Devi Jaydurga Chowdhurani: Contribution of a Forgotten Fighter for the people against the British– A Study in the perspective of the 2nd Half of the 18th Century

Abstract

Devi Jaydurga Chowdhurani was a woman Zamindar of Manthana, who raised the flag of rebellion against the British to protect the peasants of Bengal. In the 2nd half of the 18th century, when India was mired in poverty, illiteracy, casteism and the peasantry was plagued by British administration and exploitation, she came forward to protect and nurture them. She along with Bhavani Pathak led the rebellion of Sannyas and Fakir. According to British writer, she was a ‘female dacoit’ and used to rob boats, but this money she distributed among her subjects. Contemporary British rulers, while admiring her beauty and intelligence, were awed by her dominance and activity over the forest and rivers of North Bengal.