This article contains wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. (March 2024) |
Umabai Kundapur (1891–1992) was an Indian freedom fighter from Karnataka. She was Founder of Bhagini Mandal, a group of freedom fighters, She was the head of the women's wing of the Hindustani Seva Dal founded by N. S. Hardikar.[1][2]
Umabai Kundanpur | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Head of the women's wing of the Seva Dal | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 25, 1892 Hubballi, Karnataka |
| Died | 1992 |
| Political party | Indian National Congress |
Birth and education edit
Umabai born on March 25, 1892, into a Brahmin family in Kundapur, had the childhood name Bhavani Golikeri. Her father was Golikeri Krishna Rao and her mother was Tungabai. In 1898, Umabai and her brothers moved to the city of Mumbai.[3]
Personal life edit
At the age of 13, she got married to Sanjirao Kundapur in 1905. She had five brothers.[4][5]
Life edit
Umabai was inspired by the procession of Bal Gangadhar Tilak's funeral on August 1, 1920, to join the freedom struggle. After witnessing the service of the Congress during those times, she made the decision to join the freedom struggle.[6][7]
When Mahatma Gandhi announced the Non-Cooperation Movement on September 4, 1920, Umabai, along with her brother Raghurama Rao and husband Sanjeeva Rao,[8] took part in the movement. She promoted the use of Khadi, going from house to house to encourage women to participate in the fight for freedom. Additionally, she wrote and performed numerous plays that revolved around the movement with the aim of inspiring others to join the cause.[9]
After the death of her husband Sanjeevarao Kundapur due to tuberculosis on 28 March 1923, Umabai, who was 31 years old at the time, decided to return to Hubli with her father-in-law. It was during this period that Ananda Rao established the Karnataka Press in Hubballi. Following her return, Umabai became involved in the Hindustani Seva Dal (HSD) founded by Hardikar in 1923, with the aim of motivating Indian youth to participate in the freedom struggle. Not only did she join the association, but she was also elected as the leader of the women's wing. Additionally, Umabai took on the responsibility of overseeing the Tilak Kanya School, which was originally established by Hardikar.[10]
Umabai an active participant in the freedom struggle, was arrested by the British government in 1932 and imprisoned in Yerawada jail for a period of 4 months. While in jail, Umabai received the news of his father-in-law Anandrao's death. The loss of Anandrao, who had been a strong supporter, deeply affected Umabai. Sarojini Naidu, also imprisoned at the time, provided encouragement to Umabai and advised that all activities related to the struggle should be conducted covertly. Upon Umabai's release, he found that the British government had seized the Karnataka Press, established by Anandrao, and the Tilak Kanya School had been shut down. Additionally, Bhagini Mandal, an NGO founded by Anandrao, was deemed illegal. Despite these setbacks, Umabai continued to provide refuge to freedom fighters in his modest home.
During the Quit India Movement in 1942, the freedom struggle intensified. Many underground fighters sought shelter at Umabai's residence, where he provided them with food and accommodation while evading the British authorities.
References edit
- ^ Hegde, Shakila; K, Nagappa Gowda (2021-11-09). Women Empowerment. Prowess Publishing. ISBN 978-1-5457-5447-4.
- ^ Mahotsav, Amrit. "Umabai Kundapur". Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ The Great Indians. One India One People Foundation in collaboration with Authorspress. 2006. ISBN 978-81-7273-318-6.
- ^ Slate, Nico (2024-02-27). Indian Lives Series Book 3 - Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay: The Art of Freedom. Fourth Estate India. ISBN 978-93-5489-960-7.
- ^ Karelia, Gopi (2022-01-23). "Umabai: When a Defiant Widow Led 150 Women to Fight for India's Freedom". The Better India. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ Jha (2012). Political Science: University of Delhi. Pearson Education India. ISBN 978-93-325-1007-4.
- ^ S.H, Patil. The Constitution, Government and Politics in India. Vikas Publishing House. ISBN 978-93-259-9411-9.
- ^ Kumar, Anu (2022-07-25). Her Name Was Freedom: 35 Fearless Women Who Fought for India's Independence. Hachette India. ISBN 978-93-93701-12-1.
- ^ Rao, V. S. Narayana (2017-08-29). Dr. N.S. Hardiker. Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. ISBN 978-81-230-2541-4.
- ^ Basu, Aparna. Women in Satyagraha. Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. ISBN 978-81-230-3068-5.
Bibliography edit
- Shintri, Sarojini (1983). Women Freedom Fighters in Karnataka (1st ed.). Karnataka: Prasaranga, Karnatak University. pp. 3 Sep 2008. ISBN 978-0836414851.