation in Civil Disobedience: During the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34), Urmila Devi led local campaigns and was involved in the boycott of British institutions and goods. She faced arrest and imprisonment for her activities, demonstrating her firm commitment to the cause of freedom.

Challenges and Personal Sacrifice

Urmila Devi’s activism brought her into conflict with colonial authorities and social conservatives alike. At a time when women were expected to remain confined to the home, her public engagement was seen as revolutionary. She endured house arrests and surveillance but continued her work undeterred.
Her dedication to social and political reform was also marked by personal sacrifice. She devoted her life to public service, often neglecting personal comforts in the pursuit of national freedom and the advancement of women.

Influence and Ideals

Urmila Devi was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and self-reliance, as well as by her brother’s commitment to Indian nationalism. She believed that true independence could only be achieved through moral regeneration, unity, and education. Her initiatives for women’s education and training were rooted in the belief that educated women could play a transformative role in society.
She served as an inspiration for many young women who later emerged as political leaders and social workers. Her efforts contributed to the creation of a strong foundation for women’s participation in the national movement, especially in Bengal, which became one of the leading centres of political activism.

Legacy

Urmila Devi’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle represent the vital role of women in nation-building. Though less well-known than some of her contemporaries, her organisational work and leadership had a lasting impact on the participation of women in politics and public life.
The institutions she founded, such as the Nari Karma Mandir, continued to promote education and self-employment among women even after independence. Her life exemplifies the spirit of sacrifice and dedication that characterised India’s freedom movement.