People and Personalities of West Singhbhum 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.

Mangal Madkami and Quit India Movement

The Quit India Movement was a mass protest movement launched by the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi on 8 August 1942, during World War II. The movement was launched in response to the failure of the Cripps Mission to secure Indian support for the British war effort. The movement called for the immediate end of British rule in India. Mangal Madkami hailed from West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.

Mangal Madkami participated in various protests and agitations in his area. In August soon after the movement was launched Mangal Madkami with his fellow participants were imprisoned. Within a few weeks the health condition of Mangal deteriorated due to bad conditions of the jail. People began to protest outside the police station and put pressure on the colonial government to save him. He was soon shifted to a hospital and was treated for chronic amoebic dysentery.

 After his treatment he with his fellow participants were shifted to Koraput District Jail. Whereas within few days he lost his life due to heart attack, caused by underlying disease and triggered by police brutality.

Saducharan Angaria

Saducharan Angaria was a freedom fighter, born in the village of Murbing in Chaibasa, West Singhbhum district located in the state of Jharkhand. Son of Dehra Angaria, he was a member of the Indian National Congress.

A staunch nationalist, Saducharan Angaria believed in the use of non-violence to achieve India's independence. He was arrested several times for his political activities and tortured by the British authorities. Angaria participated actively in movements from the Civil Disobedience movement of 1930 onwards. His involvement in the Quit India Movement (August Revolution) of 1942 was noticed by the British. As a result, Angaria was arrested and imprisoned in Patna Jail. He passed away in prison due to the severe conditions, a year later in 1943.

Saducharan Angaria was a brave and dedicated freedom fighter. He made significant contributions to the Indian independence movement. He is an inspiration to all those who fight for justice and equality.

Diva Soren

Diva Soren was born in 1820 in Maktom Beda village, Rajnagar police station of West Singbhum. Kisun Soren was born in Gumidpur of the Rajnagar police station area. Diva Soren was the maternal uncle of Kisun Soren. Their mentor's name was Raghunath Bhaiya. They have involved in activities against British rule and due to this, the British government was in search of him. The mentor and Diva Soren used to roam around in the Dando and Ghuda mountains throughout the day. At Porhat Abhiram Singh descendant of Raja Vikram Singh accepted the subjection of the Britishers and at this time the British Government started suppressing the local people. In protest against this Diva Soren, his uncle Kisun Soren and their mentor collectively revolted against British rule. When famine broke out in Saraikela and there was chaos all around neither the king nor the British government helped the people. During this Diva Soren along with his uncle took the lead and started helping the people. Diva started collecting and organizing villagers against the Britishers and started a movement against British rule. But some of the British loyal people gave away the hideout address of Diva Soren and he was taken to Saraikela prison and hanged there.

Source :

• Indian Culture Portal
• Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav