Early Life and Swadeshi Involvement

Basanta Kumar Biswas was born on February 6, 1895, to Motilal Biswas in the village of Poragachcha, within the Krishnanagar district of Nadia, Bengal, which is now part of West Bengal. His early education unfolded in Krishnanagar before he proceeded to Poragachcha School, where he studied up to the Entrance Examination level. It was during these formative years that Basanta Kumar’s spirit of nationalism was kindled, and he became actively involved in the Swadeshi agitation—a movement promoting Indian goods and the boycott of British products—making his mark in Poragachcha and surrounding areas.

Journey to Activism

In 1907, choosing patriotism over academics, Basanta Kumar left his studies behind. He initially engaged with the Swadeshi movement more directly by working at a Swadeshi cloth store in Uttarpara in 1910. However, his commitment to the cause soon outgrew the confines of a store job, propelling him towards touring various parts of India. This journey was pivotal in shaping his revolutionary zeal and aligning him with prominent figures of the Indian freedom struggle.

Associates  of Basanta Kumar Biswas

Rash Behari Bose

A pivotal figure in Basanta Kumar’s life was Rash Behari Bose, under whom he became a staunch follower. Donning the disguise of a servant named Haridas, he accompanied Bose to Dehradun, reflecting the extent of his commitment to the freedom movement. In October 1912, Rash Behari Bose brought him to Lahore, where Basanta Kumar took up employment as a compounder at the Popular Dispensary, a front that belied his revolutionary activities.

Amir Chand and Other Revolutionaries:

In the context of the Delhi Conspiracy of 1912, Biswas worked alongside other revolutionaries like Amir Chand. These individuals collectively participated in the planning and execution of revolutionary activities, including the attempt to bomb Lord Hardinge.

Jatin Mukherjee (Bagha Jatin):

While direct association isn’t explicitly documented, Biswas’s involvement in revolutionary circles might have connected him with other prominent leaders like Jatin Mukherjee, another key figure in Bengal’s revolutionary movement.

Associations and Organizations

Ghadar Party:

Biswas’s activities were closely aligned with those of the Ghadar Party, a key organization in the Indian independence movement, especially in its militant struggles against British rule. His association with leaders like Rash Behari Bose indicates a likely connection with the Ghadar Party’s activities.

Anushilan Samiti:

While it’s not explicitly documented that Biswas was a member of Anushilan Samiti, this organization was a major part of the revolutionary landscape in Bengal during his time. It’s plausible that his activities were influenced by or connected with the Samiti.

Basanta Kumar Biswas in Swadeshi Movement:

As a young student, Biswas actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement, which aimed at promoting Indian goods and boycotting British products. This movement was a significant part of the early nationalist struggle in which many revolutionaries, including Biswas, were involved.

Basanta Kumar Biswas’s connections with influential revolutionary leaders and organizations underscore his deep involvement in the Indian freedom struggle. His commitment to the cause, as demonstrated through various associations, played a substantial role in the collective effort to challenge British colonial rule in India.

Biswas’s Role in Delhi Conspiracy

Basanta Kumar’s name became synonymous with the Delhi Conspiracy when he participated in a plot to assassinate Lord Hardinge, the then Viceroy of India. This act of defiance, known as the Delhi Conspiracy, took place on 23 December 1912, during a state procession in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, which celebrated the inauguration of the city as the capital of India. This bold move was a statement against British imperialism, marking Basanta Kumar as a significant, albeit underrecognized, revolutionary of his time.

The Lawrence Garden Bombing and Arrest

Following the attack on Lord Hardinge, Basanta Kumar was also implicated in a bombing at the Lawrence Garden in Lahore on 17 May 1913, resulting in the death of a peon named Ram Padarath. His revolutionary path, however, came to an abrupt halt when he was arrested on 24 February 1914. Tried alongside three of his compatriots—Amir Chand, Balmokand, and Avadh Bihari—he faced the ultimate penalty for his actions against the British Raj.

Notable Actions and Anecdotes

While the Delhi Conspiracy and the Lawrence Garden bombing are well-documented aspects of Basanta Kumar Biswas’s revolutionary journey, more specific examples or anecdotes, especially about his early life and notable actions, could further enrich the narrative. Insights into his formative experiences, such as influential encounters or key moments of inspiration, would provide a deeper understanding of his motivations and commitment to the cause of Indian independence.

For instance, recounting stories of how he developed his revolutionary zeal or how he executed his daring actions would add valuable depth to his biography. These anecdotes could shed light on his character and the qualities that made him a significant, albeit underappreciated, hero of the Swadeshi movement and India’s struggle for freedom.

Martyrdom of Basanta Kumar Biswas