An Unsung Tale

A war. A battle. A river of bloodshed. Why ever is it fought? Each side with its clique of heroes, and despite that, all is lost. A battle is merely a stone to the top, its repercussions barely coveted. For it's the war that is to be won despite those little falls. 

Yet it's those who fight the battle who land up with the deepest scars, but worry not for a lady proved those were a part of the war. Her name echoes in the hall of the gallants yet remains a pawn in the military of the Indian war against British.

Hailing from a modest background, Tara Rani Srivastava was born in the district of Saran, near Patna, in Bihar. Her family too at that time was a victim of unjust atrocities levied by the British. With righteous and patriotic ethics and values embedded in her, she too inspired to be a part of the India Struggle for Independence. 

Tara Rani Srivastava was married to Phulendu Baba at the early age of thirteen, who was already a part of the freedom struggle. Despite the palpable flaws of child marriage, this marriage fueled her patriotic sentiments and she slowly became strong willed overlooking the expectations of the community from a young bride.

“Where one goes, others follow.” Tara Rani Srivastava was vocal to the prejudice and crimes around her. She gathered like-minded women from surrounding villages to raise cognizance about Gandhiji`s independence struggle. Her actions turned her into an inspirational idol for women belonging to rural backgrounds, and her bravery was so contagious that it impacted the lives of those around her.

But there lies one such deed that couldn’t help but turn her undeniable valour into a legacy.

As mayhem wreaked the country, people flocked about united and guided by gritty leaders. One such leader was Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji, during the Quit India Movement entrusted Phulendu Baba in claiming yet another crucial victory.

The couple saw a chance to make a difference in lives of the people, and that being their only aim, decided to fulfil it in ways no one else could. As a sudden wave of patriotism, grit, and resolute anger swept through the country in unfettered waves, the British flag curled up almost as if succumbing to the mighty winds. Tara Rani and Phulendu together accumulated a massive, storming crowd of angry, tenacious men and women who could no longer stay silent. Silent to the whips of injustice and chains. Silent to the sight of their loved ones being mistreated. Silent to all the pain and suffering. Patience was one such barrier that had now crumbled, and that was evident in their loud yells and anti-British slogans. This gathering was a witness to the that. They had gathered only to cherish and fight for the sight of the National Flag atop the Siwan police station.

A patriotic sight if there ever was one.

Predictably the British police resorted to the lathi charge and opened fire. In fire came chaos, and the smoke though kinder than the heat, unapologetically wrecked mayhem as Phulendu fell to police bullets. Tara Rani Srivastava hesitated.

Though her steps might have faltered her feet never stopped. Healing what she could, her calloused hands shook slightly as she gently bandaged his wounds. In midst of a storm, her spirit was the calm.

A glance back at her husband fighting hard with death, was all she allowed herself to take in as she marched on with the National Flag towards the police station. Such was her unyielding love for her motherland, determined to fulfill what they had set out to do. 

Fate had nothing more to say. As he bowed his head in defeat, victory came running. Such a sight can be seen as she waved the tricoloured flag atop the peak. But she neither smiled nor cried. Remained placid with her restless mind. Such was her control; such was her power.

By the time Tara Rani returned to where her husband had fallen, he had already passed away. By now even the almighty had seen, the warning and experiences of any such challenge never deterred her. Despite knowing the pain and struggle cohesive with a life of a widow she relentlessly participated in the freedom struggle until India at last gained independence on 15th August 1947.

Yet it’s only today you hear her unsung tale.