People and Personalities of Bokaro District

The big stories often make the headlines of our historical narratives, but history is not only about the landmark events - it finds shape and character in the myriad events that led up to a flashpoint of change. An attempt to discover and document stories of people, events, and places linked to the freedom struggle of India at the micro level of the district has led to the creation of a Digital District Repository. Stories in this section can be broadly classified under - People & Personalities.

Babulal Sah

Babulal Sah was born in the year 1922 in the village of Korka, Korkaghat in Pathargama in Godda district of Jharkhand state.  His father Jodhan Shah, was a government teacher. He was sent to Godda to pursue his school education. 

Babulal Sah came acquainted with the freedom fighters and nationalists while he was pursuing his studies in ninth standard, in the year 1942, when Quit India Movement against the British began to gain momentum across the country.  Inspired and influenced by the movement, Babulal Sah and his companions also actively participated, and as a result, British police made concerted attempts to confine their activities and arrest them. Notwithstanding the police action, Babulal and his companion continued their engagement with the movement and planned to entangle the government offices in the movement. The British police were continuously trying to arrest them and their group.

One day, seizing the right opportunity, Babulal Sah and his companions set fire to the Godda post office. After this incident, the police arrested them and sent them to the Godda prison. From there, they were transferred to the Central Jail in Bhagalpur. After spending three months in prison, they were released. Even after being released from jail, he remained actively involved in the freedom struggle, inspiring people to fight for their independence.

After independence, on 15 August 1972, Babulal Sah was honoured with the Copper Plate by the Prime Minister for his remarkable contribution to the national freedom movement.

On July 10, 2014, Babulal Sah breathed his last.

Konka Kamar Karmali

Konka Kamar Karmali, originally known as Sonaram Karmali was born on 21 November 1863, in Ormo village, located in the Kasmar block of Bokaro District, Jharkhand. He was a fearless and aggressive revolutionary in the history of India's struggle for freedom, uniting the Lohra Karmali tribes from Jharkhand, Bengal and Bihar against the British government.

Inspired by the great hero of the Ulgulan revolt, Birsa Munda, Konka Kamar Karmali rallied the Lohara tribes, following in Birsa Munda's footsteps, mobilizing them for the fight for independence. They began crafting weapons, such as swords, spears, axes and arrowheads, using Bali Loha (pure iron) obtained from smelting Chitaria Stone. These weapons were then supplied to the Bengal region for various freedom-related activities.

He was skilled in various forms of combat and excelled in wielding a sword, spear and axe. His self-made Tanngi (axe) was his constant companion, and he fearlessly used it to battle and eliminate British soldiers. His leadership and bravery made him a heroic figure and he became a formidable challenge for the British forces, causing them great concern. They launched numerous campaigns in his native village, Ormo, attempting to capture or kill him, but he cunningly evaded them each time, continuing to play a crucial role in the freedom movement. Konka Kamar

Karmali passed away on 8 January 1896.

Bagalanand Choudhury

Bagalanand Choudhury was born in 1916 in the quaint village of Tunturi, Bagmundi, located in the Purulia district of West Bengal. He initially worked at the family-owned 'Choudhury Press' in Purulia. However, the press was forcefully shut down by the British government during India's colonial period. Undeterred, he pursued Ayurveda and became a skilled Ayurvedic practitioner, known as a 'Kabiraj' in Bengali.

As the fervour for independence from British rule swept the nation, he enthusiastically joined the freedom struggle, aligning himself with the ideology of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. His medical expertise became a valuable asset to the secret societies of freedom fighters in his vicinity, providing them with essential healthcare. One remarkable incident showcased his unwavering dedication when he bravely confronted and defeated a tiger during a medical expedition to the Mouniyapaharat Ayodhya hills, saving both his life and that of another freedom fighter. For his active involvement in assisting the Swadeshis (freedom fighters), he was sentenced to imprisonment by the British authorities in Hooghly jail.

His dedication to serving humanity persisted long after India gained independence. Even in post-independence India, he continued his noble work, selflessly aiding those in need. In 1972, his sacrifices and contributions to India's freedom struggle were acknowledged and honoured with the prestigious Tamra Patra, presented to him by the Prime Minister of India.

Bagalanand Choudhury passed away in July 1980.

Jatashankar Mahato

Jatashankar Mahato was born in 1911 in Khairajara village under Ordana Panchayat of Petarwar block in Bokaro district, Jharkhand. He was deeply inspired by his father-in-law to actively participate in the freedom movement alongside his wife, Alvatiya Devi.

Together, Jatashankar, Alvatiya, and his father-in-law embarked on a mission to motivate people in various villages to stand against British rule and join the struggle for independence. They travelled from village to village, spreading the message of freedom.

During the Quit India Movement in 1942, Jatashankar and Alvatiya decided to make a symbolic journey to Patna on foot, carrying a bundle of Chura and holding the tricolor flag in their hands. Unfortunately, they were apprehended by British soldiers during their journey. Alvatiya, who was pregnant at the time, was spared from imprisonment, while Jatashankar Mahato was sent to Bankipur Jail in Patna. Even in jail, Jatashankar remained steadfast in his defiance against the British. Along with his fellow revolutionaries, he caused significant damage to the jail property, leading to their segregation in a separate cell. The British officers subjected him to brutal beatings, leaving him unable to walk. Despite the harsh treatment, Jatashankar's spirit remained unbroken. Tragically, due to the relentless torture inflicted by the British, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away in the confines of Bankipur Jail. His last rites were performed within the jail premises.

In recognition of Alvatiya Devi's unwavering dedication and sacrifice, the Prime Minister of India honoured her with a Tamra Patra in 1972.

Mishri Lal Jaisawal

Mishri Lal Jaisawal was born in 1922 in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Through his poetry condemning British rule, he kindled the flame of revolution among the people, undeterred by the British government's efforts to suppress him. When warrants were issued for his arrest, he left behind his mother and wife, fleeing his village to Chas in Maharajganj, covering a journey of 300 miles on foot.

In the hilly regions of Chas, he lived incognito while continuing to write and recite poems against British rule, distributing them among the villagers. His poetry was compiled into books, including Britishers, Quit India, which faced confiscation by the British government and was stored at Chas police station.

In 1940, Mishri Lal travelled to Kolkata and actively participated in the Hollwell Monument removal movement, answering Subhas Chandra Bose's call. As a consequence, he was arrested and imprisoned at Alipore Jail, Kolkata, for six months. Upon his release, he resumed his active role in the freedom struggle.

After India gained independence, Krishna Singh, the first Chief Minister of Bihar, appointed Mishri Lal as the School Inspector of Chas, Chandankiyari, Jhalda, Jaipur, and Arsa. In a remarkable feat, he visited 167 countries across the globe within 15 years, spreading messages of peace, harmony, brotherhood, and non-violence. This accomplishment is found in the Guinness Book of World Records. On August 15, 1972, Mishri Lal Jaisawal was honoured by the Prime Minister with a copper plate in recognition of his remarkable contributions in 1972. 

Mishri Lal died on 11 May 1998.

Prafulla Kumar Bandapadhyay

Prafulla Kumar Bandapadhyay was born in 1891 in the village of Shimlabandh, located in the Bankura district of West Bengal during the British Raj. Since his school days, he possessed a strong inclination to serve his country. At a young age, he became involved with a secret society of freedom fighters.

As he grew older, he actively joined the national movement and rallied a group of young individuals from his village to fight against British rule. Displaying immense bravery, he orchestrated a plan to break into the jail and liberate imprisoned freedom fighters. The group successfully executed the plan by breaking the locks and setting the patriots free. However, news reached the jailer who ly pursued them. Fortunately, all the prisoners managed to escape, but Prafulla Bandopadhyay found himself cornered near a pond. The British police guarded the area, including the pond and the surrounding forest. In the dead of night, Prafulla was apprehended and subsequently sentenced to the Medinipur Central Jail in 1930. Throughout his life, Prafulla remained a loyal follower of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

In 1972, on the 25th anniversary of India's Independence, he was honoured with a copper plate and pension by the Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi.

Bhaiya Ram Sharan Lal

Bhaiya Ram Sharan Lal was born in 1924 in the town of Pethia Tand, district Hazaribagh. His father, Bhaiya Kedarnath Sahay, was an advocate and his mother, Saraswati Devi, was a passionate freedom fighter.

Bhaiya Ram Sharan Lal actively boycotted the British. In 1942, he bravely entered the collectorate premises, removed the foreign flag, hoisted the Indian tricolour and protested against the British regime. However, he was apprehended by the British and imprisoned. His leadership in the student movement spread the fervour of the freedom struggle throughout Hazaribagh, ultimately leading to his incarceration. Due to his refusal to apologize, he endured severe torture in prison, resulting in significant damage to his hearing and eyesight.Apart from being a patriot, his entire family contributed to social welfare in their village, Daru. They established Saraswati Middle School and Saraswati High School, which aimed to provide education to the underprivileged. These institutions were later acquired by the state government. Additionally, they constructed 20 houses in the lower Dalit settlement on the banks of Ramnagar City in Hazaribagh.

In 1939, when communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims erupted in Hazaribagh, he intervened and successfully pacified the situation.

In 1972, Bhaiya Ram was honoured by the former Prime Minister of India,  Indira Gandhi, who presented him with a Copper Plate in recognition of his contributions to the freedom struggle.

Kashishwar Prasad Choubey

Kashishwar Prasad Choubey was born on 5 September 1897 and hailed from Garri village in the Kasmar area of Bokaro district. His father, Pandit Banshidhar Choubey, played a significant role in shaping his early life. After working at the Hazaribagh Collectorate for five years, Kashishwar Prasad Choubey found inspiration in K. B. Sahay and decided to join the Congress party. He made the bold decision to resign from his job and actively participate in the freedom movement.

Kashishwar Prasad Choubey formed a dedicated team comprising local agitators from his area, including Jannat Hussain Ansari and Chunnu Mahato, among other passionate revolutionaries. Together, they embarked on a journey, travelling from village to village, in order to inspire and mobilize people to raise their voice against the oppressive British rule. During the Quit India Movement of 1942, Kashishwar Prasad Choubey was apprehended and incarcerated in Hazaribagh jail. He endured approximately seven months of imprisonment. In a further act of suppression, when his younger brother Bhagwaticharan Choubey was on the verge of being appointed as a gazetted officer, the Britishers unjustly cancelled his appointment.

After independence, he got involved in social work. The Government of India honoured him by giving him a copper plate in 1972 and a pension in 1973 for his remarkable contribution to the freedom movement. On 18 November 2005, on the occasion of the Jharkhand Foundation Week celebrations, the Deputy Commissioner of District Administration Bokaro honoured him with a citation for his unprecedented contribution to the Indian freedom struggle. Kashishwar Prasad Choubey died on 21 December 1981. 

Mohammad Muslim

Mohammad Muslim was born in 1915 in Markachho village in Hazaribagh district. He was the son of Gujj Khalifa, a skilled tailor by profession.

Inspired by the prevailing fervour, Mohammad Muslim wholeheartedly embraced the cause of freedom. In 1942, during the Quit India Movement, he and his young comrades actively participated in the campaign against the British in their region. Together, they joined fellow agitators in sabotaging railway tracks and damaging government property. During the Quit India Movement in 1942, a significant road blockade took place in Domchanch, where hundreds of protesters gathered. Mohammad Muslim, along with his companions Naval Kishore Singh and Akalu Singh, joined the blockade, confronting the British police. As tensions escalated, stone pelting ensued, resulting in numerous injuries among the British police. Subsequently, hundreds of individuals, including Mohammad Muslim, were arrested and sent to the Phulwarisharif Camp Jail in Patna. In the confines of the jail, he endured severe torture until his release after three months.

Following his release, Mohammad Muslim relocated with his entire family to Dugda (Turi Tola) Chandrapura, Bokaro, where he continued actively participating in the movement against the British. Throughout this period, his wife Maimun Khatoon provided unwavering support, expressing her pride in his commitment to the country's freedom. He was felicitated by the Jila Swatantrata Sangram Senani Samiti for his contribution to the freedom struggle.

Mohammad Muslim passed away in 2010.

Jannat Hussain Ansari

Jannat Hussain Ansari was born in 1916 and hailed from a family of weavers. His father, Niyamat Ali, held the position of Sardar of Momin. After completing his secondary examination in 1938, Jannat Hussain Ansari secured a job in the CID department under the British Government. In 1940, he attended the National Convention of Congress held in Ramgarh, where notable leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad were present. Inspired by the convention, upon his return, he felt a strong surge of patriotism and decided to quit his government job.

Jannat Hussain Ansari embarked on a mission to unite people against British rule. Despite multiple arrest warrants issued against him for resigning from his government position and inciting the public, the British officers failed to apprehend him. He would visit homes, collecting small contributions of rice from the people and depositing them into the fund of the renowned freedom fighter from Bihar, K. B. Sahay. In 1942, Jannat Hussain Ansari organized an All-India Momin Conference near Surajdih Kasmar, which saw the participation of prominent leaders who raised the slogan "Quit India" in protest against British rule. This event galvanized various groups of agitators.

When India achieved independence, Bihar minister K. B. Sahay offered him a government job, but he staunchly refused. Furthermore, Jannat Hussain Ansari played a significant role in Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement in 1951. On 13 December 1985, at the All-India Momin Conference held in Delhi, Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi honoured his son Iqbal Hussain Ansari.

Jannat Hussain Ansari passed away on 4 November 1983.

Alvatiya Devi

Alvatiya Devi, the sole female freedom fighter from Bokaro district, was born on 01 January 1917, in the village of Ordana in the Petarwar zone (Khairajara Tola). Her father, Shiv Dayal Mahato, and mother, Jhumri Devi, played a significant role in inspiring her to join the freedom movement. She actively traveled from one village to another, delivering information to revolutionaries and motivating them to resist British rule.

Despite enduring numerous beatings from British officers, she remained steadfast in her determination to liberate India. Her unwavering passion for freedom was evident as she traversed great distances, carrying bundles of Poha (flattened rice), to inspire and rally people. On one occasion, she embarked on a journey to Patna with her two-year-old daughter strapped to her back, disregarding hunger and adverse weather conditions. Her commitment to the cause remained unshaken, even in the face of a crying child.

During the Quit India Movement in 1942, she, along with her father and husband Jatashankar Mahato, was arrested. While her father and husband were sent to Bankipur Jail in Patna, she was pregnant at the time and received a warning, leading to her release. While her husband was still incarcerated, she gave birth to her second daughter, Kaushalya. Her father endured torture in Bankipur Jail, eventually succumbing to the harsh conditions, while her husband's health deteriorated significantly, ing his release. Tragically, he passed away just two days after being freed.

She continued her active involvement in the freedom movement. In 1972, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi honored her with a Tamra Patra, recognizing her contributions. Additionally, she began receiving a pension for her role as a freedom fighter from 1972 onwards. Known as the "Queen of Jhansi" in Bokaro district, Alvatiya Devi passed away on 26 June 2019, leaving behind a legacy of courage and dedication to the cause of independence.

Muralidhar Mishra

Muralidhar Mishra was born on 23 January 1923 in Bhramarpur village in Bhagalpur district of Bihar. His father's name was Hriday Narayan Mishra. He raised his voice against the cruel treatment of British rule at an early age.

To intensify the Quit India movement going on across the country, he formed a revolutionary group mainly comprised of his classmates. In 1942, he along with Siyaram Singh, Sadanand Mishra, Naval Jha, and 39 other fighters burnt down the Sonbarsa police station and uprooted the railway track atBihpur. The British got infuriated and decided to retaliate. In one instance, all the revolutionaries were conducting meetings in an open field of their village. Suddenly, the British soldiers appeared from nowhere and started firing. In this assault, his friends Naval Jha and Pamo Mahto of Korchakka Jairampur died on the spot. His other friend Sadanand Mishra was badly injured. He brought Sadanand Mishra by boat to Ghantaghar Hospital, Bhagalpur where he died in a few days.

In Bhramarpur village, there was a British loyalist named Chedi Goswami. Mishra humiliated him publicly and snatched his red turban and burnt it. In this regard, a case was registered against all the revolutionaries of the village at Bhagalpur police station. To avoid the brutality of the British force, he did not go to the court because of which he was declared a fugitive. In 1943, the British soldiers confiscated their houses and other belongings.

As a true hardworking freedom fighter, he made his incomparable contribution to the freedom movement. After independence, he started his practice in Bhagalpur Court. He died on 23 January 2021.

Jagbandhu Bhattacharya

Jagbandhu Bhattacharya, the freedom fighter of Manbhum region, made his unparalleled contribution in the freedom movement. He was born in 1912 in Satanpur village of Bokaro district(Jharkhand). His father's name was Panchanan Bhattacharya and mother's name was Rajbala Devi.

He was very intelligent. At the age of 13, he jumped into the freedom movement. He formed a party named Lok Sevak Sangh. There were many revolutionaries in this party like Vibhuti Das Gupta, Arun Ghosh, Chitra Bhushan Das, Atul Ghosh, Lavanya Prabha and many others. He traveled on foot from Manbhum to  Puri  (Odisha) with his members. He halted at various places to motivate people to participate in the freedom movement.  

 When the British officer came to know about his conspiracy against him, he was arrested and sent to Hazaribagh Central Jail. Showing his indomitable courage, he cut off the nose of the jailer on one day. For this, the British tied him to a horse and dragged for several kilometers.

As Jagbandhu Bhattacharya was unable to pay the fine, his duration in jail was extended for 30 more days. He remained in jail from 13th February 1941 to 12th June 1941 and was given harsh punishment.

On the occasion of 25 years of independence, the Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi honored him by giving him a copper plate for his remarkable contribution to the freedom movement. On 15 August 1993, Hindi Sahitya Parishad decorated him with the honorary title of “Bokaro Ratna” for his remarkable work in the field of national service. On completion of 50 years of Quit India Movement, P.V. Narasimha Rao President National Committee gave a citation.

He died in June 1996.

Sukhendu Shekhar Mishra

Sukhendu Shekhar Mishra was a freedom fighter and son of the Late Pandit Harihar Mishra. He belonged originally to Village/Post- Pupunki, Thana - Chas, district - Bokaro, Jharkhand. His mother’s name was Rajbala Mishra and his wife’s name was Sushila Devi. He was involved in the freedom movement from student life. He had contributed to the Quit India Movement. He put the police station on fire and also destroyed railway tracks. Freedom fighters such as Atul Mishr and Kishto Chaudhary were his companions. During the Quit India Movement, he was sent to Purulia jail. He was in jail for the years 1942, 1943, 1944, and 1945 and was in Bankipur jail, Patna Jail, and Hazaribagh Central Jail. For his contribution to independence, he received a copper plate from Prime Minister Lt. Indira Gandhi on 15.08.1972. He used to wear Khadi and was a lover of his country.

He died on 28.06.2002.

Laxmi Narayan Prasad

Laxmi Narayan Prasad was a freedom fighter from Jharkhand and his father’s name was Lt. Darbari Lal. His wife’s name was Lt. Sudama Devi. He had one son namely Rajendra Rahi Sinha and two daughters Manju Devi and Premlata Devi. He was born in November 1912. He did his matriculation from Jharia Academy. He went to Hazaribag Central jail for one year during the 1942 Quit India Movement. He was in Hazaribag jail along with Jaya Prakash Narayan. He had contributed to the Quit India Movement. Laxmi Narayan Prasad followed the footsteps of Subhas Chandra Bose and used to roam about in the Jharia bazaar in an INA uniform. For his contribution to the freedom struggle, he was awarded a copper plate by Prime Minister Smt.  Indira Gandhi. After independence, he worked as a teacher and took only travelling allowance as his salary. His hobbies were reading newspapers and teaching children and imparted free education to children. He was also a social worker. He died on 12th February 2007 in Bokaro Hospital, Bokaro. When he died the Jharia Nagrik Committee and Forward Block Jharia Prakhand Committee observed sorrow in his death.

The details were provided during the personal interview of Rajendra Rahi Sinha, son of Laxmi Narayan Prasad.

Source :

• Rajdeo Sahu, Contributor for CCRT
• Maumita Sarkar, Contributor for CCRT
• Ajay Kumar Thakur, Contributor for CCRT
• Ram Murti Prasad, Contributor for CCRT
• State Archives, Jharkhand
• Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav